Blog

How Long Do You Have To Keep Off Of A New Asphalt Driveway

Although asphalt is renowned for its durability, you should know a few things before installing a new asphalt driveway. Why is it important to keep off the brand-new asphalt driveway?

Asphalt is a durable material that can endure daily use. However, it’s essential to allow the new asphalt time to cure before putting any strain on it. The surface may be damaged if you walk or drive on it too soon, resulting in long-term issues. How long to stay off new asphalt driveway?

In most cases, you should avoid walking or driving on freshly laid asphalt for at least 24 hours. It allows the substance to cure and harden. After 24 hours, you may walk on the new pavement; however, be cautious not to damage it.

These are the few things you can do to prevent harming fresh asphalt:

  1. Avoid walking or driving on the new asphalt for at least 24 hours.
  2. If you must drive on fresh asphalt, wait at least 48 hours and drive cautiously if necessary. Make gradual stops and turns to minimize the risk of accident and asphalt damage.
  3. Stay in the middle of the lane to spread weight equally while driving.
  4. Don’t drop anything heavy on new asphalt until the surface has hardened.
  5. On new asphalt, avoid parking in the same location for extended periods. The asphalt may sink and fracture as a result of doing so.
  6. Avoid high heels or patterned shoes when walking on fresh asphalt; they can leave marks and ruin the smooth surface.
  7. Place a piece of cardboard or plywood beneath any heavy things you’ll have to carry across the street.
  8. New asphalt should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or cleansers. These may harm the surface.
  9. When using power or pressure washers, be cautious. The high-pressure water may harm the asphalt.

How To Distinguish Dry From Cured Asphalt Driveways?

It’s important to know the differences between dry and cured asphalt. Newly laid asphalt that has not had time to set or cure is known as dry asphalt. Curing is the process of hardening and solidifying a still-wet asphalt surface.

The new asphalt driveway is extremely susceptible to damage throughout the first few months. When a new driveway is constructed, it is prone to rutting, potholes, and other types of damage. The asphalt’s oils haven’t yet been fully cured, and the aggregate is still loose.

It takes roughly six months for the new asphalt to fully cure. Your new asphalt driveway will be more durable after the six-month curing period, and it will be able to withstand more wear and strain. However, it is still important to maintain new asphalt paving.

What to Expect When Your Asphalt Driveway Is Paved

When you have asphalt driveway paving, it will endure for many years if properly cared for and maintained. However, there are some things to keep in mind to preserve for as long as possible.

When you have an asphalt driveway paved, here are some things to anticipate:

Asphalt driveways are very long-lasting, but they aren’t indestructible. Sealing your driveway every few years is critical to keep it looking new. When applied, seal coating offers long-lasting protection to the asphalt. It protects the surface against weather damage and other forms of wear and tear.

Additionally, getting any holes or cracks fixed immediately as soon as you notice them is necessary. These can shorten the lifespan of your driveway and cause additional damage if they are not fixed.

It is also essential to regularly clear leaves and other debris off your driveway. Cleaning once a month or more frequently prevents the formation of organic matter, which can cause fractures and gaps.

With appropriate care and maintenance, your asphalt driveway will provide you with many years of trouble-free.

Conclusion

Asphalt is a hard, long-lasting material, but it takes time to cure before it can support a lot of weight or traffic. For optimum results, walk or drive on new asphalt for at least 24 hours after application. If you must drive on freshly paved asphalt, allow at least 48 hours to pass. Take precautions to avoid damaging the surface if you can’t prevent using it. Following these rules may help ensure that your new asphalt driveway lasts for many years.

You can never go wrong getting expert assistance; for almost 50 years, Luke’s Asphalt Paving has been a respected paving company in the Spring Branch, Texas, region. We offer asphalt paving, seal coating, and other asphalt paving maintenance services.

For all of your asphalt paving needs, contact Luke’s Asphalt Paving in Spring Branch, Texas! Visit our website or give us a call today for a free estimate!