It is hard to believe that this time of year has arrived already – the days are growing shorter, the temperatures are dropping lower, and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us!
It is also the time of year when we shut down our sealcoat operation for the season (roughly early November – mid March). Many times, we are asked why we stop sealcoating during the fall/winter months.
The truth of the matter is: Sealcoat materials – regardless of the manufacturer – are extremely weather sensitive. You need the sun and the high (warm/hot) temperatures to allow the product to fully dry and cure out. Shade, cold, and moisture are the biggest enemy when it comes to your sealcoat projects. Without the proper environmental conditions, you will not have a properly cured product. It will take longer to dry and will wear faster – often leaving you with a big mess and the need to sealcoat again just a few months later. We have learned this lesson the hard way, and now would like to empower you with the information you need to protect your investment. It is also important to note that most sealcoat manufacturers will not honor warrantees if the product is installed outside of the limitations put forth in their specifications.
For your convenience, we have extracted the pertinent information from the specification sheets of the most common sealcoat products used in our area, and listed these products below. You can also download your own copy by clicking the links provided.
Knowledge is power. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of our project managers (904) 296-2020.
Common Sealcoat Products / Specifications:
Sealmaster Liquid Road – Download Spec Sheet
Limitations: Liquid Road shall not be applied when temperature is expected to drop below 50°F at any time within a 24 hour period after application.
Precautions: Both surface and ambient temperature shall be a minimum of 50°F. Temperature shall not drop below 50°F in a 24 hour period following application.
SealMaster Polymer Modified Coal Tar Sealer – Download Spec Sheet
Limitations: SealMaster PMCTS shall not be applied when temperature is expected to drop below 50°F at any time within a 24 hour period after application.
Precautions: Both surface and ambient temperature shall be a minimum of 50°F. Temperature shall not drop below 50°F in a 24 hour period following application.
Polymer Modified Masterseal – Download Spec Sheet
Limitations: PMM shall not be applied when temperature is expected to drop below 50°F at any time within a 24 hour period after application.
Precautions: Both surface and ambient temperature shall be a minimum of 50°F. Temperature shall not drop below 50°F in a 24 hour period following application.
GemSeal® FedSpec Concentrate – Download Spec Sheet
GemSeal® FedSpec Sealer will not be applied unless the temperature is a minimum 50°F and rising and pavement temperature is 60°F and,
rising. Work will be completed so that there is a minimum of two hours of direct sunlight remaining after completing the
day’s work. Sealer will not be applied under rainy or wet conditions such as an overcast sky with high humidity. UNDER
NO CIRCUMSTANCES will work, be performed under cold and/or wet conditions, nor will tar emulsion be used that has
been subjected to freezing weather..
PolyTar Asphalt Emulsion – Download Spec Sheet
Sealer will not be applied unless the temperature is a minimum 50º F and rising and pavement temperature is 60º F and rising.
Work will be completed so that there is a minimum of two hours of sunlight remaining after completing the day’s work. Sealer
will not be applied under rainy or wet conditions such as an overcast sky with high humidity. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES will work, be performed under cold and/or wet conditions, nor will emulsion be used that has been
subjected to freezing weather.
Guardian PM Asphalt Emulsion Sealer – Download Spec Sheet
Sealer will not be applied unless the temperature is a minimum 50º F and rising and pavement temperature is 60º F and rising.
Work will be completed so that there is a minimum of three hours of sunlight remaining after completing the day’s work. Sealer
will not be applied under rainy or wet conditions such as an overcast sky with high humidity. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
will work, be performed under cold and/or wet conditions, nor will emulsion be used that has been subjected to freezing weather.
