Like anything else, completing asphalt and pavement jobs is a process. They are both affected by the cold weather, which is why we’re encouraging clients to get their projects done now before the cold season kicks in. Whether it is paving, asphalt repairs or even sealcoating, applying materials to your driveway, road or parking lot during the cold season will have an impact on the dry and cure process. Our team here at RAM Pavement has put together this article to help our clients understand why now is the best time to get their asphalt and pavement jobs completed. 

Asphalt paving and pavement maintenance are two very different things. They are both affected by the weather and it’s important that our clients are aware of both processes. With the cold season approaching, applying materials to the pavement will have an impact on the dry and cure process. Understanding how humidity, temperature, wind speed and other factors impact this process will inform your decision-making when it comes to determining the right time to get the job done.

Seal Coating

Seal coating is a quick and easy way to add curb appeal to your asphalt driveway, road or parking lot. As a surface protectant, sealer acts as a coating for your asphalt pavement, blocking out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing moisture penetration from the elements, and helping to prevent oxidation. According to Transportation Department studies in five different states, a regular pavement maintenance program, like Ram Pavement’s Charlotte seal coating plan, can help prevent costly overhaul and repaving expenses. That being said, if you are planning on applying seal coating to your driveway, road or parking lot, to help avoid any drawbacks, check out what the weather forecast is like before beginning. Sealer should be applied during the day when pavement and ambient temperatures are about 70°F and rising (you want it to be less than 100°F but more than 50°F), and no rain is forecasted for 24 hours. This prevents peeling, flaking and discoloration on the surface of the pavement.

Seal coating jobs done in temperatures below 50°F make it more difficult for the sealer to stay on the pavement. In addition, the binder in the sealer becomes harder and more difficult to fuse and stick together to form an effective film.  Poor adhesion and film formation will cause the sealer to come off more readily.

When it comes to the drying process, the evaporation rate of water slows down as the temperature decreases so the pavement may retain water. It will take twice as long for your pavement to dry after applying sealer if temperatures are below 50°F or if humidity rates are high.

With the cold season approaching, hustling to get a seal-coating job done to your asphalt driveway, road or parking lot might not be the best idea. Apart from resulting in a bad pavement job, you’ll want to consider the time and investment that goes into it. So maybe reserve the coats for yourself this cold season, and wait for the perfect timing to apply asphalt sealers in the  ideal conditions we have mentioned above.

Asphalt Paving

With the cold season approaching, your biggest concern when it comes to paving your driveway, road or parking lot should be the temperature. Pavement and ambient temperatures should be above 50°F but below 100°F.  Temperatures below 50°F can cause asphalt to contract and shrink, creating tension within the asphalt. What this means is that the asphalt is trying to pull away from itself (odd right?). If this temperature remains consistent, the tension in the asphalt will become so strong that your pavement is likely to develop cracks.

At RAM Pavement, our proven process takes into all of this into consideration. Our vision for responsible asset management, when it comes to managing your pavement, is what we aim for, always. We want to ensure that our clients are getting the best advice and value for their money.  Most owners and property managers need safety for their patrons and predictable costs for their bottom line and we want this for you, too. Call (704) 622 1300 to speak with one of our pavement experts today and we’ll help you get the job done.