What’s the Best Time of Day to Start a Sealcoating Project

Sealcoating a driveway is essential in ensuring that it’s protected from the elements, retains its dark black appearance and resists stains from oil and other vehicle fluids. One question we often get from homeowners who are trying to sealcoat their driveway by themselves is what time to get out there and start the project. If you’re thinking about sealcoating your driveway any time soon, keep reading—this post will teach you everything you need to know about getting started on this big project.

As long as the ground temperature is above 50 degrees, there’s no wrong time of day to begin sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ. You just need to consider that your sealant will need ample time to dry, and you don’t want to get caught working in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and temperatures are scorching.

We recommend beginning your sealcoating at about 10:00 a.m. or so. At this time of day, any moisture in the air is beginning to go away, and it’s not scorching hot out. You could start your project earlier in the morning, but why not give yourself some time to sleep in on your weekend?

For that matter, nobody says you have to sealcoat during the day. In fact, many business owners prefer waiting until sundown to start sealcoating. As long as the ground temperature is warm enough, a contractor can work through the night to seal a parking lot. Sealing during the nighttime ensures that traffic flow isn’t disrupted by a contractor’s machinery, and allows the pavement time to dry before cars start parking on the asphalt again.

Other factors to consider

The time of day isn’t the only thing you need to think about before sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ. Keep the following points in the back of your mind before you start working on your driveway:

• Traffic: Your driveway sealant needs at least 24 hours to settle before you drive on top of it or park your cars on it, so make sure everyone in your family parks on the street for the day following your completed project.
• Dryness: Your driveway needs to be totally dry before you break out the sealer and start sealcoating your pavement. Any moisture left on the asphalt will ruin the project and leave you with a poorly-sealed driveway. If you’re going to try to seal a wet driveway, you might as well not do it at all—that’s how important dryness is!
• Precipitation: Weather plays a big part in the paving industry. In addition to needing the perfect temperature, there can’t be any rain in the forecast if you’re planning on sealing your driveway. As a general rule, you should make sure your driveway will have at least three rain-free days after application.

If you’re inexperienced or at all nervous about sealing your driveway by yourself, why don’t you do yourself a favor and call the team at Sunstar Seal Coating, Inc.? Hiring a pro for sealcoating in Phoenix, AZ ensures that the job will be completed correctly and will save you from wasting your whole Saturday out in the driveway. Give us a call today to learn about our services or to get an estimate!

Categorised in: Sealcoating

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