Sealcoating
Sealcoat is a black liquid material that is applied to asphalt with either pressurized spray equipment or by hand with a squeegee. There are several different types of asphalt sealers. Otto’s Parking Marking typically uses a coal tar emulsion sealer for our projects.
Why Sealcoat Your Asphalt?
- Prevents oxidation from UV rays
- Protects against weather and spilled chemicals
- Extends the life of the asphalt
- Enhances the appearance of the asphalt
- Makes it easier to clean
When Can You Have Your Parking Lot Sealcoated?
At Otto’s, sealcoating season generally runs from early May to mid-October. Temperature and weather condition play a major role in scheduling and completing a sealcoating project. Sealcoat should not be applied when the ambient temperature is less than 55 degrees and the surface temperature is less than 60 degrees. It should also not be applied 24 hours prior to forecasted rain, in freezing temperatures, during rain, or when there is standing water on the surface of the asphalt. Sealcoat cures best in direct sunlight, so we highly recommend it be done during the day. However, we will complete sealcoating at night for customers who can’t close their parking lot down during the day.
Parking lot with fresh sealcoat and striping.
More Important Information about Sealcoating
- Traffic should not be allowed on the sealcoat until it has thoroughly cured. In warm weather conditions, cure time is approximately 24 hours.
- If an area of a parking lot is shaded, it may take the sealcoat longer to dry and cure.
- Power steering marks and minor scuffing is normal in the first few weeks and will go away with time and a good rain.
- Irrigation systems should be turned off 24 hours before sealcoating and left off for 24 hours after.
- Otto’s Parking Marking recommends waiting one week after sealcoating to stripe the parking lot. Striping too soon after sealcoating will cause white paint to turn a dingy brown and yellow paint to turn slightly orange.