Protecting and beautifying asphalt surfaces with sealcoating is a common practice. To keep your asphalt surface safe from the elements, oil, gas, and water, you’ll need to apply it properly with quality materials and an expert paving contractor.
When treated according to the required standards, sealcoating your asphalt pavements makes them slip-resistant and restores the surface to its former appearance. As a result, sealcoating is a very successful method for extending the lifespan of asphalt pavement.
However, for asphalt sealcoating to be successful, you must follow the directions, especially knowing how long it takes for sealcoating to dry.
How Long Does It Take for the Sealcoating to Dry?
Sealcoating is primarily used to protect asphalt-based pavements against oil, water, and other pollutants. When applying a coat, it’s crucial to make sure it’s already dry before walking on it.
If applied in the spring or summer, it is usually safe to walk on after three or four hours. After three to four hours, it is safe to walk on the asphalt. However, keep in mind that an asphalt sealer might take up to 48 hours or two days to complete the curing process and be ready for traffic.
You may expect your newly-sealed parking lot to withstand severe weather conditions and heavy traffic in only one month. If you’ve previously sealed your blacktop or asphalt pavement, wait at least 60 days before applying any more sealer.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Drying Time for Asphalt Sealcoat?
Here are the factors that significantly affect the length of time it takes for asphalt sealcoating to dry:
Temperature
As the temperature rises, the solvent evaporates more rapidly. It is necessary to wait until the weather cools down before re-entering an area where asphalt sealer has been applied. By washing your equipment and shoes in warm water and drying them so they won’t be exposed to cold temperatures, you may speed up the curing process.
Humidity
Applying sealcoating during periods of high-water content can raise your risk of unsatisfactory outcomes since sealcoating takes longer to dry, resulting in wrinkles or cracks. Asphalt sealcoating takes longer to dry if there is a lot of humidity in the air when it is applied. The same rules apply regardless of whether or not it rains after sealcoating.
Depth of Application
Adding extra asphalt sealer coats delays the curing process. So, instead of using a single thick coat, apply numerous light coats to keep your driveway or sidewalk appearing new for longer.
Quality of Asphalt
Asphalt sealcoating drying time is also affected by the quality of the asphalt. Moisture that is already present in the air may rapidly and readily penetrate the material, compared to low-quality pavements with less-open pores that might delay evaporation since they have open pores.
Asphalt Sealcoating Types
Unlike other sealants, acrylic sealcoat dries significantly more quickly. It dries in a matter of minutes, compared to solvent-based asphalt, which takes hours to dry. As a result, it does not need evaporation for drying but rather swiftly heals underground because of its chemical makeup.
Conclusion
Now that you’re aware of all of the factors, you’ll be able to determine how long it will take your asphalt sealcoating to dry. It’s important to remember that the curing process might take longer in cold and humid conditions, so be patient.
Work with A-Rock Asphalt Services to make the most of asphalt pavement. Contact us now to learn more about asphalt pavement and other related services.