Paving Maintenance and Care
in Lakes Region, NH
Asphalt Curing
Since the liquid in blacktop needs time to harden and cure, usually 12-24 months, your driveway will remain soft and pliable until then.
You may walk on your new driveway immediately, but keep automobile traffic off it for at least 3 full days and longer in hotter temperatures. Even after the blacktop has cured, do not expect it to be as hard as concrete.
Your new blacktop will soften and harden as temperatures rise and fall. Watering down your driveway with a hose on a hot day will cool and temporarily harden the blacktop, this is helpful but not mandatory. If soap suds should appear, do not be alarmed. This is a reaction between diesel fuel found in the blacktop and a high chlorine content found in some city water. Although every effort is made to avoid puddles in your driveway, some small ones are inevitable depending on the natural slope and drainage of your ground.
Preventing Damage to Your New Asphalt Driveway
Blacktop is scarred by automobiles starting out too fast, pulling in too quickly and just plain driving too fast. During the first 12-24 months, while your driveway is curing, do not park in the same spot every time. Do not turn your steering wheel back and forth when your car is not moving. Leaving items such as lawn chairs, kick stands, etc, will leave depressions and create holes in your new driveway.
Special Care and Appearance
The edges are the weakest part of your driveway due to the lack of side support. Avoid driving on the edges since they will crack and crumble overtime. We suggest building up the sides of your driveway with topsoil. This will support the edges and enhance the appearance after grass is grown.
Why Does YourAsphalt Driveway Textures Vary
Your driveway may look smoother in some areas than others because of the makeup of blacktop. Blacktop has various sizes of stone, sand, and liquid asphalt, and other ingredients which cause varied texture of the surface. Also, blacktop areas that have been raked and spread with hand tools may appear different textures from those spread by machine.
What to avoid with your new driveway
Avoid gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, power steering and transmission fluid spills and leaks. These will dilute the liquid asphalt in your blacktop.
Repairing Asphalt Driveway Cracks After Winter
Any hairline cracks that may have developed over winter due to contraction and expansion of the ground should be filled with crack filler.
Protect Your Asphalt Driveway with Porter Paving
Proper asphalt driveway maintenance helps to prevent cracks, surface damage, and premature wear while extending the life of your pavement. By taking care under our recommended asphalt curing guidelines, avoiding heavy pressure, and addressing minor cracks early, you can keep your driveway in excellent condition. At Porter Paving, we’re here to help you protect your investment with professional asphalt paving and maintenance solutions. Get in touch with our asphalt contractor today for expert driveway care and paving services.