Overnight temperatures are starting to drop ever so slowly. Fall is approaching, and the window for sealcoating your driveway is starting to close. Opinions vary on how long the sealcoating season lasts, but most agree it stretches from Spring until Fall—specifically, from mid-April to mid-October. Knowing when the best time is to complete certain home renovation projects is important for contractors and DIYers alike.
Weather Is An Important Factor
You want to ensure the pavement will be warm enough to apply a sealant to. Starting too early could leave the sealers susceptible to cold temperatures, causing them to freeze. Further, heavy rains and scorching summer heat are also hard on asphalt and make for less than ideal sealing conditions.
Follow the Rules
Due to how different weather affects asphalt and sealer, you want to make sure you properly perform the sealing process. As such, there are some rules to follow. You want to remain inside a specific temperature range throughout the entirety of the sealing process. To make sure your sealant performs to the best of its ability, only apply it when the temperature is 70° and rising. Check the sealant manufacturer’s instructions for a temperature recommendation—you probably won’t want to apply it if it’s hotter than this suggestion. Ideally, you want the temperature to remain in this range (and never gets lower than 50° Fahrenheit) during the 48-hour application and drying period. A two-day window will give the sealer plenty of time to dry and cure.
Seal coating the driveway is preventative maintenance. No matter if you are sealing your driveway or having a professional do it, it’s important to follow these guidelines. Additionally, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on your specific kind of sealer to ensure you get the best results. Failure to adhere to these directions could lead to shoddy work and further the deterioration of your driveway.
