How Long Should I Stay Off My New Asphalt Driveway?

Asphalt driveways are known for their durability, but here’s some important basic knowledge about having a freshly installed asphalt driveway.

Why is it important to stay off the new asphalt driveway?

Asphalt is a material that is made to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, it is important to give new asphalt time to cure before putting any stress on it. Walking or driving on fresh asphalt too soon can damage the surface and lead to long-term problems. So how long should you stay off the new asphalt driveway?

Generally, you should avoid walking or driving on new asphalt for at least 24 hours. It gives the material time to cure and harden. After 24 hours, you can walk on fresh asphalt, but take care not to damage the surface.

Ways To Avoid Damaging New Asphalt

1. Avoid walking or driving on the new asphalt for at least 24 hours.

2. If you must drive on new asphalt, wait at least 48 hours and drive carefully. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns.

3. When driving, stay in the center of the lane to distribute weight evenly.

4. Be careful not to drop anything heavy on new asphalt.

5. Do not park in the same spot on new asphalt for extended periods of time. It can cause the asphalt to sink and crack.

6. If you must walk on fresh asphalt, avoid high heels or patterned shoes that could damage the surface.

7. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on new asphalt. These can damage the surface.

8. Be careful when using power washers or pressure cleaners. The high-pressure water can damage the asphalt

Asphalt Edging

Asphalt edging is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of asphalt surfaces, particularly roads, driveways, and parking lots. It refers to the process of securing the edges of asphalt pavement to enhance its durability, aesthetics, and functionality. This method involves using materials such as concrete, steel, additional asphalt or landscaping to create a defined boundary around the asphalt surface.

Why is Asphalt Edging Important?

1.Structural Stability

Asphalt is flexible but can begin to crack and pull away from its base if not properly contained. Edging helps maintain the shape of the asphalt, preventing erosion and subsidence. 

2.Aesthetic Appeal

Asphalt edging can enhance the appearance of driveways, parking lots, and pathways. Edging Creates a clean and professional look, improving property value and curb appeal.

3.Longevity

Proper edging extends the life of the asphalt surface. It reduces the risk of cracks and separation that can lead to costly repairs. With good edging, the pavement can last many years longer than it would otherwise.

4.Drainage Control

A well defined edge helps manage water runoff and diverts it away from the asphalt surface. This minimizes the risk of water pooling, which can contribute to damage and deterioration.

5.Safety

Edging provides a clear boundary that can enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles. It minimizes the chances of accidents by clearly separating paved surfaces from adjacent areas.

6.Cost-Effectiveness

While there is an initial investment in installing asphalt edging, the long-term savings on maintenance and repairs can be significant. Preventative measures often outweigh the cost of dealing with extensive repairs down the line.

Asphalt edging is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of asphalt installation and maintenance. It provides structural integrity, aesthetic benefits, and safety while promoting longevity and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're considering new paving or looking to maintain your current surfaces, investing in proper asphalt edging can lead to a more durable and visually appealing outcome. By understanding the importance of asphalt edging, property owners and managers can make informed decisions that will pay off in the long run.

Asphalt Maintenance Throughout The Year

Shield your investment and preserve your paved surface by maintaining throughout the year. An asphalt driveway or parking lot doesn't stay pristine forever. Stains, cracks and potholes can all make an asphalt surface look run-down and structurally compromise the asphalt maintenance.

Spring Asphalt Maintenance

With temperature fluctuations, consider planning your asphalt maintenance for spring. Spring is a great time to inspect your asphalt for damage that might be leftover from winter. This is when you can call Titan Pavement for your free estimate, to come note all cracks, potholes, or standing water.

Summer Asphalt Maintenance

Summer is the best time for:

• Resurfacing                              

• Crackfilling

• Pothole Repairs

• Sealcoating

• Asphalt Replacing

• Line Striping

In the summertime, the hot sun can fade your asphalt from that fresh black to a dull grey over time. Asphalt Sealcoating can help prevent this type of UV damage. Book your sealcoating services with Titan pavement as soon as possible.

Fall Asphalt Maintenance

As temperatures are starting to cool, you'll want to finish any asphalt maintenance before winter sits in. The freeze-thaw cycle can worsen any existing damage. Sealcoating can help protect your asphalt surface from moisture damage throughout the winter months. Scheduling always fills up so do this in the spring to summer months.

Don't wait until it's too late to maintain your asphalt surfaces!

Winter Asphalt Maintenance

Winter weather doesn't allow asphalt maintenance like sealcoating or laying hot asphalt, but shielding the surface still continues. We highly recommend a de-icer instead of a rock salt in the winter months. Rock salt can trap water, freeze and expand creating cracks, shorten lifespan, fade color, ruin grass and have effects on environment and wildlife.

Request a complimentary estimate with titan Pavement, we are ready to help make your yearly maintenance as easy as possible!

Sealcoating Protects

Just like UV rays cause sunburns, they can also cause damage and weaken the chemical bonds in your asphalt driveway. Sealcoating is the best way to shield your pavement, protecting longevity. Asphalt sealcoating protects your driveway by

• Retaining moisture so asphalt doesn't deteriorate

• Blocking UV rays that fade asphalt

• Blocking automobile fluids that soften asphalt

• Restoring the rich black color of asphalt

• Filling small voids to help pavement look even

High Temperatures

Asphalt can reach temperatures up to 143 degrees, asphalt retains heat, which only gets worse as temperatures and sun exposure increases. Adding a protective layer is necessary. Titan Pavement provides just the service you need!

Faded Color

Asphalt sealcoating restores that rich black color your driveway had when it was new. Just like UV rays can fade the paint on a house, it can also fade your driveway. Faded asphalt can affect more than just appearance. This can also start to weaken and deteriorate your driveway. 

Oxidation

Imagine a peeled apple sitting on your kitchen counter. Over time, the apple turns brown the longer it's exposed to oxygen. This process is called oxidation. Just like how an apple starts to break down once exposed to the air, so does your asphalt driveway. The older your driveway, the more stiff and brittle the pavement. But you can slow the damaging effects of oxidation through sealcoating 

Shield and protect today! Call Titan Pavement!

White Stains on Freshly Sealed Asphalt

It is not uncommon to see white stains on a freshly sealed driveway or parking lot. These stains come from natural compounds found in water, gravel and soil. Mineral salts can dry on the surface from water and calcium carbonate is common in soil and gravel. These compounds sit on the surface of the asphalt or get pumped through the cracks of the asphalt, causing them to be more noticeable on the fresh black seal.

Be patient, the stains are unavoidable however will wash away in time.