Asphalt Do's & Don'ts

10/10/2018

Congratulations on your new driveway!

Asphalt contains liquid tar, which needs time to harden and cure. It takes 24 months for a fully cured driveway.

Until then it will remain pliable and soft. Here are some recommendations to take the best care of your investment.

DON’T park automobiles on it for at least two full days.

DON’T walk on your new drive with high heel shoes, place lawn chairs, bicycle kickstands or any other sharp objects on it. They will create holes and depressions.

DON’T move too fast. To avoid scarring, do not pull out too fast, pull in too quickly, or drive too fast on your asphalt driveway. Do not turn your steering wheel back and forth when your car is not moving!

DON’T drive on the edge. The edges are the weakest part of your driveway due to the lack of side support. Do not drive on the edges, since they will crack and crumble in time. Building up the sides of your driveway with topsoil will support the edges after the grass has grown.

DO use materials to distribute weight. During the initial curing time, do not park in the same spots all the time and do not use jack stands or car ramps unless you put a piece of plywood underneath. Large heavy vehicles can depress and cause ruts in your new driveway! If a camper or other vehicle will be stored for a long period, place a piece of plywood under the tongue jack and tires.

DO water it down with a garden hose. Even when cured, asphalt can sometimes soften in extremely hot weather and harden as temperatures fall. To temporarily water your driveway with a garden hose in order to temporarily harden it. If soapsuds should appear, do not be alarmed! This is a reaction between the diesel fuel found in the asphalt and the Chlorine found in some city water.

84 Comments

Violette Lebrac link

8/31/2017 06:17:29 pm

It's interesting that parking in the same place can make ruts in the asphalt. I'd imagine it would be hard to prevent ruts in busy parking lots. Maybe if a business wanted to get rid of divots in their parking lot, they could find a maintenance service.

Ellie Davis link

3/12/2018 06:20:59 pm

Thank you for the tips! I didn't know that you shouldn't pull out too fast to avoid scarring. My driveway is in desperate need to a remodel. I have been considering getting asphalt instead of concrete. I am going to look into contractors and try and find the best one possible.

Alexandria Martinez link

4/10/2018 07:17:30 pm

Now that my fiance and I are moved into a new home, we want to make sure that we are taking care of our home. We want to look into getting a parking lot paving. To make sure it stays in good condition, we will hose it down in hot weather.

john link

6/6/2018 06:59:34 pm

That makes sense to avoid parking cars on newly paved asphalt. It's malleable when it first sets. Also, make sure to get seal coating to avoid weathering damage.

Mina Edinburgh link

7/12/2018 02:37:01 am

It was really informative when you said that when it comes to newly made asphalt driveways, it is best to avoid walking on it with high heeled shoes as that can cause cracks and depressions. If that was the case, then I will ask my sister to walk around the back of the house if we ever get the front walkway asphalted. This is because she is always wearing stilettos. I want to avoid any damages as much as possible.

Mike Lee link

10/31/2018 12:32:42 pm

My wife and I are planning on installing a driveway at our house. Before reading this article, I had no idea that you should water your asphalt driveway to keep it in good condition. I will have to show this to my wife because I'm sure she did not know this either.

Kate Welling link

11/19/2018 02:33:51 pm

I'm happy that I ran across this article about asphalt do's and don'ts because my husband and I want to get our driveway paved. It makes sense that since asphalt contains liquid tar, which means it needs time to harden and cure. We will be sure to avoid parking our cars on it for two full days after we put the asphalt in. I think a hot tar hose would be the perfect tool to help me out with this job, so I will look into getting one!

Sam Li link

3/19/2019 04:24:36 pm

I love your suggestion about using materials to distribute weight. Asphalt paving should be done only by qualified contractors. If I needed such services, I would contact a paving company that has a strong reputation.

Sarah Smith link

3/25/2019 07:57:19 pm

I really like your advice on what to do after getting an asphalt driveway paved. Personally, I would like to find a paving contractor that will refresh this information for me. That way, I won't accidentally harm a newly paved stretch of asphalt.

Millie Hue link

4/5/2019 01:19:34 am

Thanks for helping me understand that watering the asphalt is a must to keep it from melting when the weather is too hot. I will keep that in mind now that we will be hiring professionals to pave the driveway, and we have chosen asphalt as the material. We just need this to be done now due to our car getting stuck on a muddy part of the driveway one time.

