How to Make New Asphalt Paving Last Long? 5 Advantages

New Asphalt Paving: Asphalt pavements provide several benefits over other types of pavement surfaces. Asphalt is used to pave 94% of the roadways in the U.S., and it is not hard to see why.

Check out these advantages of installing an asphalt pavement:

• They are safe. Asphalt pavements provide excellent skid resistance and create a great contrast in color between the asphalt surface and road markings, allowing drivers to see the road clearly regardless of the weather conditions.
• They are smooth. Compared to other pavement types, asphalt pavements provide a more uniform surface.
• They are cost-effective. Smooth roads not only make driving safer, but they also save money due to the reduced wear and tear. Furthermore, asphalt pavements are cost-effective because they require only periodic maintenance to remain in good condition indefinitely.
• They are environmentally friendly. Asphalt is not only 100% recyclable material but also 20% more energy efficient than other paving materials in terms of production and construction.
• They are durable and have long lives.

If you are considering asphalt paving, you may want to consider the implications of how to properly care for it to get the most value out of your money. Another key consideration would be the right amount of time to wait before walking/driving on the pavement to avoid any potential early damage.

So when is the right time to start caring for your newly installed asphalt paving?

The day you get your asphalt pavement laid is the best time to start caring for it. If you are considering laying new pavement or resurfacing an old one, now is the time to consider how you will look after it to keep it looking as good as new in the future.

How long should you wait before walking or driving on your newly installed paving?

The surface of your new asphalt pavement is safe to walk on after 24 hours and safe to drive on after at least 72 hours — provided that the surface has been compacted. Keep in mind that heavy vehicles should be kept away from the new surface even after 72 hours since their weight can still cause damage to the freshly laid surface. Additionally, it is best to wait at least 14 days before parking your car on the pavement.

What are the consequences of failing to perform regular maintenance?

Even the best paving jobs will start developing cracks and potholes and degrade sooner than expected if they are not maintained well, increasing the likelihood of expensive repairs. It is important to properly care for your newly laid asphalt to ensure that it lasts as long as possible, as gas leaks, water percolation, oil leaks, and other environmental variables can cause it to deteriorate.

Assist the curing process.

Asphalt takes 6 to 12 months to cure fully — and during this period, it is more susceptible to damage.

The curing time of asphalt is partially determined by the weather and its thickness and mix type. Extreme temperatures can also slow down the drying time for your newly installed pavement, causing the surface to weaken before it can cure completely.

Sprinkling your pavement on hot days to cool the surface and harden it momentarily can help. The fluctuation in temperature causes asphalt to soften and harden.

It is also highly recommended to avoid scheduling asphalt installation or repairs when outside temperatures go above 100°F.

Drive slowly.

The slower you drive on a freshly laid pavement, the less likely it will form tire scuffing and power steering marks. Therefore, drivers should be encouraged to slow down and use caution when driving, as excessive speed can be disastrous for new pavement.

Keep your cool when driving on a freshly paved surface to minimize unwanted pavement damage. Additionally, if you have newly laid commercial asphalt pavement, it is recommended that traffic calming techniques be used in the area to avoid causing property damage or undue injury to drivers and pedestrians.

Conclusion

After investing in asphalt paving, you would want your pavement to look and perform exceptionally for an extended period. Asphalt is engineered to last for decades (about 25 years) — but how well you care for it significantly affects how long it will serve you.

For New Asphalt Paving contact us now.

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

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