The end of winter and arrival of warm weather brings about the start of sealcoating work in most markets as property owners look to protect their capital investments. As the work ramps up, sealcoating professionals should make sure they’re prepared for the peak season with best practices.
Dress for the Job, Not the Weather
Warmer temperatures outside usually mean fewer layers of clothing, but ensuring that employees are protected is key to a successful job. Like most products, proper guidelines should be followed when using refined tar or other types of sealers. Doing so will not only give you the best possible application but will also keep employees safe, happy and productive. By following some simple work practices and using good personal hygiene, sealer products can be applied safely.
- Prevent skin contact by wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves
- Wear standard sunscreen (sunblock) with a sun protection factor rating of at least 15 (SPF) on your face, neck and other exposed skin.
- Depending on the method of application and weather conditions, such as application in windy conditions, a hat and face shield may also be appropriate.
- Remove RTS from skin immediately if contact occurs.
These measures will alleviate the “sunburn effect” that cause skin irritation. Lastly, remember to take adequate breaks and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illness. Follow the OSHA guidance to protect workers by practicing the three basics: Water. Rest. Shade.Keep Tabs on the Forecast
Although contractors are technically not meteorologists, most contractors know that one of their toughest decisions each day is how to interpret weather conditions! A 24-hour forecast window is usually safe, but be cautious. Summertime thunderstorms can pop up with little warning in late afternoon, so plan your application schedule accordingly by looking at micro forecasts or using online calculators like dafscale.com. DO NOT APPLY SEALCOAT IF RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST. Thunderstorms occurring before the sealer has adequately dried can cause run-off and premature wear and create huge headaches for you and the property manager.
Curing with Humidity
As most sealcoaters know, water is a major component of pavement sealers. Evaporation of the water starts the
conditions, you will need to allow longer drying time before applying subsequent coats and finally opening the lot to traffic. If humidity is above 90%, sealer or lot marking paint should be applied with caution and the expectation of extended dry times. With very high humidity, the air is saturated and there’s simply nowhere for the water to evaporate. When the water in sealer has nowhere to go, the sealer can take much longer to cure and will remain soft and tacky, potentially causing wheel scarring or tracking if opened to vehicular or foot traffic.