Sealing the driveway with the best driveway sealer is not only a cost-effective and straightforward way of protecting your driveway, but it also extends its lifespan. And since asphalt surfaces are vulnerable to wear and tear from the elements and traffic, sealing it is the best option. This prevents the driveway from developing cracks and holes for longevity.
However, not every person knows the best time for sealing the driveway. This is very important to seal the driveway at the wrong time may compromise its quality and durability. On the other hand, sealing the driveway at the right time makes it last longer and defy deterioration.
When a driveway is sealed correctly and at the right time, it will also repel water and other substances that it comes in contact with. These include sunlight, oil, salt, chemicals, and oxygen. Besides, after sealing your driveway, you won’t have to worry about it as you will have to seal it again after 2 to 5 years.
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What is the best time to seal the driveway?
The best time to seal the driveway is when the weather is fair. Depending on where you live, you can seal it between May and October or when you feel it’s the right time. People who live in warm states like California, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas can seal their driveways at any time of the year, as long as there is no rain.
Related article: Follow these easy steps to remove asphalt sealer from concrete
However, those who live in cool states like Maine, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Vermont, and North Dakota have to seal the driveway when the weather is warm or summer. Before sealing the driveway, you have to check the weather forecast and ensure that there won’t be rain for three days.
Why May October is the best time to seal your driveway?
The best time to seal coat your driveway is between May and October. So, depending on where you live, you may have to seal coat your driveway in May, June, July, August, September, or October. In short, the best time to seal coat your driveway is in summer, as you don’t have to deal with moss growing on the driveway.
However, it would help if you always were on the lookout as hot summer temperatures and heavy summer rains can also affect your driveway. And if you decide to seal your driveway in early spring, temperatures can be too cold and may also affect your driveway; thus, resulting in problems.
Generally, May and June are the best months for sealing the driveway as temperatures are typically warm during the day and somehow cool at night. This enables the sealant to dry without any challenge. Additionally, humidity is usually low in May and June, which is crucial for the drying or curing process.
Even though fall is an excellent time to seal coat your driveway, there are lots of debris in the air that can interfere with the driveway finish. Also, it takes much time to dry the driveway sealer. As a result, the sealant won’t dry completely, resulting in a less durable driveway.
What conditions are ideal for sealing the driveway?
A driveway should also be sealed when the conditions are right. Apart from having warm weather, it would be best if you also had the correct temperatures for exceptional results. The temperature shouldn’t be too hot as this may also deteriorate the sealer.
The correct temperatures range between 50 degrees and 90 degrees. Most professional driveway sealers recommend sealing the driveway when the temperature is about 65 degrees. Temperatures above 95 degrees are not recommended as it forces the driveway to dry fast and have an uneven surface. You can use a non-toxic Bone Dry concrete sealer that has a quick drying time.
When you’re done sealing the driveway, never touch, drive, or walk on it. Give the driveway sealer at least eight hours before walking on it. While for automobile traffic, give the driveway at least 24 hours. If the driveway is in a shady or high humidity area, give it 48 hours before driving your car.
Why is it important to seal your driveway?
As stated earlier, sealing the driveway protects it from the elements. On top of that, it helps cover small cracks that may have developed into potholes and spoil your driveway. When the small cracks are sealed, they prevent water from penetrating through and worsening the situation.
What’s more, the asphalt driveway sealer will give your home a more appealing look than when it’s not sealed.
Why should you avoid sealing your driveway in cold weather?
One of the mistakes that you should never make is seal coating your driveway in cold weather. Sealing your driveway when the temperature is below 50 degrees won’t give you desirable outcomes. Instead, the sealer won’t stick to the surface of your driveway, and it will wear quickly. In addition, driveways that are sealed in cold weather usually crack, fade, and even develop potholes.
Related article: How to apply driveway sealer on your driveway?
Also, it would help if you never risked seal coating the driveway when it wants to rain. Actually, it should not rain even after sealing your driveway for longevity. So, study the weather forecast properly before seal coating your asphalt driveway.
Summary
Overall, the best time to sell is when the weather is warm and there is no sign of rain. What’s more, the temperature should be between 50 and 90 degrees. If you live in cold weather, wait for the warm season to seal your driveway. But if you live in warm areas, don’t seal your driveway when the temperature is above 95 degrees.
The best months for sealing driveways in the US are between May and October. During summer, the weather is warm all over the country, apart from a few places. Also, use a reliable and rust-resistance seal coating product for outstanding results.