5 Reasons Why Winter Asphalt Sealcoating Is A Bad IdeaYou’re likely already familiar with the importance of asphalt sealcoating and how it can help keep your pavement in good shape for many years to come. But have you ever wondered why asphalt sealing companies are busiest in spring and summer, while rarely providing service in winter? The truth is, winter asphalt sealcoating isn’t the best idea and often results in awful outcomes. Here are five reasons why.
There’s a reason why the spring and summer months are peak asphalt sealing season. Most asphalt sealer products require temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for application and curing. With Reno’s temperatures frequently dipping into the 20s, sealcoating in the winter is simply not possible.
Exact recommendations vary, but most asphalt sealers do best when applied in temperatures around 70 degrees. Either way, attempting to apply asphalt sealer in Reno when temperatures are below that 50-degree threshold typically results in disastrous outcomes.
Keep in mind that both air and ground temperatures must be warm for successful asphalt sealcoating. Even if the sun is shining and the weather feels warmer, the pavement itself might be up to 20 degrees cooler. Those challenges prevent the asphalt sealer in Reno from performing as it should.
The best asphalt sealing companies know to keep an eye on the weather forecast. But what if you ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations and go ahead with asphalt sealing anyway?
Ultimately, the asphalt sealer won’t bond to the pavement. You see, sealers cure and adhere to asphalt paving through evaporation. The moisture evaporates, leaving the asphalt emulsion behind.
In cool winter conditions, evaporation slows down tremendously. Even if the asphalt sealer in Reno manages to dry, it won’t have nearly as tight a bond as it would if applied during the warmer months. That means asphalt sealing won’t stick.
The finish will deteriorate quickly, and you’ll likely have to reapply in the spring.
As mentioned earlier, low temperatures slow evaporation, thereby extending the curing period. It’s not just cooler temperatures you need to worry about. Higher relative humidity in the winter also gets in the way.
Attempting sealcoating in the winter typically leads to a massive, sticky mess. Asphalt sealers often fail to cure at all, instead sitting on the pavement to freeze. If they do cure, it’s only partially.
Partial slow curing will trap the moist sealer between dried layers. The surface might look fine, but driving or walking on it will only result in messy tracking.
Reno asphalt sealing struggles to cure in winter conditions, but it’s worse than you think. Even in the warmth of spring, asphalt sealing takes 24 to 48 hours to cure. That’s in ideal conditions. Imagine how long it’d take in the winter, if it’s possible at all.
The problem with sealcoating in the winter is that it’s tough to find a 48-hour window of stable weather. You might have a warm day above 50 degrees. However, once the sun sets, temperatures will drop below that threshold, ruining the curing process.
Finally, wintertime Reno asphalt sealing must contend with a high risk of precipitation. In addition to higher humidity levels, snow, ice, and rain threaten to derail sealcoating projects.
Precipitation of any kind will prevent the asphalt sealer in Reno from curing. It may wash the sealer away, creating a costly mess that you’ll ultimately need to spend more time cleaning up before attempting reapplication in the spring.
The forecast must have several days of warm, dry weather for successful sealcoating, and that’s just not possible during the winter season in Reno.
Affordable Striping & Sealing is proud to be among the most trusted asphalt sealing companies to serve Reno and the surrounding communities. We care about producing high-quality outcomes. Therefore, we’re always there to provide support and guidance, helping you make informed decisions for your pavement. Unlike other contractors, we won’t take unnecessary risks to waste your time and money. Instead, we’ll work with you to develop proper solutions to all your pavement maintenance needs.
In addition to asphalt sealing, we offer parking lot striping, layout design, ongoing maintenance, crack repair, and more. Let’s discuss your needs in greater detail. Get your free quote today by calling the Affordable Striping & Sealing team at (775) 825-1101. You can also email us at RenoOffice@affordablestriping.com or submit your information through our online form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our company has been serving the community for over 30 years. During this time, we’ve established a reputation for upholding honesty and integrity within the industry.
NV Contractors License 67803