How long does asphalt take to dry after the installation process is complete?
Installing fresh asphalt pavement for your parking lot is a great investment for business and commercial property owners. Resurfaced asphalt is an excellent way to boost curb appeal while also creating a safer environment for your visitors.
Understanding how long asphalt takes to dry is important before you begin using your parking lot. Many people confuse the asphalt cure and drying cycle, as both of these processes are completely different.
How Long Does Asphalt Take to Dry?
A newly paved asphalt surface takes around 48 to 72 hours to dry after installation is finished. Once this dry time is complete, it’s safe to walk or drive vehicles on the paved asphalt without causing any long-term damage. However, the drying time for resurfaced asphalt is much quicker, as it usually only takes less than 24 hours to finish. Resurfacing an asphalt parking lot on a sunny day can often expedite the entire process.
How Long is the Cure Time for Asphalt?
Asphalt curing is a much longer process that requires the molecules of the material to fuse together, which results in oxidation. In other words, the residual solvents will eventually leave the film and cross-link with the oxygen in the environment. This cross-linking process is a key step for developing strength and durability. Typically, it takes anywhere from six to twelve months for asphalt to fully cure.
Tips for How to Take Care of Your Asphalt Pavement
Understanding asphalt maintenance is key to extending its lifespan while saving you money in the long run. The first few weeks of a brand new asphalt parking lot make it especially vulnerable, as it’s important to avoid parking in the same spot, or it will lead to unevenness. Parking in different locations during the first 30 days will help you avoid these problems while giving the pavement more time to be fully hardened.
Another tip is to prevent extremely heavy vehicles from driving on your pavement. Too much weight will cause the pavement to depress, which can lead to significant damage over time. Avoiding excess traffic during the first few weeks is also a good idea for parking lot maintenance. Sealcoating new pavement after 30 days will keep your parking lot great by protecting it from UV damage from the sun, and it makes it a lot easier to clean.
Other Things to Consider
Knowing how long asphalt takes to dry is key to extending its lifespan while limiting the need for asphalt repairs in the future. Regularly inspecting your parking lot for any signs of cracks is also critical to maintenance. A parking lot repair company can quickly fill in these cracks before they get larger over time. Removing leftover debris and keeping your parking lot clean will also extend the lifespan of the pavement while increasing curb appeal.
Reach Out to PLS for Asphalt Paving Services
Parking Lot Services (PLS) specializes in asphalt repair, maintenance, and installation for commercial property and business owners in Tampa Bay. We also provide concrete repair and concrete maintenance services. Our experienced maintenance and repairs team is also available to answer any of your questions about how long does asphalt take to dry and the best time of year to install a parking lot. Reach out to PLS today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about our services!