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It is best to wait at least 24 hours before driving on the new surface. We often advise that you wait longer during hot weather. Following installation, be sure to follow a regular preventative maintenance plan, including sealcoating and crack filling, to keep your asphalt looking its best.
What happens if you drive on asphalt too soon?
DO NOT Drive on Fresh Asphalt for at Least 24 Hours If you drive on freshly laid asphalt too soon you could cause ruts and dips to appear. Ruts and dips will hold water and debris which will cause additional damage to your asphalt.
How long should you wait to park on new asphalt driveway?
1. Wait at least 3 full days before allowing traffic on the new asphalt. Since asphalt needs time to harden and cure, usually 6-12 months, your parking lot or driveway will remain soft and pliable until then.
Is it OK to rain on new asphalt?
In general, asphalt cannot be installed when it is raining. When rain comes into contact with fresh asphalt, it causes the oil to rise to the surface which can affect the curing time and the finished product. If asphalt is paved while it’s raining, it can reduce the overall quality of the asphalt.
How soon after asphalt is laid should it be sealed?
After laying asphalt, you should wait at least 30 days before sealing your commercial parking lot. For residential parking lots, it is best to wait 90 days. Otherwise, you risk sealing your new asphalt before it is hard enough to withstand elements like power steering.
How long does it take for asphalt to dry after rain?
While your driveway may be dry a day after paving, it still needs some time to cure. Typically, you want to keep the pavement dry for at least two days, minimally, so make sure that rain isn’t going to be an issue before you start your driveway paving in this situation.
Why is my new asphalt driveway not smooth?
If your asphalt isn’t smooth and there are loose rocks scattered over the surface, or if you can kick loose small bits of asphalt or aggregate, it’s very likely your pavement wasn’t compacted properly. Asphalt compaction is extremely important because it removes the air from your asphalt.
What temperature does asphalt cure?
Asphalt starts to cure once it cools, typically at about 220 degrees Fahrenheit; once it reaches 185 degrees, asphalt becomes too stiff and dense for proper compaction.
Does asphalt cure in cold weather?
The Ideal Temp for Asphalt Installation During installation, cold temperatures can prevent asphalt from properly binding which causes raveling. Extreme heat can cause new asphalt to melt, slough, bruise and won’t allow asphalt to properly cure. Both extreme cold and extreme heat make for a poor asphalt installation.
Why do they put sand on new asphalt?
Asphalt cement is the binder, or glue, that holds together the sand and stones that make up a blacktop drive, road or parking lot. The stones and sand in blacktop are immune to UV damage from the sun.
How long do you have to stay off fresh asphalt?
Normally, 24-hours is all that is required to use your new asphalt surface. In very warm weather, we recommend staying off the fresh asphalt for 1 – 2 days, as the surface cools.
Should you water fresh asphalt?
Even when cured, asphalt can sometimes soften in extremely hot weather and harden as temperatures fall. To temporarily harden hot asphalt, you can water it down with a garden hose. Do not be alarmed if soapsuds appear. Large, heavy vehicles can depress your new asphalt and create ruts in your new blacktop.
Should you seal new asphalt driveway?
For starters, never seal a new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs a minimum of six months for the oils in it to evaporate. If you apply driveway sealer before your asphalt has time to cure, it won’t achieve the necessary hardness and all your work will be for naught.
How often should asphalt driveway be sealed?
Asphalt driveways should be resealed about once every three years to maintain their appearance and protect them from cracks and oil damage. As with concrete, finish the repairs, allow time for curing and clean before sealing. Asphalt sealer comes in 5-gallon drums that sell from about $8 to $20.
How do you take care of a new asphalt driveway?
To get the most life and best appearance from an asphalt driveway, clean the driveway at least twice a year. Use a stiff broom and strong hose spray to remove all dirt and debris. Seal-coat the asphalt every two to five years to ensure an attractive, water-resistant surface.
How do you keep asphalt from sticking to tamper?
You can also use a 6 by 6 or 4 by 4 piece of wood and just tamp the patch by hand or just use a vibrating plate which is the easiest method. Note: If the cold patch sticks to your tamper use and old oiled up rag and it will keep the Asphalt off.
Should a new driveway has puddles?
Asphalt is a very hard and dense material, once it has set. Prior to curing and setting, it is very soft. If you don’t allow it to harden completely and use it before it does so, then, you can guarantee you will have puddles on your brand-new driveway.
