When a homeowner is considering having a new asphalt driveway installed, one of the most important questions a homeowner would like to know is when they will be able to use the driveway. It can be an inconvenience to not be able to drive or park in the driveway, but refraining from doing so for the appropriate time will ensure that there will be no damage to the new asphalt.

The answer to this question can depend on a few factors. One of these factors is the time of the year that the asphalt was laid. In most cases, the homeowner can drive and park on new asphalt within three days. If the new asphalt was added to the home sometime in the hot months of summer, then the homeowner may want to wait a few extra days. The hot weather can add an increased temperature to the asphalt, and the asphalt will hold in this added heat. This can make the new asphalt susceptible to structure damages.

New asphalt can take between six months to a year to fully harden and cure. This time the new asphalt is very susceptible to structural and physical damage. The new asphalt can take on scuff marks in the heat along with becoming very hot. The scuff marks will go away as the new asphalt cures or the temperature cools down.

Walking on the new asphalt can be done in 24 hours, but you should not walk on the new asphalt with high heels or shoes with points. The heels can dig into the new asphalt, causing ruts and holes in the new asphalt. Any sharp shoes such as heels or soccer cleats need to stay off the concrete until it has fully cured.

While the asphalt is curing, these tips will keep the asphalt safe:

*No driving on the asphalt for up to three days, longer if the temperature is hot
*Don’t drive on the edges of the asphalt.
*Try not to use motorcycle or bike stands on the uncured asphalt.
*No heavy trucks on the asphalt.
*Avoid pouring gas or oil on the asphalt.

These tips are just added insurance for producing a safe new asphalt. Driving on new asphalt can usually be done within three days, but the weather can change this. Ask your asphalt contractor to be sure when you can drive or park on the new asphalt.

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