Sealcoating in October | Las Vegas, NV

It seems that as soon as the new school year begins, contractors across the nation see an increase in phone calls from people wondering whether it is possible to apply asphalt sealcoating in the fall. The answer depends on the local climate. For example, in Las Vegas, it is usually possible to apply sealcoating throughout the month of October, and there may be times during November when a sealcoating job is feasible. However, the weather can be different from one year to the next, and there may be pockets of opportunity even during the winter months. This is why sealcoating contractors must carefully evaluate the weather forecast before committing to a sealcoating job in the fall.

Sealcoating in October | Las Vegas, NV – What Sealcoating Jobs Require

Experienced sealcoating professionals know that ideal conditions are rare. As defined by sealant manufacturers, ideal conditions include an ambient temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, wind speeds of approximately 4 mph, relative humidity of less than 50 percent and a clear, sunny day. However, the ambient temperature can be as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit as long as it remains above that point during the application and for the next 24 hours. Humidity levels and wind speeds can exceed those stated as ideal. Since the Las Vegas area certainly does not have a shortage of sunny days, it is easy to see that conditions are often acceptable for sealcoating regardless of what date is showing on the calendar.

This is not to imply that sealcoating can be applied year-round. For example, the overnight temperature can be 20 degrees cooler than the daytime high, so even if the temperature reaches 65 degrees during the day, the night could be too cold to allow the sealant to dry properly. Occasionally, it may be too windy to apply sealcoating; the wind can cause the sealcoating to dry from the top down instead of from the bottom up, leading to a crackled appearance or impeding the curing of the lower layers. Furthermore, since there are fewer hours of sunlight in the fall than in the summer, it may be a problem to complete a large job in a single day.

Why the Weather Matters

The importance of the weather has to do with the way that sealcoating cures. Sealants contain a high volume of water, and this water must evaporate for curing to occur. The cooler the temperature, the slower the rate of evaporation. Evaporation is also slowed if the air above the pavement is already saturated due to high humidity levels. Furthermore, as the water molecules leave the sealant, they collect over the top of the sealcoating, reducing the speed at which additional water molecules can break free from the sealant. A nice breeze helps move the collected molecules away from the sealant’s surface so that evaporation can continue. In addition, although it is seldom an issue in Las Vegas, if rain falls on wet sealant, it can ruin the job.

Final Thoughts

Sealcoating is an effective, economical way to extend the life of asphalt pavement. It protects against damage from the sun’s rays and automotive fluids, helps prevent the color of the pavement from fading and rejuvenates the color of pavement that has already faded. However, if you want to gain the greatest advantage from sealcoating, you should hire a reputable, experienced sealcoating professional.

Affordable Striping & Sealing is an asphalt sealing and striping company located in Las Vegas, NV.  We are committed to delivering exceptional work at affordable rates, using quality products, providing outstanding customer service and never compromising our integrity. We offer a wide range of services, including sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs and road markings. We also install traffic signs and bumper blocks. If you would like to receive a free estimate, you can submit our online form or call (702) 222-9009.

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