Is sealcoating in the winter a good idea?
While sealcoating is one of the most effective ways to protect and extend the life of asphalt, cold weather poses significant challenges.
Understanding why sealcoating is not recommended during winter can help you plan maintenance effectively.
- Sealcoating is not manufactured to cure when the ground and ambient temperatures are below 50 degrees. Without proper curing, the sealcoating can be tracked inside or marred by traffic. Although there are some parts of the country that enjoy temperatures in that range at least occasionally during the winter months, in most of the states, the temperature requirements for sealcoating are rarely achieved during winter or are impossible to predict with sufficient accuracy.
- Until sealcoating is cured, it is susceptible to damage from water, regardless of whether it arrives as rain or dew. Winter dew points often make sealcoating projects impossible, while rain, snow and other forms of precipitation can be difficult to predict.
- Asphalt sealer dries best when exposed to sunlight. In the winter, you can only expect a few hours of sufficient sunlight. The problem of drying times presented by cooler temperatures is magnified by the lack of sunlight. Therefore, a job that might require only one day in the middle of summer may take three or more days to complete in colder weather.
What to Do Instead of Sealcoating in Winter
While sealcoating is not feasible during the winter months, there are important steps you can take to maintain your asphalt pavement and prepare it for spring.
Proper care during winter will minimize damage caused by cold temperatures, precipitation, and freeze-thaw cycles.
1. Repair Cracks and Potholes
Winter weather can exacerbate existing cracks and potholes in your pavement.
Water can seep into these openings, freeze, and expand, causing more extensive damage over time.
Addressing these issues promptly with crack filling or temporary cold patch repairs can help prevent larger, more costly repairs later.
2. Clear Debris and Snow Regularly
Keep your pavement free of debris, leaves, and standing water.
These elements can accelerate surface deterioration during the winter months.
Snow removal is also essential but should be done carefully to avoid damaging the asphalt.
Use snow plows with rubber blades or opt for snow blowers and shovels for smaller areas.
3. Use Proper Deicing Materials
Avoid using harsh deicing chemicals that can degrade the asphalt.
Instead, choose deicing products that are asphalt-friendly, such as calcium magnesium acetate or sand.
These options will provide traction without causing long-term damage to the pavement.
4. Plan for Spring Maintenance
Winter is a great time to assess your asphalts condition and plan for necessary maintenance in the spring.
Once temperatures rise and the weather stabilizes, you can schedule sealcoating to restore the protective layer and improve your pavement’s appearance.
5. Monitor Drainage
Ensure that water drains properly from your pavement to avoid pooling and freezing.
Check for low spots or areas where water tends to accumulate, as these can lead to serious structural damage.
Addressing drainage issues now will reduce the risk of water-related problems when snow and ice melt.
B&E Coating Services provides a full range of asphalt maintenance services to commercial and residential customers throughout the state of Michigan.
Whether you need commercial sealcoating, pothole repairs, asphalt crack filling, paving or any other type of asphalt service, we have the skills and experience to give you quality work at competitive rates.
Call our Greenville sealcoating contractors at 989-352-7305 or complete our online contact form to request your free, no-obligation quote.
