Ideal temperature to pave your driveway?
10 October 2022
Even if you’ve maintained your asphalt driveway by filling in cracks before they get gaping and sealing the sidewalk regularly, a driveway isn’t forever. Although under the best conditions they can last more than 20 years, there comes a time when it must necessarily be redone. Indeed, over time, the asphalt ends up breaking down and a decision must be made between sealing the cracks or resurfacing them with a new layer of asphalt. Several questions then arise, including the ideal time to pave your driveway. Is there an ideal temperature for doing this type of work? The following article will give you information on this subject.
Why should you redo your asphalt?
Waiting too many years before resurfacing your driveway can become costly, even dangerous. Indeed, if you wait too long to replace your asphalt, you may have to have the entire driveway excavated and start over at the base, including the underlayment’s, if you want to get a new driveway. By repairing the flaws, you save money on the spot, but waiting too long could lead to a steep bill.
Ideal temperature
Is there an ideal temperature to pave your driveway? In terms of timing, the best season is from mid-April to mid-December. We must be attentive to the arrival of the first and last freeze-thaw of winter. Paving between mid-December and mid-April is not recommended, as the thaw could cause the ground to sag unevenly. In other words, as a rule of thumb, once the air temperature dips below zero at night, paving season is over at the risk of a shabby looking finish. You will have to wait until spring to do the work. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you should wait a year before laying asphalt in your driveway. The soil must be allowed to fully stabilize and go through its first freeze-thaw cycle. Climatic conditions influence the quality of asphalt grip. In addition, in terms of the availability of paving teams, fall is a less busy season. If you want more control over exactly when they will perform the entrance resurfacing, booking in the fall months is a great idea.
Re-entry is a big investment, and you want to feel confident and do it at the right time. There is also no point in doing it too early, it would be an unnecessary expense. Considering your situation and your needs will help you make the right decision when to re-asphalt your driveway. If you have any questions or need help making your decision, do not hesitate to contact professionals who will be able to tell you whether you can continue to maintain your driveway to extend its life or whether it is rather time to plan a whole new entry.
