How long does it usually take for a parking lot to dry after being sealed?
Sealing your asphalt pavement every three to five years is key to parking lot maintenance. A sealed parking lot is also a great way to boost curb appeal. However, you may have a few questions about applying sealer to parking lots. For example, how long does is take sealcoat to dry?
What are the benefits of using these preventive maintenance services? How much will a newly sealed parking lot cost?
Ultimately, hiring a company specializing in parking lot maintenance and repair is one of the best options for protecting your investment. These parking lot professionals can easily answer all of your questions while discussing the many benefits of sealcoating your pavement. Learning all about parking lot sealing can help you understand how long does sealcoat take to dry and why it’s essential for property managers and business owners.
How Long Does Sealcoating Take to Dry?
The average amount of time to sealcoat an asphalt parking lot is dependent on several factors. For example, the weather conditions and the size of the parking lot play a key role in the time it takes to sealcoat parking lots. Sealing asphalt can usually occur in one afternoon, but it’s recommended to wait a minimum of 48 hours before you allow vehicles to drive in your parking lot.
It may be possible to use your parking lot after 24 hours, but waiting another day is a great way to avoid any potential issues.
Will it take longer to sealcoat a parking lot on cloudy days?
Sealcoating pavement is best on sunny days, as this can expedite the drying time. On the other hand, you may need to wait up to 72 hours for the asphalt sealer to dry on a cloudy or humid day. Sometimes a parking lot maintenance contractor can include additives to make the drying process happen quicker. Of course, it’s still recommended that you wait to give the asphalt sealer enough time to cure.
Why Should You Sealcoat Your Asphalt Pavement?
One of the biggest benefits of sealcoating a parking lot is that it can greatly reduce the need for repairs by providing a protective layer of coating on the pavement. Sealcoating doesn’t just give your pavement a fresh appearance; it also helps to limit the damage from UV rays, standing water, and harsh chemicals. These sealcoating services also make it easier to clean your parking lot and increase skid resistance.
Here’s a rundown of the various steps for sealing your parking lot.
Block Off Area
An asphalt paving contractor will block off your parking lot before beginning the sealcoating process. It’s also important to turn off any nearby sprinkler systems. Keeping your parking lot free of pedestrians and vehicles will help make the process go much more smoothly without any interruptions.
Clean Parking Lot
The next step is to clean your parking lot by removing any dirt and debris. An asphalt contractor can easily perform this task by using air blowers, and brooms are also effective for cleaning any difficult-to-reach areas. Making sure the pavement is clean is essential before applying a sealant to your parking lot.
Prepare Pavement
Sometimes a parking lot will have several oil stains. Trying to remove an oil stain on your own can be difficult, especially if it has been there for a while. On the other hand, an asphalt contractor has access to the best tools and equipment for removing any stains and preparing your pavement for sealcoating.
Apply Sealcoating
Once the preparation process is complete, it’s time to sealcoat your pavement. Typically, a contractor will apply two coats of sealant to provide your pavement with a much greater level of protection. Ultimately, how long it takes for sealcoat to dry is often dependent on several factors, such as the overall size of your parking lot and the weather conditions.
Restripe Parking Lot and Perform Final Inspection
After the parking lot has been sealed and is fully dry, you can restripe it. Once the restriping is complete, you will need to wait at least an hour for it to dry. An asphalt contractor will also perform a final inspection to ensure your pavement is ready for use before it is open to the public.
Contact ACPLM to Schedule Sealcoating Services
ACPLM offers parking lot repair and sealcoating services for businesses and property managers in the Tampa Bay area. Our company also specializes in new concrete installation, parking lot drainage solutions, striping services, and other services. Delivering top-quality parking lot maintenance services while meeting the needs of each customer is always a priority. Our team can answer all of your questions, such as how long sealcoat takes to dry and any other concerns.
Reach out to ACPLM today to learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation!
