How long before I can walk on my new asphalt?
7 August 2023
If you’ve just had your driveway or parking lot redone with fresh asphalt, it’s natural to wonder how long you should wait before you can safely walk on it. Asphalt is a popular paving material for outdoor surfaces due to its durability and resilience. However, it requires a specific period to harden and reach its maximum strength. Here’s what you need to know about the time needed before you can walk on your new asphalt.
Up to 48 hours
In general, it is recommended not to walk on fresh asphalt for at least 24 to 48 hours after its application. During this time, the asphalt is still malleable and fragile, and the weight of walking could cause distortions or damage to the surface. Additionally, walking prematurely on the asphalt can leave footprints or marks that may be difficult to correct.
After 48 hours
After the initial 24 to 48 hours period, you can start walking on the asphalt with caution. However, it is important to note that the asphalt will not yet be completely hardened and will not be as strong as it will be over time. It is therefore recommended to limit heavy activities or sudden movements on the surface for the first few weeks.
Return to Normal
Indeed, 7 to 10 days after the application of the asphalt, it should be sufficiently hardened to allow for normal use, including walking, driving vehicles, and parking. However, try to avoid sharp turns and quick accelerations or sudden braking, as this could damage the surface. The time required for the asphalt to reach its maximum strength can vary based on several factors, such as ambient temperature, humidity, asphalt thickness, and the type of mix used. Most of the time, asphalt will continue to harden and strengthen over several months. During this period, it’s recommended to avoid leaving heavy objects or vehicles parked for long periods on the asphalt, as this can leave permanent marks.
In summary, avoid walking on freshly poured asphalt for 24 to 48 hours to allow it to harden. After this period, you can walk on it with caution. Finally, wait about a week before normal use, and be aware that the asphalt will continue to harden and strengthen over time. If you have any concerns regarding your asphalt project, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Pavage Massie for additional advice and guidelines.
