Sealcoating a commercial parking lot for a business is recommended every three to five years. Doing so can help extend the life of the asphalt, prevent damage from the elements, and create a great opportunity to fill cracks and potholes. Failing to have an asphalt maintenance plan in place can require you to replace the entire parking lot a lot sooner than you might want. The cost of sealcoating will far outweigh the cost of replacement.
Before you decide to sealcoat your parking lot, there are several items to take into consideration. Everything from the time of year to your business traffic patterns should definitely be examined. We’ve put together these five tips to consider before sealcoating a parking lot.
5 Tips To Consider Before Sealcoating A Parking Lot
- Time of the Year: Typically, the best time of the year to have a parking lot sealcoated is during the summer. This is because of the warm, dry weather that comes with summertime, which provides the best quality of sealant application. Additionally, this time of the year allows for quick dry time. Temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees is best, but humidity and rain can play a factor in when the best time is for your asphalt.
- Weather: Like we just pointed out, the weather can play a factor in when it is best to sealcoat your parking lot. If the surface is rained on soon after the sealcoat is applied, it can prevent it from drying as it needs. Having a window of at least three hours after the sealant is complete without rain or moisture is long enough.
- Restrict Traffic: Once the parking lot is sealcoated, you will want to keep traffic off of the asphalt. Doing so will make sure the area has had time to dry and the components to properly bond. If your business is closed on the weekends or has less traffic on a certain day of the week, plan the sealcoating for those days.
- Watch For Stains: Just because a parking lot has a fresh coat of sealant on it does not mean it is completely resistant. The most common threat to asphalt is motor oil. Keeping an eye out for oil stains, or any other stains, can help save your parking lot from significant damage. Addressing oil and any other stains immediately can prevent damage and save you from replacing your parking lot entirely.
- Know The Signs: Knowing when it is time to sealcoat a parking lot is essential and there are several to look for. While it is recommended to be done at least every three years, it is possible your parking lot will need to be resealed earlier. Looking at the surface, if it is a dull, gray color, it is time for a new layer of sealcoat to be applied. If the surface has several small cracks or large cracks that lead to potholes is another sign to look for. Standing water is another sign it is time for a fresh layer of sealcoating to be applied.
Once you decide your parking lot is in need of a fresh coat of sealant, take these tips into consideration. Doing so can save you a significant amount in repairs or replacement. Your best opportunity to ensure your sealcoat is applied properly is to work with a professional contractor. They will know what is best for your asphalt and when the best time to complete it is going to be.
If you are located in the Mooresville, NC area, contact Toste Construction. We offer FREE estimates for all of your sealcoating and asphalt repair needs.
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.