There are plenty of benefits to sealcoating your asphalt. However, did you know that sealcoating shouldn’t be done right off the bat? To best protect your asphalt paving job, learn how long you should wait to sealcoat new asphalt.
Benefits of Sealcoating Your Asphalt
First, let’s talk about the benefits. Many home and business owners are unaware of the advantages that sealcoating provides. In a nutshell, sealcoating provides an extra barrier of protection between your asphalt and the elements around it. Its purpose is to prevent damage and stains, reduce cracks and potholes, and increase the lifespan of your paving project.
If you’re on the fence, keep the following list of sealcoating benefits in mind.
- Protects your asphalt from harsh weather conditions
- Prevents oil and chemical stains
- Increases the overall durability of your asphalt
- Lengthens your asphalt’s lifespan
- Saves you money on repairs and replacements
When Can You Sealcoat New Asphalt?
So, exactly how long should you wait to sealcoat new asphalt? The best time to seal your asphalt is right after it is fully cured. Now, keep in mind that “drying” and “curing” are not exactly the same thing. While asphalt can be walked on and driven over as soon as it dries, it takes a little longer for it to fully cure.
“Curing” refers to the evaporation of oils from your freshly-paved asphalt. You might notice that on hot days, your asphalt seems softer. This is because the sun draws these oils from the asphalt, changing the asphalt from black to gray. Once these oils finish evaporating, the asphalt is left hard, durable, and ready to take on more traffic.
If you sealcoat your driveway or parking lot too soon, the protective barrier prevents the excess oils from evaporating. This actually does more harm than good and defeats the purpose of sealcoating in the first place.
How Long Does it Take Asphalt to Fully Cure?
The exact length of time it takes your asphalt to cure depends on several factors, including the weather, the temperature of the ground, and the size of the paving project.
Generally speaking, however, it is usually best to wait 1-2 months after paving is complete to sealcoat your asphalt. To ensure you don’t sealcoat too early or too late, talk to your paving company and ask what they recommend.
How Can Walt’s Paving Help?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and sealcoating asphalt. We are located in Osceola IN and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart IN. Call us today.
