Is Now a Good Time for Parking Lot Sealcoating?

Spring: The Start of Sealcoating Season

Spring is the beginning of the sealcoating season in Michigan, typically starting in late April or early May. As temperatures begin to rise and the snow melts away, spring provides an opportunity to address any damage that winter may have caused to your parking lot. However, it’s essential to wait until the weather stabilizes.

Sealcoating requires consistent daytime temperatures above 50°F and dry conditions. Spring showers can be a challenge, so monitoring the weather forecast closely is necessary. Despite this, spring is a great time to sealcoat, as it prepares your parking lot for the summer heat and heavy traffic.

Summer: Prime Time for Sealcoating

Summer is the peak season for sealcoating in Lansing, MI. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and typically drier conditions, summer provides the ideal environment for sealcoating to cure properly. The heat helps the sealant bond effectively to the asphalt, ensuring a durable and protective coating.

However, it’s important to avoid sealcoating on extremely hot days, as this can cause the sealant to dry too quickly and lead to cracking. Early morning or late afternoon applications are often best during the summer months. Overall, summer is the optimal time for parking lot sealcoating in Lansing, MI, and surrounding areas.

Fall: The End of Sealcoating Season

As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, Michigan’s sealcoating season starts to wind down. Fall can still be a good time for sealcoating, particularly in early autumn. The temperatures are still warm enough, and there’s typically less humidity, which aids in proper curing.

As October approaches, the likelihood of colder temperatures and more frequent rain increases, making it less reliable for sealcoating projects. Additionally, falling leaves can interfere with the sealcoating process, leading to imperfections in the finish. If you’re considering sealcoating in the fall, aim to schedule it before mid-October to ensure the best results.

Winter: Not an Option

Winter is simply not a viable time for parking lot sealcoating in Lansing, MI. The cold temperatures and frequent snow make it impossible for the sealant to cure properly. Additionally, plowing and de-icing chemicals can quickly damage a newly sealcoated surface.

If you missed the window for sealcoating during the warmer months, it’s best to wait until the following spring.

Your Next Steps

Depending on the time of year, you may be able to schedule sealcoating right away or might have to wait a few months for better weather. Regardless of your circumstances, it’s never too early to start planning ahead. For example, winter is a great opportunity to sit down and evaluate your budget for the upcoming year so you can determine how much to allocate to pavement maintenance. If it’s peak sealcoating season, however, we recommend getting on our schedule right away so you can ensure your pavement is protected ASAP.