You finally bit the bullet and invested in a new driveway. It had to be done. Your old pavement had so many lines and cracks that it looked like the shell of an armadillo!
Needless to say, you’re thrilled about your newly paved driveway. And now that it’s looking sleek and smooth, you can’t wait to use it. But not so fast!
Did you know that new asphalt can actually take up to 72 hours to fully dry? The exact amount of time will depend on outdoor conditions, including temperature and humidity, but 72 hours is the industry’s standard estimate.
During this drying period, it’s vital that you avoid walking or driving on your new asphalt as much as possible. Park your vehicle on the street and plan an alternative pathway to your front door.
Then, once your pavement is fully dry, you’re still not 100% in the clear. There’s an additional curing process that can take up to a full year.
While it’s curing, your pavement will be particularly vulnerable to environmental damage. So, while you can drive, park, and walk on top of your newly paved driveway, you should take extra steps to protect it. Make sure you avoid parking your car in the same place repeatedly or setting heavy equipment on it, as the asphalt may easily warp and dent before it’s completely cured.
We know it sounds annoying to treat your driveway with kid gloves for an entire year, but trust us—you’ll be happy with the longevity you get from your driveway when you follow proper maintenance procedures early on.
Have any questions about asphalt upkeep, repairs, or new paving? Call United Asphalt Paving in Fort Worth today!