How Long Can You Stay Off The Pavement After A Tampa Sealcoating Application?
Tampa sealcoating can do a lot to keep your pavement looking fantastic while getting the protection it needs to last decades. Contractors recommend sealcoating pavement every three to five years. When it’s time for a sealer refresh, sealcoating contractors in Tampa apply high-quality sealers to the entire paved surface. But before your refreshed pavement is ready for use, it needs ample time to cure. Keep reading to learn how long you must stay off your pavement after sealcoating in Tampa FL.
Why Does Tampa Seal coating Need to Cure?
Asphalt sealcoating in Tampa requires time to cure because the process allows the sealer to bond with the pavement. While asphalt emulsion sealer formulas can vary, all form a tight bond to your asphalt via slow evaporation. As moisture leaves the sealer formula, the emulsion can grip onto the material to shield it from damage.
Without curing, asphalt sealcoating would offer zero protection.
How Long Do Sealcoating Contractors in Tampa Recommend Staying Off Freshly Sealed Paving?
When you invest in Tampa seal coating services, expect to wait several days until your pavement is ready for vehicle traffic. Slow and steady curing is key. If the product cures too fast or too slow, it may not bond to provide long-lasting protection.
Typically, asphalt sealcoating is dry enough to walk on after two to four hours. Most sealcoating contractors in Tampa recommend waiting at least eight hours as a precaution.
Vehicle traffic will have to wait longer. In good conditions, asphalt seal coating in Tampa requires 24 to 48 hours to cure enough for standard use. During that time, you must keep vehicles off to avoid issues like tracking and peeling.
After that 48-hour curing period, your pavement is ready for use. However, it continues to cure for up to a month! It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and aggressive driving in the month after sealcoating application.
Does the Weather Impact Tampa Seal coating Cure Times?
Sealcoating in Tampa FL usually needs no more than 48 hours to cure before you can allow vehicles to drive on your pavement. However, weather conditions could extend the curing time! Contractors offering Tampa seal coating services pay attention to the weather before scheduling a sealcoating appointment. They know that application days must be dry and warm. The same goes for several days after application for proper curing. However, you can’t always control Mother Nature!
Temperatures, humidity levels and sun exposure are the biggest factors that slow the curing process. If humidity levels rise, temperatures cool or clouds prevent sunshine, you can expect curing to take another full day. Most companies performing Tampa sealcoating services recommend giving pavement a full 72 hours to cure if the weather isn’t ideal.
What Can Sealcoating Contractors in Tampa Do to Minimize Downtime?
Asphalt sealcoating in Tampa can be disruptive. Even in the best conditions, waiting 24 to 48 hours to use your pavement can be frustrating! If you want sealcoating in Tampa FL, work with a contractor who can accommodate your unique needs.
Contractors can perform asphalt sealcoating in sections to avoid blocking off entire parking lots. They can also work swiftly to ensure that your pavement has everything it needs to cure without causing too many issues for your business.
At Line Striping of Tampa Bay, we know how to do asphalt seal coating the right way. We offer top-quality results, great communication and unmatched reliability. Our goal is to give you the five-star experience you deserve.
You can turn to Line Striping of Tampa Bay for seal coating, parking lot striping, stencils, signage, concrete bollards, stops and more.
Get your free quote by contacting Line Striping of Tampa. You can reach us via phone at (727)800-5987, email contact@paintmyparkinglot.com or by using our online contact form.
