Whether you are replacing your driveway or installing a new parking lot for your business, asphalt paving is a big investment. As a result, most homeowners and business owners want to make sure they receive quality service by scheduling their paving job for the right season. When is the best time of year for asphalt paving, and does temperature make a difference?
The Best Time of Year for Paving Projects
Keep in mind that seasons are subjective depending on where you live. The issue is not as much the time of year as it is the climate of any given season. For instance, in southern states, winters tend to be milder and warmer in temperature, so “winter” is not so different from “spring” in other states.
That said, for states that follow a standard “four-season” year, spring and summer typically provide the best conditions for paving asphalt. Why? Well, it mostly has to do with the temperature. When the temperature is too cold, the asphalt cools too quickly and becomes brittle, cracking extremely easily. However, when the weather is too hot, it tends to take the asphalt a long time to cure, as the heat keeps it soft and moldable.
When it’s all said and done, the perfect temperature for paving asphalt typically falls between 70-80 degrees. However, the task can be performed down to 50 degrees as long as other weather factors allow. Wind, rain, and ice all contribute to the situation as well.
What About Small Paving Repairs?
Fortunately, even the cold winter months allow for small repairs. In fact, winter maintenance of your driveway and curbs is encouraged, as the dry, cold air often results in cracks and crumbling. If you notice small cracks or holes in your driveway, we recommend filling them with a durable cold-mix asphalt. If you have time to do so before the freezing weather sets in, we also recommend that you sealcoat your driveway.
Sealcoating protects your asphalt from harsh elements such as ice, rain, sleet, and sun. In the summer, it even provides a protective barrier between your driveway and the sun.
Of course, if you experience major damage to your driveway, parking lot, or sidewalk during the winter, call a professional. A professional asphalt paving company knows exactly which products to use to keep your driveway healthy and functioning.
Additional Winter Asphalt Maintenance Tips
Additionally, keep the following tips in mind to protect your asphalt throughout the cold weather months.
- Remove snow and ice as quickly as possible to prevent your driveway from cracking.
- Avoid using large amounts of salt on your driveway, as it can cause long-term damage to the asphalt. Instead, choose a safe de-icing method.
- As already mentioned, sealcoat ahead of time if possible to provide a protective barrier.
- Keep an eye on your curbs throughout the winter, and deal with crumbling as soon as possible.
Have More Questions?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and sealcoating asphalt. We are located in Osceola IN and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart IN. If you have any further questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to call us today.
