How Long Should You Stay Off a New Asphalt Driveway?

When you get a new asphalt driveway installed you want it to maintain its integrity as long as possible. If you are impatient and drive on your driveway immediately after it’s paved you can cause damage early on.

Proper care and maintenance should begin as the asphalt is laid. Part of proper care is knowing the answer to the question, “How long you should wait before using your newly paved asphalt driveway?” 

There are a few different things to consider when addressing this question.  

When Can You Walk On Fresh Asphalt?

It’s best to avoid any type of use for at least 72 hours (3 days) while it’s cooling. But, if you absolutely can’t avoid it, it’s safe to walk on asphalt 24 hours after it has been compacted.

When Can You Drive & Park On New Asphalt?

As far as vehicles are concerned, you should strictly follow these guidelines:

• Don’t drive on it for 72 hours
• Don’t park on it for 14 days

The weight of a vehicle like a car can cause rutting, scarring, and depressions in uncured asphalt. 

The risk is even higher for larger vehicles like trucks and campers. Even after the recommended 72 hours, a vehicle that is too heavy can cause damage if the driveway was not designed to handle the weight, so if you own large vehicles build the right type of driveway. 

During the hotter summer months, when it takes longer for the hot-mix to cool and harden, you may want to wait a full month. The added heat keeps the asphalt more pliable and the risk for early surface damage is higher. Do yourself a favor and park on the street or, if possible, inside a garage. Your patience will pay off.  

Other Things To Consider

Sharp and narrow objects should be kept off fresh asphalt since they can leave small indentations. Such objects include: 

• Kickstands for bicycles & motorcycles 
• High heel shoes 
• Patio furniture 
• Ladders

While objects like these may not weigh as much as a car, there is a lot of pressure exerted because the weight is concentrated in a smaller area. The pressure can cause small divots in brand new asphalt.     

Also, avoid spilling oil and gasoline on your new driveway. Although asphalt, oil, and gasoline are all petroleum products, oil and gasoline can really degrade the bitumen binder in asphalt. If you have a vehicle with a fluid leak, fix the leak before parking it on new asphalt. Similarly, avoid putting gas in your lawnmower on fresh asphalt. 

Talk To A Professional Asphalt Contractor

For the most accurate advice on how to care for your new asphalt driveway talk to the experts today. The people at Blacktop Concepts can provide the best information about when you can use your new driveway and much more. Blacktop Concepts are the best asphalt contractors in the Twin Cities East Metro area and Western Wisconsin with more than 40 years of experience. Contact us today for a free estimate.