Knowing how long asphalt takes to dry, you’ll see whether it’s safe to park, stroll, or drive on the new asphalt parking lot and what kind of performance you can anticipate from it for many years to come. So the question is, how long does asphalt take to dry.
How Long Does Asphalt Take to Dry?
New asphalt typically takes 24 hours to dry, but resurfaced asphalt often takes just 2-3 hours to dry. It may take longer if the weather is unfavorable.
At least 24 hours after the asphalt has been laid, you should remain away from it and avoid parking your automobile on it for at least five days. Resurfaced asphalt should be safe to drive on within 2-3 hours if the weather isn’t too humid or hot and if it isn’t raining or snowing.
What is the Difference Between the Asphalt Drying and Curing Process?
A day to three days is considered dry for asphalt. It’s a different ball game regarding how long it takes to cure.
Asphalt dries rapidly, making it ideal for driveways. You should be able to walk on it within an hour of it being poured; it should withstand rain within 24 hours, and after three days, it should be firm enough to sustain vehicle traffic. While your surface is still pliable, it will begin to harden as soon as possible.
Asphalt’s curing period is much longer than other materials, such as concrete. You should be able to park and drive on the asphalt after it has cured. On the other hand, asphalt might take up to a year to completely cure.
But while it’s curing, don’t park your vehicle on the asphalt pavement and leave it there. If you don’t, your driveway may develop bumps and ridges. You’ll need to handle your blacktop with care for the first six months to a year.
How Does Weather Affect the Drying Process?
Depending on the climate, asphalt may either harden or soften. Cold and hot weather conditions will badly impact your new asphalt. Paving your driveway is best done on a dry day with low humidity and a little breeze. If the air is too humid for you to drive in, it will take longer for you to do so.
While you’re waiting for the asphalt to cure, the following weather conditions might affect it:
Hot weather
As the temperature rises, the asphalt becomes softer and more difficult to dry, but it will also take longer to cure completely. Time is needed for the fresh asphalt to cool down. If the temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is better to prevent asphalt repairs or paving operations. Most firms recommend avoiding any form of employment in these harsh circumstances if at all possible.
When it’s hot outside, drive slowly and stay off the road to prevent damage to the pavement. In contrast, it is a wonderful place to park your automobile after the asphalt has been set.
Cold weather
Asphalt isn’t a fan of cold weather either. Premature hardening of your asphalt might be caused by cold weather. Because of this, your pavement may dry unevenly, resulting in lumps on the surface.
During the winter, the cold weather will harden the asphalt before it is done, leaving you with lumps on the pavement. Additionally, the asphalt will take longer to dry because of the temperature’s effect on the asphalt’s water molecules. It is another example of poor timing.
Rain
Your asphalt deteriorates as a result of the rain’s intermingling with it. Asphalt’s drying time will be slowed down if it’s raining or humid. In addition, the asphalt’s structural integrity may be compromised if it is laid down in the pouring rain. It should be fine to pave as long as the rain stays away for at least 24 hours.
How Soon Can New Asphalt Get Wet?
When asphalt is paved, rain is the enemy. It will dry more slowly if it rains, and it will be more likely to be damaged if you work on it. It means that you should aim to pave on days that aren’t cloudy or rainy. Most newly laid asphalt may be wet within 24 hours. However, two to three days is optimal.
It would be best to pave your new driveway in spring or early summer, on a bright sunny day, with a breeze when the weather is pleasant. It’s excellent when the weather is neither too hot nor too chilly.
If your house and driveway are new, you should wait at least two years before paving your driveway or walkways. To provide a solid foundation for asphalt, the grade needs at least two years of stabilization time before construction can begin.
When it comes to asphalt installation and maintenance, it’s helpful to work with a paving business you know you can rely on. Contact Yeghoian Grading and Paving now.