Many homeowners plan new asphalt driveway paving in Saratoga Springs, NY for the summer because they have more time for home projects, and the weather is typically more favorable. However, although the weather is generally less erratic, you will still need to take extra care with your new driveway during the summer under the sun’s hot, persistent rays. Although you won’t be able to control the weather, here are a few things that you can do to ensure that summer’s heat doesn’t have negative long-term effects for your driveway.
Asphalt and the heat
One of the key materials in asphalt is bitumen, which is naturally elastic and is thus a critical part in the formation and cohesion of your driveway. Bitumen is also extremely sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, and prolonged exposure can trigger an oxidation process that hardens the material, reducing the driveway’s elasticity. This loss of elasticity could create rigidity in your driveway that can lead to premature cracking, denting and loss of form, and could ultimately wind up shortening the overall lifespan of your new driveway.
How to avoid issues with your new pavement
Excessive heat has the ability to weaken and soften your driveway, and if this is occurring while your driveway is still forming, it can lead to long-term issues. The best way to allow your driveway to form correctly, and subsequently prevent future trouble, is to give it enough time to form correctly after it has been paved.
To do this, you will want to keep all heavy vehicles off of your driveway for at least a couple of days while it is setting, but during the summer months you might want to add a couple of extra days to this time because of the potential damage the heat can cause. After some time has passed and your driveway is well on the way to proper formation and you have begun to park your car in the driveway again, you are not out of the woods yet. On extremely hot days, give your driveway a break by avoiding parking multiple vehicles on the pavement if possible. And even after you have moved your car back to the driveway, it is still best to keep particularly heavy vehicles like RVs or trailers off of the pavement, and try to find more permanent storage solutions for these types of vehicles.
If you are preparing for new asphalt driveway paving in Saratoga Springs, NY, or you need help maintaining the condition of your current driveway, contact the professionals at Asphalt Industries. We’ve been in business for over a decade, and our team has both the expertise and the equipment needed to tackle your job, whether commercial or residential. Our excavation capabilities mean that we are able to handle all facets of your project, no matter its size. For the very best in driveway paving, seal coating and excavation, make sure you give us a call for a consultation right away. We look forward to working with you!