What Should You Do (and What Shouldn’t You Do) After an Asphalt Paving Project?

An asphalt paving project is a big investment—one that many people do not make, and those who do only make it a few times in their lives. This means that proper asphalt pavement care right after installation is not exactly common knowledge.

Well-installed asphalt pavement can completely transform the aesthetic of your home or business. And you would surely want to do everything you can to keep that aesthetic for as long as possible.

As you might expect, there are a few things you should and should not do right after an asphalt paving project to keep your recently paved driveway or parking lot in excellent shape for years to come.

What You Should Do

• Do let it settle: The asphalt mixture contains a high oil content to ensure a longer-lasting formula. This means that the cure time for asphalt—or the amount of time it takes for the extremely vulnerable asphalt surface to harden into a smooth, durable surface—is slightly longer. For that reason, wait at least 24 hours for the fresh asphalt surface to fully set and cure before driving on it. Wait a little longer if it is hot outside.
• Do drive carefully: As previously stated, fresh asphalt is extremely vulnerable and can damage very quickly. So, for the first few months after the asphalt paving, be sure that your vehicle’s wheels are rolling on the surface before turning the steering wheel. Also, after driving at highway speeds, come to a slow stop and park your vehicle in a straight line. These steps will keep the tires from sinking into the freshly paved asphalt surface and potentially leave tire marks and scuffs.
• Do keep up with regular cleaning: Following up with simple, periodic cleaning can go a long way toward extending the life of your asphalt paving and allow you to get the most out of your investment. As part of your regular cleaning, make sure you remove water and debris from the pavement and clean any oil spills and fluid leaks from vehicles as soon as you notice them.

What You Should Not Do in Asphalt Paving

• Do not park in the same spot: If you park your vehicle in the same spot every time, you risk leaving dips and depressions in spots that are still curing. So you should avoid doing that. If your vehicle has to be parked in one place and not moved for several days on end, place a pad underneath the wheels to protect the freshly paved asphalt surface.
• Do not be too quick to seal coat the surface: Do not seal coat your freshly paved asphalt paving surface for at least one full year, as the chemicals used in sealants can lead to cracking or wearing of your pavement. Hire a reputable asphalt paving contractor to seal coat your driveway or parking lot every 2 to 3 years, and patch or fill any cracks or holes every year.

So there you have it: a few things you can do (and avoid) to ensure the longevity of your asphalt paving surface after it has been paved.

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Commonwealth Paving, 136 Outerloop, Louisville, Kentucky 40214
Phone: 502-459-7283, Fax: 502-456-2678

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