If you’re planning to have a new asphalt surface laid at your home or business, including a driveway, parking lot, roadway, or other surface, one of the first questions you probably asked was “How long will the asphalt take to completely dry?”. There are several factors involved in asphalt drying time, so the answer isn’t always cut and dry (pun intended). Understanding the nuances of drying asphalt is necessary to achieve the strongest surface possible with minimal disruption to your daily routine or operations.
Asphalt Drying vs. Curing
Before we talk about asphalt drying times, we have to make the distinction between drying and curing asphalt. Drying, or the hardening of the asphalt surface enough to tolerate the weight of driving, might only take several hours to several days. However, drying is not the same as curing, which is the process that occurs when asphalt reaches its maximum hardness, strength, and durability. Curing takes much longer than drying, with curing time averaging from a few weeks to several months for larger asphalt surfaces. It is essential to minimize weight on the asphalt surface until it has fully cured, or you risk creating cracks and flaws that will impact the asphalt’s durability and lifespan.
How Long Until You Can Use Your Asphalt Surface?
Asphalt drying time ranges from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the size of the surface and the type of traffic it typically endures. Small residential asphalt surfaces, like driveways and parking pads, may only need 24 hours of drying time before light foot traffic is permissible, but we always recommend waiting at least 48 full hours before any vehicle traffic is allowed. Even then, heavy vehicles should avoid the area until at least 72 hours have passed.
For commercial asphalt surfaces like parking lots and roadways, we recommend waiting a minimum of 72 full hours before any traffic is permitted on the newly laid surface. If a lot of heavy traffic is typical in the area, waiting even longer may be advised.
Factors Affecting Asphalt Drying & Curing Times
Several factors will affect how quickly asphalt dries and cures, including:
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Weather Conditions
Warm, sunny weather is best for drying asphalt…which isn’t always what we get here in the Vancouver metro. If the outside temps are low or the humidity is high, drying and curing will be slowed. This is why many homes and businesses opt for having asphalt laid in the summer months.
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Thickness of the Asphalt Layer
Residential asphalt surfaces are typically thinner than their commercial counterparts, meaning that they will dry and cure quicker.
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Type of Asphalt Mix
There are different types of asphalt mix that can be used to combat negative factors on drying and curing times. Consult with a qualified asphalt contractor for expert advice on the best asphalt mix to use for your project.
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Surface Usage
It is essential to wait the recommended amount of time before allowing traffic back onto the newly paved asphalt surface. If you do not, the traffic can cause cracks, dips, and other flaws in the asphalt surface that will affect the surface’s longevity and appearance, in addition to taking longer to properly dry and possibly never fully curing.
Tips for Maintaining New Asphalt
- Sealcoating: Apply a sealcoat about 6 to 12 months after installation to protect the surface from moisture and UV damage, then reapply the sealcoat every 2-5 years depending on traffic and use
- Regular Cleaning: Remove debris and clean spills promptly, as both can cause erosion to eat into the asphalt surface
- Proper Maintenance: Repair any small cracks, dips, or holes immediately to prevent further impact on the surface’s integrity
- Avoid Overuse: Limit the weight of vehicles or equipment on the asphalt until it’s fully cured
Trust the Asphalt Experts in the Vancouver Metro
For top-tier asphalt installation in the Vancouver metro area, including Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Mission, Chilliwack, and beyond, trust the experts at TopWest Asphalt Ltd. We understand the unique challenges of the PNW climate and deliver consistently durable, long-lasting, and beautiful results. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today at 1-800-ASPHALT or 604-755-0300 or request a free estimate online.
