The Best Time of Year to Pave an Asphalt Driveway

When you decide to install a new asphalt driveway you have to consider many things. One of the most important things to consider is the weather and the long term effects it can have on your paving project.

Asphalt is a durable material that can last for many years but if it’s installed under the wrong weather conditions it may require early maintenance and repairs.

What is the best time of year to pave an asphalt driveway?

Generally speaking, late spring until early fall is the best time to pave a new asphalt driveway. This may vary depending on the region you live in. It’s best to work with asphalt when air and surface temperatures are 50°F and above. Moreover, firm ground is best for paving with asphalt. 

Early spring generally comes with precipitation and/or melting snow and ice so it’s better to save paving projects for late spring and summer when conditions are dryer. Paving over water can damage base layers in addition to causing the asphalt to cool too fast.

Why does the time of year matter?

Warmer weather keeps the hot mix asphalt more manageable and pliable for longer. Hot mix asphalt must keep a temperature between 175°F and 275°F to compact and set properly.

In warm weather, asphalt can be poured, spread, and smoothed before it cools leaving you with the best results. Warmer weather gives your asphalt installers all the time they need to do the best job possible.

Consult a professional asphalt paving company

For the best advice, it’s always a good idea to talk to an experienced asphalt company. If you want to be sure that you have the best information contact the people at Blacktop Concepts. Serving the Twin Cities East Metro area and Western Wisconsin for more than 40 years, we can provide the right answers to all of your questions.