Rosie Beckett link

5/3/2019 05:35:36 pm

My husband and I are planning to get my driveway repaved and I have no idea what to expect after the paving, so I am glad that I found this article. It makes a lot of sense that we should avoid parking our cars on the driveway for at least two days. Also, I didn't realize that the edges of the asphalt are the weakest part so we will make sure to avoid driving on the edge!

Jenna Hunter link

5/31/2019 06:42:06 pm

I really liked what you said about taking care of your new asphalt. My cousin just got a new asphalt driveway. It would be really helpful if he had a professional help him take care of it.

Taylor Bishop link

6/3/2019 01:09:47 pm

Thanks for helping me learn how you can take care of asphalt. It's good to know that you should water it down with a garden hose. I'm interested to learn if you should do this to the asphalt every day or only every so often.

Ashley link

6/3/2019 01:35:58 pm

I liked that you explained that you need to be careful not to damage your new driveway by walking on it with high heels or biking on it. I would imagine that you would want to preserve your new driveway after spending so much money getting it done. I will keep these tips in mind when I get my driveway replaced.

David Johnson link

6/10/2019 05:30:27 pm

Thanks for explaining that it's important not to park in the same spots all the time or to use jack stands during the initial curing time. In my opinion, it would be important to look into professional asphalt pavers because they will be able to explain any other essential tips you need to know that you may have forgotten earlier or may never had heard before. I'll have to look more into asphalt paving.

delta

6/27/2019 11:02:30 am

you are the only ones who mentioned the "soapsuds" when I hose it down and I thank you for illuminating me about that. You did not do my driveway, but I thank you anyway for the information.

Daphne Gilpin link

7/16/2019 11:56:47 am

Thanks for explaining that cars shouldn't be parked on the asphalt for two days. My husband and I need to have a parking lot for our building paved. Your article helped me know what to expect from working with a commercial paving company.

Dennis Sanchez link

7/24/2019 02:30:27 pm

Wow, I never knew that the tar that is used in asphalt takes up to twenty-four months to become fully cured. I'm going to be having my driveway repaved with asphalt next month and I'm not too familiar with asphalt. I'm going to keep this advice in mind so that I can take good care of my driveway.

Robertaryan link

7/29/2019 04:42:39 am

Asphalt paving should be done only by qualified contractors. My cousin just got a new asphalt driveway. It would be really helpful if he had a professional help him take care of it. I just really love your blog of Asphalt Do and Dont's. Its is really helpful for me.

Eli Richardson link

8/1/2019 12:34:59 pm

We liked the suggestion of watering the asphalt to cool it down to harden it. My brother needs to start paving his driveway before the fall, and we were looking for tips to do it. We will consider your idea and start looking for the tools we will need. Thanks for the post!

William

8/27/2019 01:27:15 am

My drive seem to have red stains from betelnut cheered in PNG. Ive noticed the stain could not go away after attempts to scrub it off. I'm worried the asphalt my wear out if I use detergents or other chemicals. Can anyone please advise the best without causing any damage to my driveway.

Jesse Ford link

12/10/2019 01:10:23 pm

I like it when you talked about not parking vehicles on a newly done driveway for at least two full days. My wife and I are thinking about repaving our driveway because last week we found a huge crack in it. Luckily though, we were able to fill it with crack filler while thinking about repaving it.

Tori Raddison link

2/10/2020 12:58:31 pm

It's good to know that you shouldn't park automobiles on your new asphalt until at least two days have passed so that it doesn't get ruined. I'm getting my driveway redone in the summer so I'm trying to learn more about the different options. Our concrete driveway is absolutely destroyed so I think it would be nice to have asphalt this time.

Eileen Benson link

3/3/2020 01:52:25 pm

Thanks for explaining that we shouldn't park a car on a new asphalt driveway until it's been at least two days since the installation. My brother and his wife want to hire a paving contractor to upgrade the dirt driveway of their cottage to an asphalt one. I'll pass along your tips to ensure everything goes smoothly after the paving process!

