When Do Sealcoating Companies Start Their Season?

Winters in Southern Virginia aren't as rough as in other parts of the state and country. However, conditions are often too unpredictable and challenging for asphalt sealcoating. As a result, sealcoating companies typically don't provide this valuable maintenance service in the winter months, waiting until things warm up to ensure optimal results. But do asphalt sealcoating companies start the work season?

Why Can't Sealcoating Companies Work in the Winter?

Commercial sealcoating is a vital service that protects your pavement from weathering and wear. Throughout the winter season, your asphalt paving may start showing signs of distress, warranting a fresh coat of sealer to prepare it for more activity and exposure in the warmer months. However, it's important to wait until conditions improve in the spring. Successful sealcoating requires warm and dry conditions. After application, the sealer needs 24 to 48 hours of curing time. During that curing phase, the water content in the sealer slowly evaporates, allowing the asphalt emulsion to form a tight bond to your pavement. When temperatures drop, evaporation slows down significantly. Instead of curing efficiently, the sealer will struggle to adhere to the pavement below, resulting in a sticky mess and lackluster protection. When the temperature drops to freezing, the sealer can't cure at all. Because winter conditions can be unpredictable, finding a window to perform asphalt sealcoating is nearly impossible. While contractors can often provide commercial sealcoating services in the early winter, attempting to seal surfaces once the roughest part of the season arrives will prove fruitless.

What Conditions Are Best for Commercial Asphalt Sealcoating?

Asphalt sealcoating companies can use products from various manufacturers, each with application instructions and directions. However, most manufacturers recommend applying their products in temperatures no cooler than 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything cooler and your commercial asphalt sealcoating runs the risk of not curing properly. The ideal conditions are roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with ample sun exposure and a light breeze. This applies to both application day and the two-day curing period. Asphalt sealcoating companies must pay attention to the weather forecast and ensure that conditions are warm enough at night and in the days following application.

When Do Sealcoating Companies Begin Offering Service Again?

Because seasonal weather changes are unpredictable, there are no concrete starting days for the sealcoating season. Contractors must use their better judgment, look to the long-term weather forecast and analyze historical data to determine when they can start serving clients again. Generally, contractors start performing commercial asphalt sealcoating in the spring. Conditions are usually good in southern Virginia around late March to early April. The sealcoating season lasts through summer, ending in October or early November. Let E. Wells Paving handle all your asphalt sealcoating needs. We perform residential and commercial sealcoating for clients throughout Buffalo Junction and the surrounding communities. We're also available for new paving projects, repairs and more. At E. Wells Paving, we pride ourselves on setting the highest standards for quality in the industry. We work hard to deliver on all fronts, giving you the beautiful and long-lasting results you deserve with customer service you can trust. Call E. Wells Paving today at (434)443-5815 to discuss your needs in greater detail and receive a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is also reachable via our online form or email at  ewellspaving98@gmail.com.