As a business owner or property manager, you understand the importance of asphalt sealing. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your pavement from the elements and extend its lifespan. However, timing is crucial when it comes to sealing new asphalt. Many people mistakenly seal it too soon, which can reduce its effectiveness. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the optimal time to seal new asphalt and explain why waiting is essential for achieving the best results.
The Importance of Sealing New Asphalt
Any property owner knows that a strong, smooth asphalt surface is essential for a well-maintained parking lot or driveway. Asphalt not only provides a durable surface for vehicles and pedestrians, but it also has a relatively low cost of maintenance.
When you seal new asphalt, you create a protective barrier between the bitumen and the elements. Sealing asphalt helps prevent moisture damage, which can lead to cracking and potholes. It also protects against UV damage and staining from oil and gas spills. Additionally, sealing fills in small voids and irregularities, creating a smoother surface that reduces the risk of accidents.
By sealing new asphalt, you can prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance for years to come. Investing in asphalt sealing ensures your pavement remains in excellent condition, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
When to Seal New Asphalt — the “magic window.”
Asphalt driveways add curb appeal and value to a home, so keeping them in good condition is important. One way to do this is by regularly sealing the asphalt. However, it’s important to know when to seal a new driveway.
New asphalt takes time to cure, enabling it to harden and for the oils within the asphalt mix to evaporate. This process usually takes approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on the climate, the thickness of the asphalt, and the mix used. During this period, the asphalt is still soft, and sealing too soon will lock in the oils in the pavement, preventing proper hardening.
This sets up the potential for a spongy surface that is easily damaged by traffic and weather through such means as cracking, chipping, and wear.
The best time to seal asphalt is after it has fully cured. When it has cured, the surface area goes from shiny black to a matte finish. This means the oils have evaporated, and the asphalt is now ready for application of the sealant. In this stage, it will protect the pavement from water, UV damage, oxidation, and all of those other types of wear and tear caused by daily use that causes it to crack and deteriorate. While 6 to 12 months is a general guideline, one should also take into consideration what the weather is generally like in your area. For places where the climate is rather warm, the heat tends to cure the asphalt faster; hence, sealing may be appropriate closer to the 6-month mark. But in cooler or even more temperate regions, it’s often best to wait closer to a year.
Application would be advised over 50°F, preferably during spring or early summer for adequate curing to occur along with bonding to the asphalt surface.
For the best result, the surface should always be checked for any sign of readiness, such as its matte finish, and cleaned before applying the sealant. Any dirt, debris, or oil spills should be removed to provide room for an even and smooth application. Not doing so compromises this treatment process with an uneven seal that might leave some areas of the asphalt exposed to the elements. Timing is everything when sealing new asphalt in terms of adding durability to your investment.
Why You Must Wait to Seal New Asphalt
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to wait at least six months before sealing new asphalt. But why is this?
If you seal new asphalt too soon, the bitumen won’t have had enough time to cure and bond with the aggregate. This can cause the sealer to peel or flake off, leaving your pavement vulnerable to damage. In addition, if you seal new asphalt when it’s too cold outside, the sealer will not be as effective. It’s important to wait until the temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit so that the sealer can properly adhere to the surface.
Read more: When is the Best Time of Year to Sealcoat?
What Happens if You Don’t Seal New Asphalt?
Neglecting to seal new asphalt can lead to significant issues over time. Unsealed asphalt will eventually dry out and become brittle, resulting in cracks and potholes. The pavement will then begin to fade and lose its original color.
To prevent these problems and extend the lifespan of your asphalt, it’s essential to apply a sealant within the recommended time frame. Sealing not only maintains the pavement’s appearance but also protects it from costly repairs in the future.
How Often Should You Seal Asphalt?
Generally, you should seal asphalt every two to three years. However, this can vary based on the climate and the amount of traffic the pavement endures. For instance, if you live in an area with harsh winters, more frequent sealing may be necessary – and in milder climates with lower traffic, you might extend the interval to as long as five years.
Read more: How Often Should You Seal Coat Your Driveway
The Bottom Line
Overall, sealing your new asphalt is a crucial step in protecting it and ensuring that it lasts for as long as possible. You can contact us to find out more about when the best time to seal new asphalt is in your area or to get a quote for our services. We want to help you take care of your pavement, so it can take care of you for years to come.
