There’s a reason why asphalt is so popular. This extremely strong and durable pavement is also versatile, making it an excellent choice for everything from a new road surface to a new driveway to walking paths and much more. Better still, asphalt is less expensive than many other pavement options. But to get the very most out of your asphalt surface, you need to be certain that it’s installed correctly. And when it comes to laying asphalt, doing so in the right weather conditions is absolutely crucial.
What Is the Ideal Weather for Installing a New Asphalt Surface?
In a perfect world, a new asphalt surface would be poured when both the ground and air temperature are between 50 and 90 degrees, and when the weather is clear and dry. It’s best that these conditions exist not only on the day when the asphalt is installed, but also for 2 to 3 days beforehand and afterwards as well, if possible. Remember that ground temperature is typically lower than air temperature, so it’s important to take both into consideration when deciding when to have your asphalt installed.
What Happens When It’s Too Cold
If you have asphalt poured when the temperature is too cold, it can negatively
impact the binding of the asphalt. This can cause what’s called “raveling,” and that in turn can make the surface brittle and more likely to form cracks.
What Happens When It’s Too Hot
Just as cold weather affects the quality of newly installed asphalt, so does weather that’s too hot. If your ground temperature and/or air temperature falls above the optimum range, it can prevent the asphalt from properly curing, and that will result in pavement that is weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Trust a Local Paving Contractor
Fortunately, any reputable local
paving contractor already knows when the weather conditions are best to install asphalt. While it’s true that late spring, summer and fall are usually the best times to pour asphalt, any time of the year would work as long as the weather conditions are right. That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced paving contractor; one that has been in business for several years and has successfully installed a variety of different paved surfaces in your local area. Before committing to a contractor, ask about other projects they have completed locally and how long they’ve been in business. And don’t forget to check out their website for reviews and testimonials. Working with the right contractor – one that knows exactly when it’s the optimum time to install your new asphalt surface – can make all the difference in the world.
