What should you do in January and February?
Inspect after cold snaps and rain rather than trying to force a coating date. Photograph cracks, heave, potholes, wet edges, and failed patches. January lows around 30°F in the region support freeze-thaw movement around 32°F. Build the spring repair list and budget while the evidence is visible; defer liquid coating until product-compliant conditions return.
What should you do in March?
Measure the pavement, map cracks and structural failures, request repair alternatives, and watch pollen. Pine pollen commonly rises in late March and early April. A yellow film blocks adhesion, so a March quote should explain final cleaning and rescheduling if pollen settles after preparation. Patch planning can proceed even when coating should wait.
Is April a good month to sealcoat?
April begins the broad working season, but heavy pollen, cool nights, and rain can make individual dates poor. Wait until pavement is dry and temperatures will remain above the product minimum. Clean after the heaviest pollen fall when possible, then recheck immediately before application. Do not let a warm afternoon hide a 45°F overnight cure period.
Why are May and June strong planning months?
Warmer pavement and longer days can support cleaning and cure, while spring pollen usually eases. Thunderstorms and humidity still matter. Require at least the manufacturer's rain-free interval, commonly 24 hours or more, and control sprinklers. A shaded driveway or commercial north side can need more drying and vehicle closure than the sunny center lane.
Can pavement be too hot in July or August?
Yes. Some products and crews work efficiently in summer, but very hot pavement can make material dry too quickly, create lap marks, or complicate uniform application. Afternoon storms also arrive quickly. Ask for the product's upper range, surface—not only air—temperature, start time, hydration and safety plan, and a rain decision before each phase.
What changes in September?
September often offers warm pavement with a useful fall planning horizon. Complete larger commercial phases early enough for rain contingency, striping, and full reopening. Inspect cracks that may be opening as temperatures fall. Do not postpone a structurally necessary patch merely to keep a coating date; surface preservation follows repair readiness.
Is October too late for sealcoating?
Not automatically, but cooler nights shorten the margin. Check the full cure-period forecast, shade, dew, leaves, and the product minimum. October is also valuable for hot-pour crack treatment before winter freeze-thaw exposure, provided cracks are dry and temperatures meet the sealant rule. A deferred coating can wait until spring; open water paths deserve earlier attention.
What should happen in November and December?
Shift from coating to inspection, drainage cleanup, documentation, and emergency repair planning. Remove leaves from drains and low areas, track recurring wet spots, and protect hazards. Some crack or patch products may allow colder work, but use their instructions. Update the 3-year maintenance plan and schedule spring measurement before contractor calendars fill.
How long should traffic stay off in each season?
Published guidance commonly uses 24–48 hours for vehicles, with 72 hours possible in shade, humidity, cool weather, or thicker systems. Foot traffic may return sooner only when confirmed. Spring and fall nights can slow cure; summer humidity can as well. Put the actual reopening time, sharp-turn restriction, heavy-vehicle rule, and weather extension in writing.
