Cincinnati asphalt sealcoating isn’t something you can afford to ignore. With the harsh winters of Cincy and the Tri-State area, the cooler months can take a toll. As things start to warm up, you might notice signs of distress that warrant attention from asphalt sealcoating companies, ensuring your pavement has the protection needed to hold up well moving forward. But when do Cincinnati asphalt sealcoating companies begin offering service? Keep reading to find out.
Why Do Contractors Stop Offering Cincinnati Asphalt Sealcoating?
You may be wondering why contractors stop offering Cincinnati sealcoating at all. Contrary to what some believe, it’s not about a distaste for working in challenging conditions. Asphalt sealcoating companies do that all the time. Instead, pausing service is a matter of practicality.
Winter conditions get too rough for successful asphalt sealcoating in Cincinnati.
Asphalt sealcoating relies on the mechanisms of evaporation to cure. The sealers contractors use can be up to 60 percent water by volume after preparation. Once applied to pavement, that water content slowly evaporates over 24 to 48 hours, allowing the asphalt emulsion to bond to the asphalt.
When temperatures are too cold, efficient curing isn’t possible. Instead of curing, the sealer could freeze in place. Even if it doesn’t, the sealer will struggle to bond correctly, resulting in peeling, flaking and other unsightly issues. To avoid all that, Cincinnati asphalt sealcoating companies pause their service throughout the winter before restarting in spring.
What Conditions Are Best for Asphalt Sealcoating in Cincinnati?
The best time for sealcoating is in the spring and summer when conditions are reliably warm. The exact conditions vary; every manufacturer offers recommendations for the best results. However, most products require 55 degrees or higher temperatures for proper bonding. Most sealcoating contractors prefer temperatures around 70 degrees. The added warmth can make a big difference, allowing the sealer to cure without issue.
Humidity also matters. High humidity levels can interfere with the curing process as much as low temperatures. Therefore, contractors will pay attention to the forecast and avoid applying sealer when relative humidity exceeds 60 percent.
Keep in mind that curing is a multi-day process. Conditions must be stable on application day and those that follow. Experienced asphalt sealcoating companies will look at the week’s forecast to ensure warm and dry conditions throughout the curing period.
When Does the Cincinnati Asphalt Sealcoating Season Start and End?
There’s no official hard start of Cincinnati sealcoating season. Mother Nature can be unpredictable. The last freeze and the arrival of warmer weather can change from year to year, changing when contractors can start performing asphalt sealcoating. Contractors will rely on historical weather data and closely monitor the long-term forecast to decide the start of the sealcoating season.
Generally, asphalt sealcoating in Cincinnati begins in late March to early April. Asphalt sealcoating ends in the late fall, usually around late October when cooler temperatures creep in.
Southwestern Ohio Services is among the most trusted Cincinnati asphalt sealcoating companies. We bring more than four decades of experience to every project, giving your pavement the protection it needs to last. We take pride in being the go-to company for Cincinnati sealcoating, providing five-star customer service, good communication and reliability to show you that we care. Let us show you what we can do.
In addition to sealcoating, we offer many services to meet your unique needs. You can turn to us for parking lot striping, thermoplastic pavement markings, playground game design, sealcoating, bollard post installation and much more.
Ready to give your pavement much-needed attention? Call Southwestern Ohio Services at (513) 623-2313 for a free quote and schedule your service appointment. You can also reach the team by submitting your information using our online form or by emailing estimating@wepaintlines.com.
