After a long winter, most of us look forward to March and the arrival of spring. After all, this is the time of year when most of us enjoy getting our homes organized, sprucing up our yards and outdoor landscaping, and beginning to spend time outside with friends and family. But did you know that warm weather is also the best time for asphalt paving? Whether you’re a homeowner looking forward to a new driveway, or a business owner waiting for the right time to have that parking lot repaved, the spring and summer months are the best times of year to finally get it done!
The reason is simple: the asphalt mixture is easier to work with when the weather is warmer. The asphalt mix will arrive at the site as a hot liquid, so it makes sense that it’s easier to pour the mixture and spread it when the weather is warm. In fact, most paving experts agree that the ideal temperature for laying asphalt is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These warmer temperatures also allow the asphalt to cool properly, and that means that the paved surface will be smoother than it would be if it were installed on colder temperatures. Another advantage of warmer weather is that it gives the paving crew a sufficient amount of time to get the job done right, rather than having to rush to avoid the onset of colder temperatures. The same guidelines hold true for both brand new asphalt and overlays.
While it’s true that spring and summer are the best times of year to lay asphalt, a rainy day is not the best. Your paving contractor may be able to install pavement during a light sprinkle, but anything more than that can cause the asphalt to cool too fast. In fact, if you’re having a brand new asphalt surface installed, heavy rain can even damage the base layers of the pavement. So dry, warm weather is optimum.
If you live in an area where spring weather can be variable, you might schedule your asphalt to be installed in late spring or early summer – whenever the temperature is sure to be warm and dry. If your contractor tries to pour the mixture in temperatures that are too cold, the mixture will cool too fast and become harder to spread and level off, and that means that the surface won’t be as smooth as it should be.
If you’ve been waiting to have your driveway or parking lot paved, now is the time! Contact a local, trusted paving contractor today for an estimate.