Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Midwest Area!

Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area!

What Is the Best Weather for Sealcoating in Chicago?

Asphalt paving is well-suited for all types of pavements in the greater Chicagoland area. Compared to concrete, asphalt can save you a substantial amount of money on the initial installation and subsequent repairs. Asphalt’s dark color absorbs and retains more of the sun’s heat, which helps promote the melting of snow and ice. Because asphalt is flexible, it can withstand the seasonal temperature changes better than most concrete pavements. Furthermore, many people consider asphalt to be more aesthetically appealing than other paving materials. However, if you want the best for your asphalt paving, you should be conscientious about its sealcoating.

What Is the Best Weather for Sealcoating in Chicago?

What Is Sealcoating?

Sealcoats are sealants that are spread on top of an asphalt pavement to seal out harmful agents. Asphalt sealcoating contractors prepare a liquid mixture that contains water, a powdered sealant, and silica sand or another aggregate. This liquid is then sprayed, brushed, or squeegeed onto the pavement. As the water evaporates from the mixture, a bond is formed between the sealcoat and the pavement, and the sealcoat turns into a hard, strong barrier.

What Are the Benefits of Sealcoating?

When included in an asphalt maintenance program that also includes professional crack repairs, sealants can frequently double the life of an asphalt pavement. Asphalt sealcoating screens out the UV rays that cause premature deterioration and fading, and it helps prevent damage from vehicle fluids, water, and corrosive chemicals. Sealants also provide cosmetic benefits, including the rejuvenation of the pavement’s color and the concealment of minor flaws.

What Is the Best Weather for Sealcoating in Chicago?

What Weather Conditions Are Needed to Sealcoat a Chicago Pavement?

Sealants are highly dependent on the weather for proper curing. Sealcoat manufacturers define an ideal day as one with a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a relative humidity level of less than 50%, a light breeze, and plenty of sunshine. Parking lot maintenance contractors in Chicago seldom have the luxury of applying a sealant under ideal conditions; it is a rare day on which the humidity would drop to the ideal level. Manufacturers are aware that their products must frequently be applied under conditions that do not correspond to the stated ideal, so they provide a range of tolerances. The most critical tolerance is the temperature, which can never be less than 50 degrees. If other conditions are borderline, the temperature may need to be even higher. It is important to note that the temperature is not just the ambient temperature; the temperature of the ground must also be within an acceptable range. If you want to sealcoat your Chicagoland pavement, it would be wise to not count on having the job done before the middle of April or after the first of October. There could certainly be other times that would permit an asphalt maintenance contractor to deliver excellent results, but it is better to schedule the work during the peak season.

How Often Should I Schedule My Asphalt Sealcoating?

Typically, an asphalt company advises customers to seal a new pavement or overlay within 12 months of installation. Subsequent applications will depend on your specific pavement. Parking lot maintenance specialists usually recommend an interval of about two years if your lot receives an average amount of traffic. However, if your lot supports a high volume of cars or heavy vehicles, you might need to sealcoat every 12 to 18 months. Conversely, suppose you have a pavement that only supports pedestrian traffic, bicycles, or just a few passenger vehicles per day. In that case, you may not need a fresh application of sealant for three or four years. Ask a reputable asphalt contractor to recommend the right schedule for your specific pavement.

Trust Black Hawk Paving & Construction for Help

Black Hawk Paving & Construction is a full-service commercial paving company serving the greater Chicagoland area. We offer an extensive range of services, including asphalt milling, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair, asphalt paving, asphalt resurfacing, concrete work, parking lot striping, site grading, hot crack sealing, excavations, sewer repairs, car stops, and traffic signs. We are known for our work’s remarkable quality, dedication to customer service, and competitive prices. We make it easy for you to request a free quote. You can complete the online form, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.