Is it possible to do asphalt paving work in the fall?
15 November 2022
An asphalt driveway does not last forever and at some point it will need to be replaced. You may be wondering if fall is an ideal time to do asphalt paving. Or maybe you’ve just built your house and are wondering if you can pave your driveway yet. These are legitimate questions, as temperature and weather conditions come into play when it comes to scheduling paving work. The following article will provide you with information on the subject so that you can make the best decisions possible.
When to do your paving?
There are certain times of the year that are more suitable for paving. However, good know-how will play an important role in the life of your driveway at all times. When it comes to weather, however, good weather is a must. The best time to do paving work is often between June and September. Outside of this period, it is still possible to lay asphalt, but you must make sure that the ground temperature is not too close to 0 degrees. Also, it is strongly advised against doing your work from mid-December to mid-April, as the thaw can cause the ground to settle asymmetrically and therefore negatively impact the asphalt installation. In addition, it is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after the gravel has been compacted before laying the asphalt for existing constructions. In the case of new constructions, it is better to wait until the first winter, to ensure a better compaction thanks to the snow and rain falls.
The steps of asphalt paving
Asphalt paving is a process that takes place in several stages. The first step is excavation. Depending on the nature of your soil, the standard requires that the excavation be done between 12 and 18 inches. This is simply the base on which the asphalt will be laid. It is essential that this base be well laid. Here, good weather conditions are essential to avoid cracks, bumps, or holes. Once the excavation stage is completed, a geotextile fabric must be laid. This is an important step in asphalt paving. The hole and the corners must be well covered with the fabric. This is to separate the original soil and the gravel that will be used as fill. If this step is not done properly, the soil will freeze and the asphalt will freeze and the result could be compromised. Following the installation of the geotextile fabric, there is the filling. The hole left by the excavation must be filled with crushed stone that will not freeze. If it is your driveway, a slope of at least 2% will be required. This slope prevents water from the spring thaw from seeping into the house. Finally, there is asphalt paving, which will give you a practical and aesthetically pleasing finished product that will last a long time.
If you are considering paving work, don’t hesitate to contact professionals who can advise you on the best time to do the job. Properly installed asphalt will give you a long-lasting result that will greatly improve the appearance and convenience of your driveway.
