After repairing asphalt, whether a small pothole or a whole stretch of new pavement for a parking lot, the job isn’t done when the crew rolls out. To set your asphalt up for success, you need to follow a few best practices immediately following job completion. Here are some post asphalt repair dos and don’ts to make sure your asphalt stays fresh!
Post Asphalt Repair Dos and Don’ts
After an Asphalt Repair Project, Do…
- …Wait at least 24 hours before driving on the new surface. During hot weather (which Arizona has plenty of!) you’ll want to wait even longer. Asphalt mixes are made with oil, allowing them to be long-lasting, but this oil takes longer to cure and fully harden.
- …Make sure the vehicle’s wheels are rolling before turning the steering wheel. Turning your wheels while stationary (or dry turning) can put stress on the asphalt. It may seem silly and small but doing things like this can extend the lifespan of your asphalt years.
- …Stick to upkeep and preventive maintenance. ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Basic cleaning and maintenance will keep your asphalt lasting for years to come. Sweep up debris, and clear any water from storms as they occur.
- …Use plywood, or pads under the tongue or wheels of vehicles and trailers that sit for a while. This will help distribute the weight so they don’t dent the asphalt.
- …Sealcoat the asphalt every 1-3 years. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from oxidation, the sun’s powerful UV rays, and water and other liquids.
- … Fix cracks as they develop, before they get any worse.
After an Asphalt Repair Project, Don’t…
- …Park in the exact same spot every time. The constant, regular stress in specific places can create low spots in the asphalt.
- …Sealcoat the asphalt right away. Sealcoating is a measure to keep your asphalt lasting for a long time to come, for best results wait for the asphalt to fully cure (can take up to a year and a half depending on factors.) before sealing it.
- …Go too fast. If you pull out or in while going too fast, the speed and force of your tires can cause the asphalt to shift, ruining its integrity.
- …Let your sprinklers hit the asphalt. When watering your lawn make sure the sprinklers are angled correctly and the water only gets where it is needed. As we know, water is the enemy of sturdy asphalt everywhere.
Repair isn’t the be-all and end all for your surfaces. Regular, ongoing maintenance is crucially important to keep the surface in the best shape possible.
Follow these dos and don’ts and your new asphalt is sure to last for years to come! Don’t have new asphalt just yet? Need a fresh stretch of pavement or an overlay? Give us a call at Sunrise Asphalt and we’ll take care of you. For over 40 years we’ve provided Tucson with the best asphalt and service available.
