As a seal coat supply company in , we understand the importance of knowing how to store asphalt sealer during the winter.
Proper storage ensures your leftover blacktop sealer lasts until your next job and remains effective.
Cold temperatures can compromise your sealer, so it’s essential to take the necessary precautions.
Continue reading to learn the best practices for storing asphalt sealer during the winter months.
How to store during the winter:
- Store asphalt sealer at a minimum temperature of 45-50 degrees.
- Thoroughly mix asphalt sealer before applying.
- Keep unused drums tightly closed.
- Watch for bacterial spoilage (bulging containers).
Why is it important to properly store asphalt sealer?
Your business depends on having enough parking lot and driveway sealer to meet demand from your customers.
As a result, it’s important that you know how to properly store asphalt sealer so it can survive the winter and be used during the next sealcoating season.
We understand that having to dispose of unused blacktop sealer is costly, which is why we want to help you save what you can for the upcoming season.
Can I still use frozen asphalt sealer?
No, you will not be able to use asphalt sealer once it’s frozen.
When asphalt sealcoating products are exposed to freezing temperatures, they lose the ability to bond properly to the surface of pavement.
Properly dispose of any sealer that has frozen over winter.
Store Asphalt Sealer at a Minimum Temperature of 45-50 Degrees
Let’s be honest. Many Michiganders consider 40 degrees downright “tropical” in the middle of winter.
Unfortunately, your asphalt sealcoating products won’t agree.
For the best results and to prevent spoilage, it’s important that you store any leftover sealer in a heated warehouse kept between a minimum of 45 and 50 degrees.
ven the best driveway sealer won’t work properly if it’s exposed to freezing temperatures.
Make sure your parking lot and driveway sealer is never given the opportunity to freeze.
Thoroughly Mix Asphalt Sealer Before Applying
Any unused will need to be thoroughly mixed before it can be applied to the surface of pavement.
Emulsion sealers will start to separate in as little as 3 hours and will need stirring before they can be applied.
You may also need to add water to any opened asphalt sealer to combat the effects of evaporation.
Keep Unused Drums Tightly Closed
If you purchased 55-gallon drums of asphalt sealer that are unopened, keep them tightly closed until you’re ready to use them.
Once you open the drums, be ready to re-mix the sealer as it will have settled or separated while in storage.
Watch for Bacterial Spoilage (Bulging Containers)
Keep an eye on your drums of asphalt-based sealer over the winter for bulging.
Bulging containers indicate bacterial spoilage. Bacterial spoilage breaks down the asphalt and destroys the sealer.
If you see bulging containers of asphalt sealer, handle them with utmost care.
We’re proud to offer asphalt sealcoating products to contractors in and surrounding areas.
Spring and summer aren’t that far away!
To request a quote for any of our asphalt sealcoating products before the spring rush, call B&E Seal Coat Products Inc. at (616) 608-6169.
