4 Critical Steps After Sealcoating Your Bel Air Parking Lot
4 Critical Steps After Sealcoating Your Bel Air Parking Lot
So, your trusted maintenance contractors just finished up sealcoating your Bel Air parking lot. What now? Asphalt sealcoating can breathe new life into your pavement, all while offering years of robust protection. However, to ensure you get long-lasting results, there are a few things you need to know about post-service care.
How Long Should You Wait to Resume Traffic Activity After Sealcoating Your Bel Air Parking Lot?
One of the most important things you should do is listen to sealcoating companies in Maryland when they advise keeping traffic off your pavement during the curing process. There’s a big difference between dry driveway sealer and cured driveway sealer. The product can feel dry to the touch after a few hours, but it needs a full 24 to 48 hours to bond to your pavement.
Attempting to drive onto it any earlier could ruin the beautiful work that sealcoating companies did. Most Bel Air sealcoating companies will recommend waiting the full 48 hours, especially for commercial parking lots. During that time, keep all barriers up to prevent any pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Keep in mind that 48 hours is a general recommendation. It could take longer, as several environmental factors affect how parking lot and driveway sealers cure. These include temperature, airflow, humidity levels, sun exposure, and more. The best sealcoating companies will provide direct, personalized guidance. If things change, they may contact you for updated recommendations. Heed that advice and keep off your pavement to ensure that the sealer bonds correctly.
Do You Need to Keep Bel Air Asphalt Seal Coating Dry?
Do you have any sprinklers or drainage systems that flow onto your pavement? Before parking lot or driveway sealcoating, make sure they don’t spray your pavement with water! Turn off all irrigation systems, redirect gutters, and pause any nearby washing jobs. If you have any scheduled storefront cleanings or sidewalk power-washing services, reschedule them immediately.
As mentioned earlier, parking lot and driveway sealcoating takes 24 to 48 hours to cure, if not longer. Water will only ruin the finish. Sprinklers can wash the sealer away, resulting in bare, unprotected spots.
Keep an eye on the forecast, too. Reputable sealcoating companies will always monitor the weather on your application day and during the subsequent curing period. They’ll reschedule if necessary, but it’s always a good idea to keep watch on the forecast during the cure period.
Does Parking Lot and Driveway Sealer Cover Up Pavement Markings?
There’s a small tradeoff when you invest in Bel Air asphalt sealcoating. When contractors restore that glossy black, opaque finish, they also cover up existing pavement markings. Parking lot and driveway sealcoating will wipe the slate clean, essentially erasing paint.
As a result, you’ll need to invest in fresh parking lot striping. Hire contractors to reapply all lines and markings after your asphalt sealcoating is fully cured. Many sealcoating companies also offer striping services to meet all your needs.
Striping will restore functionality, safety, and accessibility. Plus, those fresh marks will pop against fresh asphalt sealcoating. The result will elevate your curb appeal!
Should You Prioritize Routine Cleaning After Sealcoating Your Pavement?
Moving forward, you should take routine cleaning seriously. Bel Air sealcoating companies cover up existing stains and minor defects. Cured sealer will do a fantastic job of protecting your pavement against future issues, but failing to clean your asphalt can cause the sealer to wear down faster.
Make a habit of picking up trash and sweeping away dust. Many sealcoating companies in Maryland also recommend washing the pavement with a mild detergent every month or so. Doing that can help prevent buildup that could accelerate oxidation.
If you see any spills or oil, clean them up immediately. Use a degreaser to eliminate the mess, prevent future staining, and protect your Bel Air asphalt sealcoating.
At Apex Asphalt Services, we’re proud to be among the most reliable sealcoating companies in Maryland. We serve the Tri-State area, helping property owners and managers like you keep asphalt surfaces safe, beautiful, and well-protected. As a family-owned and -operated business, we work hard to deliver exceptional results while giving you the reliable customer service you deserve.
Our services include asphalt sealing, repairs, crack repairs, parking lot striping, ongoing maintenance, sport court installation, and more. Ready to see what sets us apart from other Bel Air sealcoating companies? Call Apex Asphalt Services at (410) 688-5357 to request your free quote today! You can also use our online form or email the team at hunterwiggins@apexasphaltservices.com.
