When it comes to driveway improvements like paving and sealcoating, drying times make a world of difference in the finished product. Choosing the best time to sealcoat your driveway is as important as how you treat it during drying and curing. Here are some things to know about sealcoating dry times.

What Is Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is a great way of preserving the integrity and longevity of your paved driveway. 

Applying a protective black coating to asphalt pavements along with routine maintenance can keep your driveway protected and aesthetically pleasing. Sealcoating is the best way to delay deterioration and the cost of replacing an entire layer of pavement.

On average, it is recommended to sealcoat your driveway every 2-3 years. The major factors that affect how the sealer wears is traffic flow, UV ray exposure, water flow and settlement, salt, snow plows, and other winter weather conditions. Southeastern Pennsylvania sees plenty on that list so getting yourself on a maintenance plan is definitely recommended.

What If It Rains? 

Planning a sealcoating project in advance is necessary for your schedule and that of your contractor. Mother Nature, however, doesn’t keep such a reliable calendar. Extended weather forecasts can help but final decisions should be made on the day of the scheduled service. A reliable paving company will use their best judgment and experience to determine if the weather will affect the coating. 

Water-based sealcoat can dry in as quickly as 10 minutes to 3 hours after application. The factors that affect the dry time are sun exposure, shade, and texture of the pavement. As long as the sealer is dry to the touch, rain will not affect the finished product.

Dry Time vs Cure Time

When it comes to rain, drying time is what matters. In the hot summer months, the sealer will dry must faster than in the cooler Fall months. Curing, which is actually the molecular bond of the components, takes about 24 hours. During the curing time, you do not want vehicle traffic on the sealer. Rain does not affect the curing process. There are many factors outside of precipitation that can affect drying times including:

1. A recently sealed driveway will dry much faster than a rough one that has not been sealed.

2. If the driveway is in direct sunlight, it will dry faster than a shaded driveway.

3. Low humidity and warm temperatures help the dry time. 

Seal the Deal With Maintain It All

Since 2009, our professional crew at Maintain It All has been beautifying and preserving asphalt driveways in Montgomery County and parts of Chester and Delaware counties. We stand behind our work 100% and will reseal or touch-up affected areas absolutely free of charge if the weather compromises the work. We offer a total-care approach to our residential and commercial customers and even have financing options available.  Contact us to learn more and receive your free estimate.