It is essential to understand how long it takes for asphalt driveways to dry. This information will allow homeowners to determine the best time to use their driveway.
How long to wait after sealing an asphalt driveway is an essential question in asphalt sealing. In particular, weather conditions can influence the exact dry time for asphalt sealers. Asphalt sealer is generally quick to dry, but under ideal weather conditions, it allows the coating to dry and cure more quickly and effectively.
This article will explain why sealcoat is essential, how long it takes to dry, and how to speed up the drying process.
Is Sealcoating Necessary?
You can save money by choosing asphalt sealing for maintaining your driveway. It is a cost-effective and worthwhile investment that will extend the life of your pavement for many years.
Asphalt sealing has many benefits. It can help reduce long-term repair costs, speed up melting snow and ice on the pavement surface, improve the property’s appearance, and extend the pavement life.
Sealcoating will serve as a protective layer on your driveway, which will save you money over the long term. Sealcoating a residential driveway is recommended six to twelve months after installation and then every three to four years afterwards. Your driveway will remain sturdy and beautiful as an entryway to your house.
How Long Does It Take for Sealcoat to Dry?
After sealing the driveway for 24 hours, it should be dry. It is better to allow the sealcoat to dry for at least 48 hours before driving on it. As a result, you should allow an asphalt sealcoat to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. However, drying time varies according to the day’s conditions.
Your asphalt will dry in a few days after the application of the sealer. However, sealing your asphalt takes about 30 days. You should treat asphalt with care, avoid harsh chemicals, and not turn tires while the car is parked.
Remember, patience is the key to a strong sealcoat that will last for many years.
What Conditions Make Sealcoating Dry Fastest?
The weather conditions affect how well sealcoat material sticks to the pavement and how fast it dries. Ideal weather conditions are essential for successful sealcoating.
Many factors will affect the time it takes for the sealcoat to dry. It is essential to understand your asphalt contractor’s ideal conditions and timing to know when to start asphalt sealing your driveway.
Best Asphalt Coating Conditions
Sealcoat drying times are affected by temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure. For the fastest drying time, ensure that the temperature is between 70℉ to 90℉ (21℃ to 32℃), the humidity is not more than 70%, and that the weather is completely sunny.
A quick drying time is possible due to the heat, low humidity, and intense sun. If these conditions are met during the sealcoating, you should be able to walk on the asphalt within two to four hours and drive on it within 24 to 48 hours.
Summertime is the best season of the year to sealcoat your asphalt driveway. May through September are the best months to sealcoat.
Unfavorable Conditions for Asphalt Coating
Be careful not to let certain factors affect the speed of your sealcoat to dry. Avoid low temperatures of less than 70°F (21°C), high humidity of more than 70%, and rainy or cloudy weather. Asphalt is safe to drive on after 72 hours or more.
Driveway sealer should not be applied when the temperature is below 50℉ (10℃) and above 90℉ (32℃). If temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C), the sealcoat can be baked, and the sealcoating binder will melt.
If summertime is the best time of the year for sealcoating, wintertime is the worst time to do it. Since sealcoat material can’t be applied during winter, most Northeast sealcoat manufacturing plants are closed during this season.
Final Thoughts
How long the sealcoat material dries depends on the weather conditions. Understanding how vital weather conditions are is crucial to understanding how the sealcoat cures and dries.
There is no harm in waiting. Asphalt sealer will dry completely in several hours. To be safe, you should not drive on a newly sealed driveway right away. Wait for 24 to 48 hours after sealing. For best results, make sure you sealcoat your driveway in the right conditions and hire the most trustworthy asphalt contractor.
Sealcoating your asphalt driveways is a wise investment. It’s even better if you deal with a reputable asphalt sealing contractor. A-Rock Asphalt Services has been providing reliable service and producing high-quality results for many years. Contact us today to learn more.