Best Time Of Year To Pave Your Driveway
Andover paving company fills you in on the best time of year to pave your driveway.
Asphalt pavement is a popular and durable choice for just about any driveway. Not only is it durable enough to last for years with the proper maintenance, it is easy to install and can provide greater aesthetic value and curb appeal than a concrete driveway. Asphalt is also more weather-resistant than concrete driveways, especially in colder regions where it can easily contract and expand without incurring too much damage.
As durable and versatile as asphalt can be, there are some things to consider if you really want it to last, not the least of which is knowing when to pave a new asphalt driveway. Yes, construction crews can be seen paving roads, parking lots and driveways throughout the year, but there is definitely a right time and a wrong time of the year to install a new asphalt driveway.
When to Pave Your Asphalt Driveway
The best temperature for paving asphalt is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, that would make the late spring or early summer the best time of year for a new driveway, but that will vary depending on where you live. The temperature will get closer to 70 degrees earlier in the year for the warmer southern states, while those in cooler regions might have to wait for the summer. These temperature guidelines hold true whether you are installing a new driveway or overlaying Hot Mix Asphalt on an existing surface.
If you are working with Hot Mix Asphalt, you can certainly pave your driveway in cooler temperatures, but you will have a limited timeframe. Temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees aren’t ideal for laying asphalt, but it is possible. Consult with a contractor if you must pave your driveway in these temperatures.
Other Things to Consider
Temperature is important when laying asphalt, but the depth of your driveway is just as crucial. A surface coat of 1 1/2 to 2 inches is usually enough for most driveways. It’s also very easy to achieve that depth with Hot Mix Asphalt.
Installing a new driveway or completely replacing an existing driveway will obviously require a little more work. Ideally, you should have 6 inches of gravel compacted in 3 inch lifts for a sub base, 3 inches of new asphalt, 1.5 inches of 3/4 inch binder topped off with the aforementioned surface coat.
It’s also important that an asphalt driveway undergo regular maintenance throughout its lifespan. It should be sealed at least every few years, and any cracks you see should be patched up as soon as possible. Asphalt won’t crack as easily as concrete, but no surface is indestructible.
Finally, never hesitate to call a contractor if you don’t know exactly what to do when paving your driveway. Laying a new asphalt driveway is a big undertaking, and while Hot Mix Asphalt does make the job easier than it has in the past there are always things that can go wrong. If you want to make sure that your new driveway is installed safely and correctly, take the time to find a good contractor in your area.