When you need a new parking lot or asphalt driveway, you want it to last many years. But for your new pavement to reach its full potential, it needs time to cure properly. Here are the essential details you need to know about how soon new asphalt can get wet.
Asphalt: How is it Made
Asphalt is a pavement material that is made from a mixture of gravel, sand, and asphalt cement. The other components are bonded by the asphalt cement and help create a sturdy surface.
Once the asphalt mix has been laid down, it needs time to cure or harden. This process happens when the asphalt mix cools and forms a stronger bond with the other materials. If new asphalt gets wet before it has had a chance to cure, the water can interfere with this bonding process and weaken the overall structure of the pavement.
How Long Does it Take For New Asphalt to Cure
So how long does it take for new asphalt to cure? In general, it takes about 24-48 hours for fresh asphalt to set properly. However, the exact curing time will depend on the weather conditions. For example, if it is warm and sunny outside, the asphalt will cure faster than if it is cold and rainy.
Wet weather can also cause problems for new asphalt. If rain or snow falls on new asphalt before it has had a chance to cure, the water can penetrate the surface and cause the asphalt to soften and crumble. It’s important to avoid driving or walking on new asphalt during wet weather.
How Soon Can New Asphalt Get Wet After it’s Laid
Once new asphalt has been laid, you should avoid driving or walking on it for at least 24 hours. If you must drive or walk on new asphalt sooner than this, be sure to take extra care to avoid damaging the surface. Give the asphalt time to set and cure properly.
Provide enough time for the asphalt surface to cure and harden properly. In general, it’s best to wait at least 3-5 days before getting new asphalt wet. However, you can get new asphalt wet sooner if you take care not to damage the surface.
What Happens if New Asphalt Gets Wet Before it Has Cured
If you get rain or water on your fresh asphalt before it has had a chance to cure, there are a few things you can do to try and mitigate the damage. First, remove pooling water from the asphalt surface as soon as possible and use a squeegee or mop. Then, you should cover the wet asphalt with sand or kitty litter. It will help absorb some of the moisture and help to speed up the drying process.
Tips For Keeping New Asphalt Dry Until it Has Cured
You can do a few things to avoid getting water on your new asphalt before it has had a chance to cure. First, try to schedule your paving project for a time when the weather is dry and sunny. If rain is forecasted, try to postpone the project until another day.
You should also avoid using any sprinklers or watering your lawn for at least 48 hours after the asphalt has been laid. If you have to use water, direct it away from the new pavement.
Finally, ensure that any vehicles or equipment are not parked on the new asphalt until it has a chance to cure. It will avoid any indentations or tire marks.
If you take these steps, you can help ensure that your new asphalt has a chance to cure properly and reach its full potential. For more information about asphalt paving or to schedule a consultation, contact Baraco Paving today.
Choose a Qualified Paving Contractor
BaraCo Paving is a professional paving contractor serving the Orlando area for over 20 years. We specialize in asphalt paving, from driveways and parking lots to sidewalks and commercial projects. We also offer a variety of pavement maintenance services to keep your asphalt looking its best for years to come.
Regardless of the paving project you need, we have the experience and expertise to get the job done right. We only use high-quality materials, and workmanship is always our top priority. Contact us today to get a free estimate for your next paving project!
Hiring a professional paving contractor like BaraCo Paving is the best way to ensure that your new asphalt driveway or parking lot is installed properly. We have years of experience working with all types of asphalt and can help you choose the right mix for your needs. We also offer a variety of pavement maintenance services to keep your asphalt looking its best for years to come. Contact us today to learn more!