Rain damage on a newly-made asphalt driveway can be a cause for concern, especially if you have recently invested a significant amount of money in laying down a fresh layer of asphalt. However, it’s important to note that rainfall can actually be beneficial for your new driveway in some ways.
Read more as we’ll explore the effects of rain on new asphalt driveway and how you can best care for your investment during wet weather in today’s post.
Common Concerns
One of the concerns people have about rain and asphalt driveways is that water might damage the freshly-laid asphalt layer. However, a good contractor will take steps to prevent this from happening by ensuring proper drainage and using high-quality materials during installation.
If your contractor did his job properly, then a little rainfall won’t harm your new driveway; instead, it can help compact the asphalt and enhance its durability. Moreover, the moisture from the rainfall will wash away any debris or loose material from the surface of the driveway, leaving it looking neat and polished.
The Negative Effects Of Rain On A Newly-Made Asphalt Driveway
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that excessively heavy rainfall or extended periods of wet weather can have negative effects on your new driveway. For example, if the water is not properly drained away from the surface of the asphalt, it can start to pool and create small puddles. This can eventually lead to cracking and damage to the surface of the driveway.
To avoid rain damage, it’s important to ensure that your driveway has proper drainage in place. This can include installing a sloping surface that directs the flow of water away from the center of the driveway, as well as adding gutters or other drainage mechanisms to control the flow of water off of the driveway.
When it rains on a recently paved asphalt driveway, there is a risk of potholes forming. This happens when water seeps into the tiny cracks on the driveway’s surface and freezes, leading to further expansion and cracking of the asphalt. While this damage tends to occur more often in colder climates where temperatures regularly drop below freezing, it remains a possibility in regions with heavy rainfall.
In order to avoid potholes, make sure to regularly clean your driveway and ensure that there is no debris on its surface. This involves removing fallen leaves or branches and sweeping away any dirt or gravel that may have been left over during installation.
Apart from the preventive measures, you can take care of your new driveway during wet weather by avoiding parking heavy or bulky vehicles on it while it is raining heavily. This will prevent adding extra pressure and strain to the surface of the driveway.
And to prevent damage to your new driveway, it’s important to avoid driving on it right after installation and for a few days after heavy rain. This gives the surface time to dry and set, which will protect it from any harm caused by excessive weight or pressure on the asphalt.
Other Things To Consider While Maintaining Your Asphalt Driveway
In addition to being mindful of how rain can affect your asphalt driveways, there are other things you should consider when it comes to caring for your driveway. For example, regular sealing and maintenance can help to protect the surface of the asphalt and prevent water from seeping into any cracks or crevices in the material. This also helps to prevent the growth of weeds or other plants on your driveway, as well as helping to keep it looking neat and clean.
Why Consulting An Experienced Contractor Is Recommended To Take Care Of Your Newly-Made Asphalt Driveway Properly?
It’s always best to consult an experienced contractor when it comes to assessing the effects of rain on your newly-made asphalt driveway and how you can best care for your investment during wet weather. An experienced professional will be able to provide advice on proper drainage techniques, as well as tips for preventing damage caused by heavy rainfall or potholes.
Additionally, an experienced contractor will be able to help you identify any potential issues with your new driveway that may be caused by improper installation or use. These professionals can then take the necessary steps to correct these issues and minimize any damage that could occur due to wet weather.
Conclusion
Overall, while rain on a new asphalt driveway can be a cause for concern, it’s important to remember that a little bit of moisture can actually be beneficial for the durability and longevity of your investment. As long as you take proper care of your driveway and ensure that it has proper drainage in place, you should be able to enjoy a smooth and attractive surface for years to come.