Can It Be Too Hot For Sealcoating In Tampa FL?
Sealcoating in Tampa FL can be a challenge. It’s a necessary service that protects your pavement from the sun, rain, vehicle fluids and more. However, the Gulf Coast’s heat and humidity can present problems as Tampa Bay asphalt sealcoating cures. While warm weather is paramount for proper sealcoating curing, too much heat can lead to huge headaches.
What are the Ideal Conditions?
The best asphalt sealcoating Tampa FL has ever seen requires warm and dry conditions to cure. Exact recommendations will vary from one asphalt emulsion sealer to the next. However, most products require ground and air temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper curing. Therefore, a seasoned asphalt sealcoating company will recommend getting this service in the spring.
While 50 degrees is the minimum, most sealcoating contractors in Tampa prefer to seal pavement when temperatures are around 70 degrees. At the 70-degree mark, ample heat facilitates evaporation as the asphalt sealer cures. Florida is warm, and the statewide annual temperature is roughly 73 degrees. As a result, many contractors offer Tampa sealcoating services year-round.
But, when temperatures regularly surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, Tampa Bay asphalt sealcoating may run into some problems.
Why is Excessive Heat a Problem for Sealcoating in Tampa FL?
At temperatures above 90 degrees, the moisture in asphalt emulsion sealer products can evaporate too quickly. That might seem like a plus that could shorten curing times, but fast evaporation frequently leads to poor bonding.
When applied to super-hot pavement, asphalt sealcoating in Tampa can flash dry. Flash drying occurs when the sealer’s moisture evaporates so quickly that it doesn’t have a chance to penetrate your pavement’s pores. The result is the worst asphalt sealcoating Tampa FL has to offer. The sealer won’t provide adequate protection and often peels off quickly.
That’s not the only risk of asphalt sealcoating Tampa FL applications in extreme heat. The surface may evaporate too quickly, too. When this happens, the dried upper layer of the sealer traps moisture below, preventing the product from curing underneath. It can feel cured on top, but driving on it would result in cracking, peeling, track marks and other unsightly issues.
How Can Contractors Avoid Heat Issues when Sealcoating in Tampa FL?
An experienced asphalt sealcoating company should be aware of those potential risks. Tampa experiences significant heat, especially in the summer months. While the best approach is to schedule Tampa sealcoating services in cooler months still within the acceptable temperature range, sealcoating contractors in Tampa can also take additional precautions to prevent curing challenges.
One thing asphalt sealcoating contractors can do is apply the sealer in several thin coats. That’s the right approach in any setting, but it’s crucial in hot weather. Sealcoating contractors in Tampa should apply two or more thin coats, allowing each to dry fully before moving on to the next. The technique allows the product to cure properly while bonding with your asphalt.
Companies that offer Tampa sealcoating services can also take steps to keep pavement cool. They may also adjust the sealer formula, choosing the right aggregates. Certain finely graded aggregates can control the evaporation rate, circumventing problems caused by hot weather.
When you need asphalt sealcoating in Tampa done right, turn to Line Striping of Tampa Bay. We proudly serve property owners and managers in Tampa and the surrounding areas. We’re committed to giving you a five-star experience from start to finish. We know how to use Tampa Bay asphalt sealcoating while avoiding heat-related curing problems, and we also take all precautions to ensure the finished product lasts. You trust us to take care of all your pavement maintenance needs. We also do parking lot striping, re-striping, stencils, concrete bollard installation and more.
Call the Line Striping of Tampa Bay team today at (727)800-5987 for a free quote and learn more about how a trusted asphalt sealcoating company like ours can meet your needs. You can also reach us via email at contact@paintmyparkinglot.com or use our online contact form.
