Sealcoating is an essential part of maintaining your asphalt driveway or parking lot. It protects the surface from damage caused by water, oil, chemicals, and the harsh climate. However, one of the most common questions homeowners and business owners ask is: how long does sealcoating take to dry? Understanding the drying time is crucial for planning your schedule and ensuring the best results.
In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence drying time, the different stages of drying, and tips to ensure your sealcoat sets properly.
What Is Sealcoating?
Sealcoating refers to coating asphalt surfaces with a protective surface. This coating is usually coated with coal tar or created out of asphalt-based emulsions, which seal even minor cracks, thus preventing oxidation and protecting your driveway against the corrosive action of sun, rain, snow and chemicals.
The advantages of sealcoating are:
- Arguing out the life of your asphalt.
- Locking out cracks and potholes.
- Improving curb appeal.
- Reducing maintenance costs.
Sealcoating is not a very difficult process, but timing is of great essence. When it is used improperly or when one walks on it too early, it may ruin the surface.
Factors That Affect Sealcoat Drying Time
The sealcoat drying period is not predetermined, it may depend on a number of factors. Knowledge of these factors can guide you to design your use of driveway or parking lot.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in sealcoat drying:
Temperature: The temperatures between 50degF and 85degF are ideal temperatures of sealcoating. Low temperatures reduce drying rate and very high temperatures can result in the sealer being dried too fast resulting in cracks.
Humidity: When humidity is high it may increase the drying period. Water in the sealant evaporates slower in case of moist air.
Rain: Sealcoat should not be done when it is predicted to rain within a time frame of 24-48 hours. Cloudiness does not allow the adhesion and may destroy the finish.
Type of Sealcoat Used
Sealcoats have various varieties, and the drying time of each varies:
Coal Tar Sealers: It dries quicker, typically in 6-12 hours in light foot traffic.
Asphalt Sealers: These are slower in drying, as much as 24 hours, and depend on the weather conditions.
Thickness of Application
The greater the number of coats of sealcoat you put on, the slower it will dry. One coat usually takes shorter time to dry whereas numerous coats, which are applied as a form of additional protection, take more time to cure.
Surface Conditions
The condition of your asphalt also affects drying time:
New vs. Old Asphalt: Sealcoating New asphalt is not allowed until at least 6 months have passed. Old asphalt can contain cracks or loose particles which influence drying.
Cleanliness: Dirt, oil or debris may cause sealcoat to not adhere and will result in drying unevenly.
Understanding Sealcoat Drying Stages
Sealcoat drying happens in stages, and each stage has its own timeline:
Dry to Touch
This is the initial phase, which normally happens 4-8 hours after application. The surface is now dry to touch, although not yet fit to be put to heavy use. Light pedestrian traffic is usually not a problem, though cars are to be avoided.
Ready for Foot Traffic
The majority of sealcoats are capable of foot traffic in 6-12 hours. Nevertheless, you must not drag things, weighty tools, or pets which might result in marks.
Ready for Vehicle Traffic
Cars and other light vehicles may typically be driven on the seal coated highway within 24 hours. In the case of heavy trucks or constant traffic, 48 hours is usually suggested to be allowed to complete the curing.
Full Cure
Sealcoat hardens with time even though the surface might dry earlier. The entire curing time may take a maximum of 72 hours. At this stage, the surface is at the risk of being damaged by chemicals, heavy vehicles, and extreme weather.
Tips to Speed Up Sealcoat Drying
While you can’t control the weather, there are ways to help your sealcoat dry efficiently:
Select the Right Day: Sealcoat should be applied on a warm day, when there is low humidity and the day is sunny. Weekends should be avoided in case of rain.
Maintain the Driveway in order: Wash up your driveway. Eradicate dirt and oil blots and debris. Better adhesion and quicker drying is made possible with a clean surface.
Apply Thickness: Do not apply a sealcoat too thickly. A coated layer is smooth and even and dries quicker and appears better.
Install Fans or Blowers: In small driveways small fans can be used to add air and accelerate evaporation.
Plan Traffic Accordingly: Cars and pets should be kept off the drive way until the sealcoat is dry.
Common Mistakes That Affect Drying Time
Even small mistakes can delay drying and ruin your sealcoat investment.
Common mistakes include:
Sealing in Rain: Moisture does not allow adhesion to occur, and can lead to bubbling.
Use in Cold Weather: The sealer will not cure properly below 50 deg F.
Overapplication: The thick layers are slow to dry and may peel or crack.
Driving Too Soon: The tires of a vehicle may leave traces or peel away the sealer.
These errors are the reasons why your sealcoat would not dry and get to last years.
How to Know When Sealcoat Is Completely Dry
Here are simple ways to check if your sealcoat is dry:
Touch Test: Gently touch a corner. When it is tacky, then it is not dry.
Visual Check: The color must have a consistent look; it should not be streaky or shiny wet.
Water Test: Sprinkle a few drops of water. When it beads up the sealer is drying well. When the water sinks in it is not prepared.