Rebecca Gardner link

4/7/2020 02:38:16 pm

It was helpful when you mentioned that we need to avoid parking vehicles on new asphalt for at least two days after installation. My husband and I want to hire a paving service so we can have a stable driveway leading up to the rural cottage home we just purchased. Thanks for teaching me how to avoid issues after the driveway installation process is complete!

Bethel Smith link

1/25/2021 05:29:05 pm

My wife and I have made plans to have a lot of different renovations made to our home over the summer. One of our large projects will be to add an asphalt driveway to the carport on the side of our house. I really appreciate your tip about making sure to water the asphalt on hot days. We will be sure to keep an eye on it once we have had someone pave it for us.

2/16/2021 03:19:08 pm

I'm glad you talked about the proper cares an asphalt driveway needs. My wife and I want to sell our home next year, so we want to start doing some renovations. We've heard that installing an asphalt driveway increases the appeal of a house, so we're thinking about installing one. That's why we researched how to keep it in good shape. Thanks for the tips about avoiding parking your car on your new asphalt driveway for at least a couple of days after its installation.

Langley landscaping link

3/2/2021 02:12:31 am

It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for learning more about asphalt dos donts . Thank you very much for sharing this article. If you are looking same kind of valuable information, then can also visit https://showcaselandscapinginc.com/

Curtis Butler link

3/8/2021 12:55:01 pm

I had no idea that you could use water to regulate your asphalt's temperature during hot weather. My uncle is thinking about installing a driveway so that he has room to restore his truck this summer, but he is worried that the sunlight may damage the surface since there aren't any nearby trees that can provide shade. Maybe he should find a seal coating service that can help him protect his asphalt.

Adam Golightly link

3/15/2021 06:27:52 pm

My aunt has been thinking about sealing the cracks in her driveway because there are a lot of them. Getting the work done by a professional could allow them to be more effective. Thanks for your tips about how she shouldn't drive too fast on her driveway or on the edge because they can be weak.

3/17/2021 03:20:55 pm

It really helped when you talked about the aftercare of a driveway installation. Recently, my wife and I decided we want to get an asphalt driveway for our home. We've heard it adds appeal to it, so we think your article will help us learn how to care for it. We appreciate your tips about how long it takes for the asphalt to be ready.

Larry Weaver link

3/29/2021 04:29:55 pm

Thanks for the info about asphalt. My friend is thinking of getting asphalt for a construction project. I'll tell my friend to hire a professional when working with concrete.

Derek Swain link

3/31/2021 10:54:08 am

I didn't know that occasionally spraying your asphalt with water can help it harden. My brother would like to get an asphalt driveway installed this summer. He should think about learning how to maintain it before he sets a new driveway up.

Kristofer Van Wagner link

6/1/2021 11:57:14 pm

I do agree that it is important for us to be aware of the proper maintenance when looking to have asphalt installed. My sister said she would like to have asphalt pavement installed. I will definitely keep this information in mind.

Mia Evans link

7/2/2021 01:50:53 am

Thanks for pointing out that any sharp edges can poke a hole in an asphalt surface over time, so we should avoid that. I guess the reason why my driveway has holes now is because of the bike stand that has been on its surface while the bike hasn't been used for a long time. Hopefully, I should find a professional that can fix and maintain the driveway for us.

rachel frampton link

7/9/2021 04:59:21 am

My brother Lucas would like to have his cracked driveway fixed by a paving contractor since this will help increase his property's curb appeal. Thank you for this; we'll make sure to never move too fast around the driveway. It's also a good thing that you clarified here that it must be watered down using a garden hose.

Taylor Hicken link

7/27/2021 01:04:32 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that it is important not to walk on your asphalt driveway on high heels as you will tend to damage it. My uncle just mentioned the other day that he is worried about his driveway since it has plenty of holes and cracks. I will suggest to him hiring a reliable service that can help to fix it.

Beverly Minyard link

7/28/2021 01:55:13 pm

Thanks for the tip of spraying the asphalt with water to cool it down in the summer. My wife and I noticed that our asphalt would get kind of soft on really hot days. Thanks for telling us an easy solution to that problem!

10/4/2021 11:49:58 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that materials used to distribute weight on the asphalt paving are recommended. I guess this would apply to commercial properties more since they would have heavy machinery or vehicles that they use for their deliveries. This would help a newly-constructed property to last for a long time.

