Though asphalt is extremely durable and efficient, there are some things you need to consider to ensure it lasts. Appropriate drainage, quality product and efficient configuration are extremely important. The time of the year you choose for paving also contributes to the final product and how it will wear off. Scheduling asphalt paving or repair in the right season will extend the lifespan of your driveway. The curing process won't be plagued by extreme temperatures or other harsh weather conditions. In winters, the frozen grounds make paving extremely challenging. Air and surface temperatures of 70 Fahrenheit and above are best for asphalt paving. To decide the best for your driveway, consult paving contractors from Cedar Hill Paving Ltd. We have over 40 years of experience in both commercial and residential projects.
Why It Matters? To prepare roads, asphalt is first heated which turns into a sticky black liquid. It is mixed with a combination of gravel and sand. The mixed material is spread on a prepared groundwork and then compacted to finish the pavement. The roads are ready for traffic after the cooling process is over, which takes only a few hours. We keep the asphalt in a liquid state in our special heated trucks. The hot mixture is manufactured between 270-degrees F and 325-degrees F. In warm weather, it is easy to pour the mixture, spread and level it while it is still liquid. The asphalt needs to gradually cool and become hard. In colder months, the moment asphalt mixture leaves the truck, it thickens causing to uneven pour. It may start to harden before the job is finished. Moreover, if laid on frozen ground, the embedded aggregates can loosen and even break free from the binder. These factors will cause the paving to look jagged and damaged. It may need another installation or repair work sooner than expected. So, winters are never advised for such works. Temperature Factors Temperatures while constructing play a crucial role in deciding the durability of the finished paving. Pavement sealer cures best when it is warm throughout the day. You will need to give it at least a day to dry, and after that, it doesn’t matter what happens. The minimum ground temperature requirement for the preparation of the base layer is 5 degree Celsius. The upper layers need 10 degree Celsius. For the maximum working time of the liquid asphalt, at least 20 degree Celsius of air temperature gives the best results. This makes late spring and summer the perfect time for the driveway to be paved or repaired. Precipitation Considerations Precipitation while construction is also a major hurdle. Paving in light drizzle is alright but a significant amount of rains can cool the asphalt too quickly. It can also damage the base layers and break the asphalt formation. So, you should avoid rainy months for better construction. Cost Savings Extended daylight hours in summers will allow more work to be completed per shift. You will save more when the work gets over before. Moreover, the demand for pavement construction increases every year just before the winter months. The prices are also raised in response. Warranty Mostly, paving done in early winter months or done in shade are not covered under warranty. You can be assured of a warranty for works done in summers. Emergency Repairs If in the middle of winter your paving develops cracks, or you face a structural failure, you should repair it as soon as possible. The best solution would be a cold mix asphalt. It does not need to be kept hot. It is pliable even in the freezing weather. However, it can only get you through for a few months and you will need hot mix repair once the weather warms up. Your driveway or parking lot is a very important part of your home. It is only natural that you will want them to be completed as soon as possible. Due to the nature of asphalt, it is not the best solution always. Asphalt has a lifespan of almost 20 years and offers numerous advantages over concrete paving. Investing in it at the wrong time will only increase your troubles and cost. Contact us today or connect with us on social media to learn more about our residential and commercial asphalt paving services.