A new asphalt driveway can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. As a homeowner, this will boost both your enjoyment of your property and your pride in it. According to the Wall Street Journal, research shows curb appeal can also play a significant role in a home’s value if you ever plan on selling.
You may have some questions about your new driveway. For example, after it’s been installed, when can you park and drive on it?
The answer to that question varies depending on several factors. The following overview will help you better understand when it may be safe to park on a new asphalt driveway. However, for information specific to your situation, it’s best to discuss the topic with the residential asphalt paving team that installed your driveway.
When Can You Park on a New Asphalt Driveway? Important Factors
Factors that can influence how long you have to wait to park on a new asphalt driveway after installation include:
- Climate: Climate and weather conditions can affect how long it takes new asphalt to dry. Generally, the process takes longer in cold weather conditions.
- Asphalt mix: Asphalt isn’t just one product. Different driveway installation teams use different asphalt mixes. The type of mix a team uses will affect how long a homeowner must wait to use their new driveway.
- Thickness: Some driveways require thicker paving than others. The thicker the paving, the longer you must wait to use an asphalt surface.
You generally have to wait two to seven days before parking on a new asphalt driveway. That said, the timeline can vary. Always discuss this topic with the paving team if you still have questions.
How to Protect a New Asphalt Driveway
Not parking on a driveway for a certain amount of time after it’s installed is essential. If you park on it too early, you could dent or otherwise damage the asphalt.
Other steps you can take to guard against damaging a new asphalt driveway include:
- Informing everyone who uses your driveway not to: There may be basic barriers in place indicating your driveway is new and people shouldn’t walk and park on it. However, people can overlook these barriers. Make sure anyone who uses your driveway (including regular visitors, like delivery workers) knows not to use your driveway while it’s drying and curing.
- Avoid driving or parking near the edges of the driveway: Keep a reasonable distance between the driveway and your vehicles when parking them as it dries and cures. Parking too close to the edge of a new driveway can actually cause it to crack.
- Consider sealcoating: This is a step you may take after having your new driveway for about 90 days or so. When the paving team installs it, ask about sealcoating services. Sealcoating protects asphalt from the sun, water damage, and other such potential causes of damage.
A new asphalt driveway is an investment that can genuinely increase a home’s value. Protect yours by keeping these tips in mind.
Always Ask Questions
The most important point you can take from this guide is simple: There’s no one answer to the question of “When can I park on my new asphalt driveway?”
Always feel comfortable asking the paving company any questions you may have. Their expertise can help ensure you keep your driveway in the best possible condition.
Contact Asphalt Driveway Paving Professionals in Abbotsford
At TopWest Asphalt Ltd., we strive to help our neighbors beautify their properties. We do so by offering reliable asphalt driveway paving service and a range of related services. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online today.
