If you are considering about installing new asphalt for your home or place of business, you may be curious about how soon it can get wet. Here is a brief summary of the information that you need.
Paving with Asphalt
Bitumen and aggregate (which might include crushed stone, gravel, sand, and other similar materials) are the two primary components of asphalt (a sticky black substance that binds the aggregate together). Heating the aggregate and the bitumen to the point where they become liquid allows for the production of new asphalt. They come together to form a solid surface once they’ve cooled down and become more solid.
However, fresh asphalt is still susceptible to damage from the weather. Because of this, it is essential to cure it properly before exposing it to the elements (rain or snow, specifically). Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, the drying process could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Despite this, it is still wise to prepare for the possibility of heavy snow or rain by taking precautions. When it comes to new asphalt surfaces, it is best to keep vehicles off of them for at least 48 hours after a storm has passed.
Effects of Rain or Snow on a Fresh Asphalt Driveway
A fresh asphalt driveway is a great way to add lasting value and curb appeal to your home. But since asphalt is made up of two-thirds bitumen, it’s vulnerable to rain and snow effects. Here are three ways that precipitation can damage your new driveway:
- Damage from Ice: When temperatures drop, and the temperature of your asphalt surface reaches a freezing point, the bitumen in the mix will expand. Creating pockets and cracks in the asphalt, known as “alligatoring” or “crocodiling” because of their scaly appearance. Ice can also cause potholes, which, if left untreated, can lead to large chunks of asphalt breaking away from the road’s surface. It can result in costly repairs further down the road.
- Uneven Surface of the Asphalt Driveway: If vehicles are allowed to drive on a newly surfaced asphalt driveway before it has completely cured, the surface can develop sections that are flatter than other parts of the driveway. It leaves behind an uneven surface with high and low sections, leading to dips and bumps that, when driven over, have the ability to fling you all over the place.
- Accelerated Deterioration: If your driveway isn’t cured fully before inclement weather sets in, it can accelerate its deterioration. Rainwater seeps into pores on the surface of an uncured driveway, leading to cracking and crumbling of the pavement due to expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature during thawing and freezing cycles throughout winter months.
It’s important to follow all curing instructions given by your contractor when laying fresh asphalt so that these issues don’t trouble your new pavement prematurely!
Asphalt Drying and Curing Time
The asphalt drying and curing process is a critical part of any job involving asphalt paving. In order for the asphalt to reach its full strength, it must be properly dried and cured.
When it comes to asphalt drying and curing time, patience is a virtue. The process begins when the asphalt paver first lays down the mix of bitumen and stones. Once this is done, the bitumen must be allowed to cool down completely until it forms a solid surface. Depending on weather conditions like temperature and precipitation, this could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, it’s important that no vehicles are driven over it so as not to disrupt the curing process.
Once fully cooled and cured, the asphalt should be ready for use, but even then, your freshly- paved driveway won’t reach its full load-bearing capacity for at least 90 days after curing has been completed. But with proper care and maintenance, your fresh asphalt will look great for years to come!
Working with JR Paving & Construction Co., Inc.
No need to look any further than JR Paving & Construction Co., Inc. if you are in the market for a construction company that is both knowledgeable and reliable and has a proven track record of success. We have over five decades of experience in the industry, and our areas of expertise include asphalt paving as well as additional services, including site grading, stormwater management, and concrete work.
Our experienced paving contractors have the knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality service for every job we take on. No project is too big or too small for our team! All of our work follows industry best practices and meets all relevant regulations. Plus, we use top-tier materials so that your asphalt paving projects will last longer and be more resistant to weathering. Contact us today to get started!
