The short answer is YES! There is, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation floating around about sealcoat. It starts with, what exactly is sealcoat anyway? Or, more precisely, what sealcoat is not.
- Sealcoat is not a way to repair damaged asphalt.
- Sealcoat is not a way to fill large cracks.
- Sealcoat is not a structural solution, it is a maintenance solution. It is a wearing membrane to prolong pavement life, it is not a replacement for new pavement.
Property owners who expect these kinds of results end up being disappointed.
Now let’s talk about what sealcoat does accomplish.
- Sealcoat will extend the life of your asphalt, saving you money for costly repairs.
- Sealcoat will make faded (gray) asphalt look jet black , increasing your property value and curb appeal.
- Sealcoat will fill in minor damage (small cracks), again saving money.
At the end of the day, sealcoat should be the primary component of any asphalt maintenance plan.
Get Expert Sealcoating for Your Asphalt Pavement
Improve the durability and appearance of your asphalt pavement with professional sealcoating. With over 35 years of experience, GPM applies sealcoat with the precision and care needed to ensure long-lasting performance and a clean, uniform finish.
Contact us today for a complimentary assessment and estimate.
Is Sealcoating Necessary in California?
Yes, it’s necessary in California.
You might think that just because many areas of our state are immune from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, applying sealer to your asphalt pavement is not needed, or even a waste of time and money.
The truth is quite different. That’s because UV light from the sun is often the number one cause of asphalt deterioration. Simply put, sunlight “ages” the “glue” in asphalt, just like it ages the skin by drying it out and making it brittle. Low humidity and dry weather conditions can increase this effect, while high humidity slows the curing process and can even lead to poor adhesion if sealcoating is applied at the wrong time. We get plenty of unrelenting sun in the Golden State, and we have many locales in regions of arid, semi-desert humidity.
It all adds up to mean that asphalt in California needs sealcoat just as much as asphalt in Maine! In fact, any new asphalt should get its first application of sealcoat within 9-18 months of new installation, and then every 3-5 years thereafter as part of regular maintenance to extend the life of your asphalt driveway, parking lot, or roadway.
Plan Ahead
Sealcoat disrupts traffic. There’s the time to apply and the time to dry. Both can be reduced by a schedule that is aligned with weather conditions. Planning ahead is especially important for parking lots, commercial properties, and asphalt driveways that are used daily. The sealcoating process requires the surface to remain completely dry, and moisture, rain, or saturated air can delay both the initial drying and the full curing process. Choosing a time with moderate temperatures, low humidity, and direct sunlight will help promote faster evaporation and proper curing, ultimately minimizing downtime.
Sealcoating Application Time
This is also weather dependent. Many inclement weather conditions can affect the application process. These include rain, fog, Santa Ana winds, wildfire smoke, or 100+ degree temperatures that can cause the asphalt surface to heat up too quickly. In some cases, applying sealcoat in cold weather or high humidity may result in poor adhesion and reduced long-lasting protection.
If you’re sealcoating an area that gets a significant amount of traffic, disruption of even a couple of days can create a lot of frustrated residents, customers, or visitors. Working with experienced professionals who can phase and schedule the project efficiently helps reduce disruption while ensuring the newly sealed asphalt paving receives the correct curing time for durability.
Sealcoating Drying Time
Once the asphalt sealer has been applied, it goes through two phases: initial drying, where the surface becomes dry to the touch, and curing, where the protective layer fully hardens and bonds to the pavement. The length of each phase depends on factors such as surface temperature, humidity levels, wind speed, and the application thickness of the sealcoat. Ensuring the pavement remains undisturbed during this time is key to achieving a strong, durable finish.
Sealcoating drying time can vary depending on the type of area being sealed.
Foot traffic: 2-4 hours
Motor vehicles: Up to 24 hours. Sometimes longer in shaded or cold areas.
Fully sealed: In 30 days sealcoat will be pretty much “cured”
Pick a Pro
Applying sealcoat pays for itself many times over, by substantially delaying the inevitable (and much larger) expense of repaving asphalt. You definitely want to hire a company with the tools, equipment, and expertise to install a sealcoat that does its job. An experienced contractor will:
- Custom mix a sealcoat that meets the specific requirements of your location.
- Plan. A plan that all parties can stick to will keep the inconvenience to owners, residents, and tenants to a minimum. GPM does this by correctly phasing a project to minimize disruption.
Sealcoat typically doubles the life of asphalt pavement. And keeps it looking new. It’s a win-win for you and your property.
Contact us for a complimentary assessment plan and cost proposal.
FAQs About Applying Sealcoating in California
Why is asphalt sealcoating necessary in California?
Even though many areas of California don’t experience snow or freezing temperatures, constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays can dry out and weaken the asphalt surface. Sealcoating adds a protective layer that helps prevent premature deterioration caused by sunlight, moisture, and vehicle traffic.
How often should I sealcoat my asphalt driveway or parking lot?
New asphalt should get its first application of sealcoat within 9-18 months of new installation. And then every 3-5 years thereafter as part of regular maintenance to extend the life of your asphalt driveway, parking lot, or roadway.
What are the ideal weather conditions for applying sealer?
Sealcoating should be done during dry weather with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. High humidity slows the curing process, while direct sunlight and light wind speed help promote faster evaporation and proper curing.
Can sealcoating fix cracks or potholes in my pavement?
No. Sealcoat is not a structural repair product. Existing cracks or holes should be repaired before the sealcoating process to avoid poor adhesion and ensure the protective layer performs correctly.
Can sealcoating be applied in cold weather?
Sealcoating should not be applied in cold weather. Low temperatures can prevent the asphalt sealer from drying and curing properly, which may lead to poor adhesion and reduced protection. For best results, sealcoating should be done during ideal weather conditions, typically when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F with dry weather and low humidity.
Does sealcoating actually extend the life of asphalt pavement?
Yes. When applied on schedule and under ideal weather conditions, sealcoating helps extend the life of your asphalt by preventing moisture intrusion, UV aging, and surface wear. This results in longer-lasting pavement and reduced repair costs over time. For a personalized evaluation and quote, contact GPM today.
How long should I wait before using my driveway or parking lot after applying asphalt sealcoat?
Under ideal weather conditions, light foot traffic is typically safe after about 2-4 hours, while vehicle traffic should wait 24-48 hours. Cooler temperatures, shaded areas, or high humidity can slow the drying phase and extend the curing time, so waiting a little longer is always better for long-lasting protection.