10/6/2021 12:38:00 am

Thanks for helping me understand that we should not drive on the edge of the driveway. As you said, this is to prevent cracks and crumbling on that area when there is no support. I will keep that in mind since I will hire asphalt paving contractors to install that kind of driveway on my front yard because my car keeps on getting stuck in dirt when it rains.

Hazel Owens link

11/9/2021 09:43:54 am

I love how you mentioned that we should not drive too fast on our asphalt driveway. My husband and I just moved in to our new home and we were thinking of hiring an asphalt line striping service for our driveway. I will be sure to inform my husband that we should not drive too fast on our on our asphalt driveway when we get it done in our driveway.

John Carston link

11/16/2021 06:32:44 pm

I like how you mentioned that it is important to take care when you are in your paving area to avoid damages. My uncle mentioned to me last night that he and his friend are hoping to find residential paving services that can fix their driveway and asked me if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article and I'll be sure to tell him that they can consult trusted residential paving services as they can answer all their inquiries and will provide good-quality service.

11/24/2021 12:13:34 am

This is an interesting point where it reminds to choose the right professional when we need our driveway sealed. I do agree that it is best that we hire a professional as they are experienced and knowledgeable. I will definitely be mindful of who I hire in the future.

Lily Porter link

12/11/2021 08:26:17 pm

ASPHALT CONTAINS LIQUID TAR, WHICH NEEDS TIME TO HARDEN AND CURE. IT TAKES 24 MONTHS FOR A FULLY CURED DRIVEWAY. Nice post thank you bro!

Skye Richardson link

12/14/2021 06:06:22 am

Don’t walk on your new drive with high heel shoes, place lawn chairs, bicycle kickstands or any other sharp objects on it. They will create holes and depressions. Nice information thank you so much!

1/3/2022 08:41:45 pm

Thanks for helping me understand that asphalt should be watered down with a hose to keep it from softening or hardening depending on the weather conditions. I will keep that in mind and hire asphalt paving services to also maintain our driveway for us. It's our first time living in a property with that kind of material for the driveway, so we would need professionals to help us and keep it in good condition because we will settle here permanently.

Vivian Black link

1/17/2022 10:09:32 am

It is interesting that an asphalt driveway takes 24 months to completely cure. I never knew that. In light of that, it is important to know how to treat a driveway early on. Your suggestions are valuable. We are replacing our cement driveway for an asphalt one. We really like the look of asphalt and feel it is time to work on the curb appeal of our home.

Jeff Carbine link

1/29/2022 01:41:38 am

It's awesome that this article talked about asphalt including liquid tar, which takes time to firm and cure; a fully cured driveway takes 24 months. I'm glad that you explain it thoroughly and now it makes more sense. You did a great job of explaining residential asphalt.

2/9/2022 07:10:50 am

It's awesome that this article talked about do not park in the same spots all the time and do not use jack stands or car ramps unless you put a piece of plywood underneath during the initial curing time. I'm glad that you explain it thoroughly and now it makes more sense. You did a great job of explaining residential asphalt paving.

https://www.asphaltpavinghuntsvilleal.com link

2/23/2022 10:22:56 am

I’m so lucky to own discovered this site page.

3/9/2022 03:46:54 am

I like how you mentioned, "DO NOT PARK IN THE SAME SPOTS ALL THE TIME DURING THE INITIAL CURING PERIOD, AND DO NOT USE JACK STANDS OR CAR RAMPS UNLESS A PIECE OF PLYWOOD IS PLACED UNDERNEATH". When I was in college I think about it differently, there is really numerous information in this article that helps me. I'm grateful for your advice about paving solutions.

Victoria Addington link

3/9/2022 05:44:36 am

It was most captivating when you explained that there is a possibility that asphalt can soften in too hot weather and harden as temperature go down. We are planning to opt for asphalt construction for our driveway. I will make sure to consider the dos and don'ts you shared here.

6/9/2022 01:48:03 am

If I were to fix the cracks on my driveway, I would make sure to hire a seal coating service. Anyhow, it's a good thing that you suggested the importance of watering the driveway with a garden hose. I also agree with you that gas drippings must be removed from it immediately.

