When installing a new asphalt driveway or parking lot, one of the most common questions that comes up is this: "How long does it take for asphalt to dry?"
Before answering that question, it's important to note the difference between asphalt drying and asphalt curing. The curing process can take up to a year, whereas drying is a relatively short process - your asphalt driveway or parking lot should be ready to walk and drive on in about 2 or 3 days.
In this article we'll explain more about the drying and curing process for asphalt as well as important considerations surrounding the two processes. Let's dive in.
How Long To Stay Off New Asphalt?
Once a fresh asphalt surface has been laid, the typical dry time is 48-72 hours (2-3 days). After this period, the pavement is safe to walk and drive on without being damaged. It's important to note that since dry time and cure time is different, and at this point the asphalt is not cured and sealed, you should be careful with heavy traffic use or damaging substances like oils.
How Long Does it Take For Asphalt to Cure?
Curing, in terms of asphalt, refers to the further hardening of the pavement as the sun causes oxidation, baking out excess oils in the asphalt. Fully cured asphalt goes from a dark black to more of a grayish color which means that the surface is fully hardened and ready for a sealcoat so there isn't an excessive loss of oils. This curing process can take up to a year to be fully complete, although asphalt surfaces are typically ready for the initial sealcoat after about 30 days.
Sealcoating New Asphalt
Once a new asphalt parking lot or driveway is partially cured - usually about 30 days after application - it will be ready for a sealcoat. While you want the surface to cure slightly to allow excess oils to escape, if you wait too long or don't seal then too much oil will escape leaving the pavement more vulnerable to damage and deterioration. Sealcoating at the right time helps maintain and ideal level of oil in the pavement, which in turns increases longevity.
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Have other questions or need to call in the pros? High Quality Asphalt & Concrete is your choice asphalt paving contractor in Denver, CO for anything from fresh pavement to maintenance, sealcoat, and beyond. Get in touch today - we provide free quotes.