Once the construction of the new driveway is complete, we cannot say that it is now safe to get wet. Water may deteriorate the newly installed asphalt for some time after installation. Additionally, there are times when water does no harm to the asphalt itself.
The type of asphalt material will affect the ability of fresh asphalt to react once it has gotten wet. This blog will explain how soon fresh asphalt can become wet and what happens if it does get wet.
How Soon Can New Asphalt Get Wet?
It may seem strange to ask if you can get new asphalt wet, and it all depends on what type of fresh asphalt you are asking about. Fresh asphalt takes time to set up and harden.
Asphalt surfaces that have just been laid should be safe to drive or walk on, provided they have dried for at least 2 hours. For best results, wait at least six hours if your driveway is exposed to heavy traffic, such as commercial vehicles.
Different types of asphalt may have different waiting times. Always consult a professional contractor if in doubt.
What Happens If New Asphalt Gets Wet?
A mixture of aggregate and oil is used to make fresh asphalt. Once the asphalt has been laid, it slowly dries to form a solid surface that’s not susceptible to rain damage. Asphalt can react with water and cause it to rise until it dries. This reaction can cause asphalt not to cure properly, leading to cracking and premature development of potholes.
Rain on asphalt is not good. Newly paved asphalt will react more strongly to water when the lighter tar ends leak away. If the asphalt contractor ignored proper surface slope, it could lead to more problems. The driveway may be improperly sloped, so water doesn’t get into the material. Water can seep into your yard, causing damage to landscaping elements.
Oil is a significant component of asphalt pavement. Water is oil’s natural enemy and causes it to repel from driveways. If there is enough rain, the oil will run out, and it won’t be enough to keep the material’s structural integrity. The structure’s life expectancy is reduced as a result. If the seal coating has not dried thoroughly, rain can wash it away.
How To Avoid Asphalt Damage Due To Rain?
Property owners have several options to reduce the impact of rain on their new driveway. First, plan to install asphalt in clear weather conditions. You can view weather forecasts on TV or the internet, and the forecast will allow your pavement to dry properly and not be affected by precipitation.
Sealcoating asphalt is another way to protect it from rain. Sealcoating asphalt can increase its longevity, reduce damage, and protect it from severe weather conditions throughout the year. Newly laid and sealed asphalt must dry for 24 hours before it is exposed to moisture, and it is recommended to dry asphalt for 48-72 hours.
Finally, consider hiring a professional paving company. Trusted paving professionals will deliver the best results on your property.
Collaborate with an expert paving contractor to guarantee that you can put asphalt on your driveway or road during ideal weather conditions. A-Rock Asphalt Services is here to assist you. We do our work on schedule, but we also ensure that it lasts a long time. Contact us now to learn more.