7/25/2022 07:12:14 am

My driveway is filled with potholes and dirt, which is why I'm thinking of hiring an experienced cleaning service. Anyhow, I'll keep in mind to avoid gas drippings next time. Thank you for suggesting the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance as well.

Thomas Clarence link

8/8/2022 03:41:44 pm

I thought you made an interesting point when you mentioned that you shouldn't park automobiles on asphalt for at least two days after it is laid. My wife and I are planning on having our driveway replaced with asphalt sometime this month. We will have to find a side street that has enough space for us to park our cars.

9/1/2022 02:52:19 am

My home's driveway is already cracked, so I've decided to start looking for a repair service that may address the matter. Anyhow, it made sense when you clarified the importance of avoiding gas leakage. I also agree with you that preventive maintenance must be done.

Alice Carroll link

10/5/2022 08:45:47 am

Thanks for the reminder that proper weight distribution is essential when it comes to asphalt paving. I'm interested in looking for a good contractor for that because I want to start working on renovating my commercial property. Having a proper parking area for it will surely be a good idea.

Braden Bills link

10/24/2022 09:43:53 am

My driveway has been having issues, and I'm not sure what to do about it. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. That seems like a good way to ensure that I handle things correctly.

Iris Smith link

10/31/2022 01:44:39 am

Thank you for warning about walking on the new driveway with sharp objects because doing so will produce depressions and holes in the surface. My sister stated that she wants to resurface the sidewalk at the exterior of her store to make it appear more friendly. After her pavement has been laid by asphalt paving contractors, I will advise her not to place sharp objects on it.

Eve Mitchell link

11/4/2022 05:33:10 pm

It's good to know that it takes 24 months for a driveway to fully cure. I'd really like to talk to an asphalt contractor to help me get a driveway installed on my property. It would be great to get that installed before the end of the year if I can.

11/16/2022 04:45:52 am

Thank you for clarifying that vehicles shouldn't be parked there for at least two full days. My father would want to have an asphalt patch installed in front of our house to fill in the large hole. I'll advise my father not to park or drive on the road after it has been patched because the asphalt takes some time to harden.

Daisy James link

12/15/2022 01:56:23 pm

It's good to know that you shouldn't drive on the edges of your driveway. My neighbor was at my house yesterday afternoon for lunch, and she talked about how she wants to get an asphalt driveway paved on her property in January. I'll pass this information along to her so she can know more tips on taking care of it properly.

Steve Smith link

1/18/2023 11:19:02 am

It's interesting when you said that proper driving on your driveway should be implemented to avoid damage. A few nights ago, one of my parent's friends told us he was looking for an asphalt service that could help pave their driveway because of cracked parts and potholes. He asked if I had any idea what would be the best option to consider. Thanks for helping me understand. I'll tell him that consulting asphalt paving companies can provide more information about the process.

Olivia Smart link

1/23/2023 12:34:35 pm

Thank you for explaining that you should avoid parking your cars on your asphalt driveway for at least two days. We're getting our driveway repaved later this week. I've been wondering what steps we should be taking to take care of it, so I'll be sure to remind everyone of this while it sets and cures.

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2/22/2023 07:13:24 am

great

Columbusgaconcreteservice.com link

3/24/2023 12:20:58 am

Thanks for posting Some Great ideas

Tex Hooper link

3/27/2023 05:54:47 pm

Great tip about not parking automobiles on it for two days after installation. My driveway needs to be repaved. I'll have to consider getting a contractor to fill in the frame.

Greg Sungreen link

5/15/2023 12:16:30 pm

It's essential to make sure you know about all the dos and don'ts of asphalt. While it might not seem quite as important, trust me, it indeed is.

Afton Jackson link

5/19/2023 12:50:36 am

I appreciate you helping me learn what I should avoid after a fresh asphalt installation. Avoiding anything that can damage or crack it will help us get the best investment out of it since it can last longer and won't require replacements so soon. I'll work on that as soon as I find an asphalt paving company and make sure to remember your tips.

