The Luxury of a Paved Surface

An asphalt driveway can last for many years and not need a lot of repairs, but the longevity of the asphalt hinges on proper installation. One thing that's required is the right weather conditions. Here's a look at the ideal conditions for asphalt paving and the best times of the year to have a driveway installed or resurfaced.

Warm Weather Is Ideal For Asphalt Paving

Asphalt cools off too fast in cold weather, and that can affect the look and structure of your driveway. It's best to have the asphalt put down in warm weather so the asphalt stays more pliable until it's installed and leveled. It's important for the air to be warm enough, and it's also important for the ground to be warmed up.

Your contractor may schedule your driveway work after the ground thaws and when the weather starts to turn warm. This could be from late spring through the summer months, depending on where you live. It may also be possible to have your driveway installed in the fall before the first ground freeze.

Dry Conditions Are Better For Asphalt Installation

If it's raining the day your driveway installation is scheduled, the contractor may delay the work or schedule for another day. Humidity doesn't affect the work, although it may take the asphalt longer to cure when the humidity is high. However, rain can affect hot asphalt since asphalt contains oil, and water and oil don't mix.

Working in the rain could cause early cracking and pothole formation once the asphalt cures. Your contractor may even postpone the work if the rain is over but the ground is still wet. Having dry conditions is important for good structural support for your driveway. Although rain delays might be frustrating, working in dry weather is important for the longevity of your driveway.

Warmer Nights Could Mean Faster Curing

Summer is an ideal time for paving a driveway because the daylight lasts longer and allows for a longer workday and because the warmer nights help the driveway cure faster. Temperature and moisture affect the installation of a driveway, and they also affect how fast the asphalt cures. Warm and dry conditions are perfect for asphalt paving and for drying the asphalt.

The faster the asphalt cures, the sooner you can use your driveway. No matter when you have your driveway put in, the asphalt paving contractor will consider the temperature during the day and night as well as humidity when determining how soon you can use your new driveway.

Talk to a paving contractor for more information about asphalt paving.