Homeowners have several options when they decide to remodel their driveways. Canadian homeowners often choose from driveway materials like concrete, stone, and asphalt.
Asphalt is among the most popular materials for driveway paving. It is more flexible and less likely to crack than concrete.
However, there is one problem that homeowners face when they choose an asphalt driveway. They often don't know how long to stay off the freshly-paved driveway.
And yet, staying off your driveway paving is crucial for ensuring it cures correctly. So, how long should you avoid this surface?
If that's what you're wondering, keep reading! We'll answer your questions in this guide.
How Long to Avoid Your Asphalt Driveway
Generally, homeowners must wait at least 24 hours before walking on their residential driveway. Walking on it too soon can leave imprints in the drying asphalt, preventing it from curing properly. These imprints can cause worse problems in the long run.
Ideally, homeowners should wait 48 hours before parking or driving their cars on the driveway. Adding a car's weight too soon can prevent the surface from curing correctly.
Remember to keep your car in the center when you can drive on the asphalt again. This way, you can evenly distribute the weight across the asphalt.
Finally, try to avoid parking on new asphalt for extended periods. Doing so can cause it to sink and crack.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Dry and Cured Asphalt?
One problem many homeowners face is knowing the difference between a dry driveway and a cured one. Dry asphalt is a newly laid material that, despite not being wet, still hasn't had time to set or cure.
In contrast, cured asphalt has received enough time to fully set and harden. New driveways can dry within 24 hours. However, it can take several weeks or months for the driveway to cure.
During this period, the oils in your asphalt haven't fully cured. As a result, the aggregate remains loose.
What does this mean for your driveway? Essentially, it means you'll have to be careful how much strain you put on it. The new surface remains vulnerable to several threats, including:
Rutting
Potholes
Additional damage
Most asphalt driveways take roughly six months to finish curing. After this period, your driveway will be much more durable and stronger. You can trust it to withstand the additional weight that it couldn't handle before.
Where Can You Find Asphalt Paving Services?
It helps to know how long it takes for an asphalt driveway to cure. But it doesn't help much if you can't find someone to pave your driveway.
So, how can you find someone to help you pave your driveway? If that's what you wonder about, consider hiring us!
We provide top-grade driveway paving services.
If those appeal to you, don't hesitate! Contact Alvi Paving Ltd in Ottawa today to schedule an appointment.