Of all the popular building materials across the country, none cover our roads, sidewalks, and driveways more than asphalt. It’s easy to see why, asphalt is versatile, affordable, durable, and easy to repair. Asphalt doesn’t last forever. At some point in your asphalt driveway’s life, you will need to have your asphalt torn up and replaced. After you get your new asphalt installed in your driveway or sidewalk you will need to pay attention to it and make sure you don’t put it under any pressure that will mess it up moving forward.
So, when you have new asphalt installed, what should you know about driving on it? Can you drive on new asphalt immediately or should you wait? Let’s learn more about what you should know about driving and your new asphalt.
Drivers Should Know These Asphalt Paving Facts
Timeframes for Asphalt
You can’t drive on your new asphalt until it’s ready for your vehicle. Getting on a new asphalt job too early with your vehicle could damage the new asphalt and leave gouges and trenches. Asphalt’s set time is dependent on several factors such as thickness, and the outside weather. For most jobs, your asphalt will be set within two to three days but can take longer depending on your situation.
When Driving is Okay
You shouldn’t be driving a vehicle on a new asphalt driveway until at least 48 hours after it has been poured. At this point, you may be able to operate your vehicle on your new asphalt but you must be careful turning your tires on new asphalt, especially if your vehicle is stationery. For the first week aim to drive straight over your new asphalt with as little steering wheel movement as possible.
Listening to Your Asphalt Contractor
To cut down on confusion its best to listen to your asphalt contractor about driving on new asphalt. Your asphalt contractor knows what type of asphalt was used, how thick it was laid on, and how the new asphalt will respond to outside conditions. They may not give you exact numbers, but they will know more about driving on your new asphalt better than anybody else.
So, to take care of your new asphalt job, you need to know when you can drive a vehicle on it. This timeframe is around two to four days but to get the most accurate timeframe, talk to your asphalt contractor during the job.