We’re often asked by residential and commercial owners alike if rain hurts sealcoating during the curing process or immediately after application. The answer is both yes and no. Normally, if it rains 24 hours before we apply the sealcoat, it should not affect anything. But it’s very important to apply the sealer to a pavement surface that’s as dry as possible for proper adherence. Which is why we keep a close eye on the forecast before any sealcoating job and work with you to determine the best option. 

After the sealcoat has been applied, the drying time can vary from 3–8 hours, depending on factors such as texture of the payment, sun exposure, humidity, and how much shade covers the area. Our sealcoat blend tends to have a faster drying time so if it does rain, chances are in your favor that the rain will not affect the sealcoat. As long as the sealer is dry to the touch, rain should not be an issue.
Curing is the actual molecular bonding of the sealcoat’s components and takes around 24 – 48 hours to finish. During the curing time, you will not want any cars to drive or park on the newly sealed pavement, as it can weaken the surface. The good news is that rain will not affect the curing process at this point.

Does Rain or Snow Affect the Sealcoat Over the Long-term?

Sealcoating acts as a barrier coat for your asphalt pavement – like sunblock for your skin. It increases the ability to tolerate weathering and raveling, plus deterioration related to oxidation. In the Chicagoland area, we’re especially susceptible to harsh weather elements such as snow, rain, ice, and wind that can all break down asphalt. Without a proper seal, water from these elements can find a way into your asphalt and begin to erode it.

This is why it’s important to sealcoat your asphalt every few years or so to protect it in the long term. A properly sealed pavement will repel water and ice. If there are large or small cracks to begin with, then snow and water will settle inside and the freeze/thaw cycle will damage the sublayers. Sealcoating is the only way to preserve the longevity of your driveway or parking lot.

Contact Smooth Paving for any questions or to get started. Interested in an estimate? Simply click here.