Cold Canadian winters can cause all kinds of trouble for asphalt. Fortunately, proper sealcoating in Toronto during the summer can provide all the protection parking lots, driveways and other paved asphalt surfaces need to withstand the rigors of winter.
Summer is the ideal time for commercial sealcoating for many reasons.
What is Asphalt Sealcoating?
To understand why there’s no better time for sealcoating than summer, you need to know what asphalt sealcoating entails. Commercial asphalt sealcoating is a maintenance service that focuses on damage prevention.
Your pavement will experience an onslaught of sun, rain, ice and snow throughout the year. Over time, exposure to the elements and regular vehicle wear can cause flow and steady damage. UV rays cause oxidation, water wreaks havoc on pavement foundations and ice can turn hairline cracks into huge voids.
Seal coating prevents all that, offering years of protection. When you hire contractors to seal your asphalt, they will visit your property to apply a liquid emulsion. At least two thin coats of sealer will provide all the protection your asphalt needs, but the product needs time to cure and bond to your pavement for optimal results.
What Impact Does Temperature and Humidity Have on Sealcoating in Toronto?
The product contractors use to seal coat your pavement is a viscous liquid of asphalt particles, water and chemical additives. Before it can start protecting your pavement, it must cure, which can take up to 48 hours.
Temperature and humidity play a big role in the curing process. While seal coat product formulas vary, most require temperatures of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to cure properly.
Attempts at sealcoating during the cooler winter temperatures will be futile, causing uneven curing, peeling and inferior protection.
The same applies to humidity. High relative humidity levels will slow the curing process, but warm temperatures offset those issues for efficient curing and bonding.
Why are Summer Days Ideal for Sealcoating in Toronto?
Summer is perfect for seal coating because the temperatures are warm, and the air is relatively dry. There’s also the added benefit of longer summer days.
Seal coat products rely on direct sunlight to cure. It’s not just temperatures that matter. Thanks to the longer days and the more direct sunlight during summer, Toronto asphalt sealcoating can set faster and more efficiently. The result is a tight bond with your asphalt and three to five years of protection before you need another seal coating appointment.
What Other Factors Should I Consider Before Toronto Sealcoating?
The conditions on a warm sunny day are the best time to schedule your Toronto sealcoating service. Still, you must also pay attention to the weather forecast! Toronto can experience several rainy days during the warmer months, and that precipitation can ruin a fresh seal coat application.
Contractors typically won’t work in the rain because they know that moisture will prevent proper adhesion of the asphalt sealer. On application days, it must be dry, warm and sunny. Furthermore, there can’t be any rain 24 hours after asphalt sealcoating. Otherwise, the product will trap moisture, resulting in extreme patchiness and inefficient curing.
When you’re ready to schedule your sealcoating appointment, turn to Seal Canada. Seal Canada is among the most trusted and respected residential and commercial sealcoating providers. We have many years of experience handling projects of all scopes throughout Toronto and the surrounding areas, providing lasting results and service you can count on. We do more than just sealcoating. You can turn to Seal Canada for repairs, crack sealing, concrete work, striping and more.
Let Seal Canada be your source for all things asphalt maintenance! Call the team today for a free quote. You can reach us at (866)672-2022, submit your information through our online contact form or email dan@sealcanada.com
