Asphalt pavement is a reliable and long-lasting option for almost every driveway. It is durable with proper maintenance, is also simple to install, and provides a better visual appeal and aesthetic value than a concrete surface.
Temperature is one of the most critical elements to consider when laying a new asphalt driveway. As a result, it is usually a good idea to plan a new installation once the weather allows. Because of the cooler temperatures, the workforce has a more petite time frame to work, compress, and surface the asphalt. The material must be hot, or the result would be an irregular, lumpy, and uneven driveway.
However, the climate may not be the only consideration. Read on to find out.
When Should You Pave Your Asphalt Driveway?
The ideal temperature for asphalt paving is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, late spring or early summer is the best time of year to install a new driveway, but this will vary based on where you live.
The warmer southern states will get closer to 70 degrees sooner, whereas those cooler regions may have to wait until summer. These temperature parameters apply whether you create a new driveway or lay HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) Mixtures over an existing surface.
You can undoubtedly pave your road in milder temps if you use Hot Mix Asphalt, but there will be a restricted duration. Temperatures around 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t optimal for paving with asphalt, but it is still achievable. If you wish to pave the driveway in these temps, consult with an asphalt paving contractor.
Why is warmer weather suitable for installing Asphalt Pavement?
Ground and air temperature determine the ideal time to install a new asphalt pavement. The more the HMA mixture is allowed to cool, the better will be the results.
Hot mix asphalt is heated and melted at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, lower temperatures might accelerate the cooling process. If the asphalt cools too soon, it may become rough or uneven and can affect the aesthetic appeal while compromising the durability of your new asphalt pavement.
Why is Sealcoating and Maintenance Important?
The early fall months are ideal for preparing your current asphalt pavement for the winter coming. If you have cracks in your asphalt, you should have them repaired before winter arrives. Even slight gaps will wick moisture to permeate and pool beneath the driveway’s surface.
As the temperature falls, the water freezes and expands, leading the crack to widen and more water to gather. It might repeatedly happen during the winter, causing considerable damage to your pavement.
Sealing cracks before temps drop will dramatically improve the life of your asphalt pavement. The cracks must be carefully cleaned and filled with a suitable asphalt mixture to avoid water penetration.
Seal-coating might also be done before the colder weather arrives. It will aid in preventing moisture infiltration, which results in freeze damage throughout the winter months. Freeze damage will manifest itself as cracks in your asphalt in the spring.
Seal-coating will substantially improve the aesthetic and curb appeal of your driveway, as well as maintain its structure and prolong the longevity of your asphalt pavement.
Other Factors
When putting asphalt, the temperature is vital, but so are the dimensions of your driveway. A surface application of 1 1/2 to 2 inches is generally adequate for most driveways. That depth is also quite simple to create with Hot Mix Asphalt.
Setting up a new driveway or replacing an old driveway will necessitate a little more effort. For a sub-base, you must have 6 inches of gravel compressed in the 3-inch lift, 3 inches of a fresh hot mix of asphalt, 1.5 inches of 3/4 inch binder, and the surface layer as mentioned above.
Asphalt Pavement Contractor in Palm Beach County
If you want a new Asphalt Pavement or want the older one repaired or replaced in your driveway but are looking for an expert Asphalt Pavement Contractor in the vicinity of Palm Beach County, Sunshine Services Unlimited is what you were maybe looking for.
Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc. is a West Palm Beach-based asphalt paving firm that serves business owners and homes in Palm Beach and Broward County. They are experts in asphalt pavement construction, maintenance, repairs, and asphalt seal coating.
For a consultation on your paving plans, you can dial (561) 375-2603.
Or visit the website https://www.sunshineservices.us/ for further information.