A freshly-installed asphalt driveway is a beautiful sight to behold. Its black, smooth surface shimmers in the sunlight, and its crisp edges stand out against greenery or other landscaping features. It’s also an important part of the home’s first impressions, so it’s a good idea to make sure that it looks great.
But how long do you have to wait before you can drive on a new asphalt driveway? If you want more information on this matter, we suggest you continue reading as we’re going to talk about this topic in today’s post.
How Long Should You Wait Before Driving On Your Driveway
Well, the answer depends largely on several factors, including climate, installation technique, and the type of asphalt mix used.
When installing an asphalt driveway, the climate is one of the biggest factors in determining how quickly it will be ready for use. Heat and dryness are essential for asphalt to cure properly and develop its strength. Generally, temperatures should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ideal temperature being 70-90 degrees. In cooler climates, it may take up to three weeks before the driveway is ready for light use.
The installation technique used also affects how soon you can drive on your new asphalt driveway. If the asphalt layer is too thin, it won’t be strong enough to handle the weight of vehicles. As a result, it’s important to hire an experienced contractor who uses proper installation techniques and materials.
And, the type of asphalt mix used will influence how quickly your driveway dries and cures. Hot mix asphalt contains more oil than cold mix and requires less time to cure. Asphalt mixes with a larger amount of stone are also more durable and will require less time to cure than those with smaller stones.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the heavier the vehicle, the longer you should wait before driving on it. For instance, if you have a large truck or RV, you may need to wait up to two weeks before driving it over your new asphalt driveway. This is because these heavier vehicles can cause more damage to the pavement and leave behind grooves or ruts.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to wait until the asphalt has completely cooled down before driving on it. This will reduce the risk of any damage being caused by tire friction. It also ensures that your vehicle won’t stick to the pavement when temperatures rise above 80ºF (27ºC).
What Can You Do While Waiting
During the waiting period, there are some important things that you can do to ensure that your driveway is ready for use.
First, make sure that the asphalt has cooled down completely before you drive on it. This can take up to two days after the initial pour. Additionally, if you haven’t done so already, compacting and rolling the new asphalt is essential in order to secure and flatten out any bumps or ridges that may have formed during the pouring process. Rolling and compacting also help ensure that the asphalt has properly adhered to the base layer.
Furthermore, it is generally recommended to keep foot traffic off of a newly-paved asphalt driveway for at least three days before allowing any sort of pedestrian activity on the surface. While this timeframe may seem long, it allows for the asphalt to properly cool and cure, setting it up for years of use.
The primary benefit of allowing an asphalt driveway to cure properly before you drive on it is that the asphalt will be less likely to become damaged or suffer from premature wear and tear. Allowing a newly-paved asphalt driveway to cool and settle allows for any excess water, cracks, potholes, or other imperfections to be addressed prior to use.
How A Professional Contractor Can Help You
It’s important to note that if you’re having an asphalt driveway professionally installed by a capable contractor like Luke’s Asphalt Paving in San Antonio, they should provide instructions on when it is safe to drive on the new surface as mentioned. So it’s always a good idea to follow their guidelines and wait until they give their approval before driving over your newly-installed asphalt driveway.
To conclude, in most cases, you should wait at least 24-48 hours before driving on a new asphalt driveway. However, in cooler climates and for heavier vehicles like trucks and RVs, it’s best to wait up to two weeks. It’s also important to make sure the asphalt has completely cooled down before driving on it. If you’re having a professional contractor install your asphalt driveway, remember to follow their guidelines and wait for their approval before driving. With the proper care and maintenance, your newly-installed asphalt driveway will last for many years to come.