Crossroads Paving CT link

7/24/2023 02:25:55 am

I'm so glad I came across this blog post by GW Paving Inc. The dos and don'ts of asphalt paving listed here are a must-read for anyone considering a new pavement installation. I've learned so much about proper maintenance and common mistakes to avoid. These practical tips will surely help me maintain my driveway better and keep it looking pristine. Much appreciated!

9/7/2023 10:59:59 pm

Learning more and more tips on how to handle an asphalt driveway was really helpful to me as a homeowner. We have a huge driveway here that we want to continue making use of since it's something that came with the house when we moved in, so the maintenance you talked about could really prove useful. Once I find an asphalt paving expert in the area, I'll make sure to note their details and be ready to call them for these kinds of methods.

Soila R. Banks link

9/18/2023 04:38:08 am

This website is a helpful guide for anyone dealing with asphalt. It clearly outlines the dos and don'ts, making it easy to understand and apply. The information is straightforward, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with asphalt can grasp essential tips. It's a practical resource for maintaining and handling asphalt effectively.

Gwen S. Heins link

9/25/2023 10:33:00 pm

The article effectively outlines essential guidelines for maintaining asphalt surfaces. It covers crucial aspects, highlighting what actions to take and what to avoid, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to prolong the lifespan and durability of asphalt structures. Great insights!

Rhea A. Crist link

9/27/2023 04:21:15 am

Thank you for sharing your expertise on asphalt paving. I've learned a lot from your post, and I'm sure many others will find it equally informative and valuable. Keep up the great work!

Resin Driveways Ipswich link

1/22/2024 08:33:11 am

This is helpful information for anyone with a new asphalt driveway. The recommendations on avoiding certain activities and distributing weight properly contribute to maintaining its quality during the curing process.

cement rendering sutherland link

1/26/2024 11:16:39 am

Even while asphalt dries quickly, you should avoid it for the first 24 to 48 hours after installation—or maybe even longer if your hot-mix asphalt was put down during the heat. This will provide the asphalt plenty of time to solidify and become strong enough to bear large loads. It will help shield tires and shoes from ugly stains! The secret to long-lasting asphalt pavement is timely upkeep. However, if you're a high-level manager or business owner, you can find it difficult to recall when different maintenance chores are due. A maintenance plan can assist in preventing this. You may create a calendar that will remind you when basic activities need to be done by asking your local asphalt paving business to create one!

Congratulations on the new driveway! The provided recommendations for caring for an asphalt driveway, especially during the initial curing period, are practical and essential for preserving its quality. link

1/31/2024 09:21:23 am

Resin Driveways Stoke-On-Trent link

1/31/2024 09:22:09 am

This information is helpful for anyone with a new asphalt driveway. The dos and don'ts provided will surely assist in maintaining the driveway's integrity and appearance. Thanks for sharing these useful tips!

Resin Driveways Norwich link

2/5/2024 03:02:54 am

Appreciate the recommendations for maintaining asphalt driveways. The tips on watering it down in extreme weather conditions and being mindful of specific actions, like avoiding sharp objects, contribute to the longevity of the driveway.

Resin Driveways Cheshire link

2/13/2024 01:48:43 am

Preserve Your Investment: Following these recommendations can help ensure the longevity and durability of your asphalt driveway, protecting your investment.

Resin Driveways Wigan link

2/21/2024 06:28:24 am

Thanks for highlighting the importance of proper care during the initial curing period and even afterward for long-term durability. These tips provide valuable guidance for ensuring the longevity of the driveway.

Resin Driveways Chelmsford link

4/11/2024 01:34:53 am

I appreciate the suggestions for maintaining asphalt driveways. The advice on watering it down during extreme weather conditions and being cautious of specific actions, such as avoiding sharp objects, help prolong the driveway's lifespan.

Resin Driveways Dartford link

5/17/2024 12:36:18 am

"Great advice on caring for a new asphalt driveway! Avoiding sharp objects and distributing weight are crucial to maintaining its integrity during the curing process."

Domer Concrete Solutions link

5/17/2024 06:29:15 am

Typically, it takes up to 24 months for an asphalt driveway to completely cure. During this time, the asphalt transitions from a pliable state to a more solid and resilient surface, capable of withstanding regular use and environmental stress. Proper curing ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the driveway, preventing premature cracking and other forms of deterioration.

Asphalt Do's & Don'ts

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