Investing in a new asphalt driveway or parking lot is a big decision, and ensuring its longevity requires proper care and maintenance. Without the right precautions, your pavement can deteriorate faster, leading to costly repairs. Follow these eight essential steps to protect your asphalt pavement, maximize durability, and save money in the long run.
1. Allow Proper Curing Time
Freshly paved asphalt needs time to set. While it may look ready for use, it remains soft and pliable for 6-12 months as it fully cures.
✔️ Wait at least 3 full days before allowing vehicle traffic.
✔️ You can walk on it immediately, but keep cars and heavy equipment off.
✔️ In hot weather, consider waiting even longer before driving on it.
✔️ Even after curing, remember that asphalt is not as hard as concrete and should be treated with care.
2. Keep Your Pavement Cool on Hot Days
Asphalt reacts to temperature changes, softening in the heat and hardening in cooler weather.
✔️ Sprinkling water on your driveway or parking lot on extremely hot days can help it temporarily harden.
✔️ If you notice soapsuds forming when watering, don’t worry—it’s a natural reaction between blacktop oils and chlorinated water.
3. Avoid Parking in the Same Spot for the First 6-12 Months
As your asphalt cures, repeated pressure in the same area can leave indentations.
✔️ Try rotating where you park to prevent depressions.
✔️ Avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary, as this can scuff the surface.
4. Prevent Damage from Heavy Vehicles
Your asphalt pavement is designed to withstand daily use, but excessive weight can cause depressions and cracks.
✔️ Keep heavy trucks, RVs, and machinery off the pavement whenever possible.
✔️ If storing a camper or trailer, place plywood under the jack and tires to help distribute weight.
✔️ If using car jacks or ramps, always place plywood underneath for added support.
5. Protect the Edges of Your Driveway or Parking Lot
The edges of asphalt pavement lack structural support, making them more vulnerable to cracks and crumbling.
✔️ Build up the sides with topsoil for driveways or install a curb for parking lots to reinforce the edges.
✔️ Avoid driving too close to the edges to prevent breakage.
6. Understand Surface Variations
Not all areas of your asphalt will have the exact same texture.
✔️ Asphalt contains various sizes of stone, sand, and aggregates, which create a natural variation in appearance.
✔️ Hand-raked areas may look slightly different from machine-laid sections, but this does not affect performance.
7. Avoid Gas, Oil, and Chemical Spills
Asphalt is porous and can be weakened by gasoline, oil, antifreeze, and other chemicals that drip from vehicles.
✔️ If a spill occurs, clean it up immediately.
✔️ Any damage should be patched with cold patch asphalt repair.
✔️ Small cracks from winter freeze-thaw cycles should be sealed with crack filler to prevent water penetration.
8. Seal Coat for Long-Term Protection
Applying a seal coat is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your asphalt pavement.
✔️ Seal your driveway or parking lot 6-12 months after installation—not too soon, as fresh asphalt needs time to cure.
✔️ A sealant protects asphalt from water, UV damage, oil spills, and road salts, preventing premature deterioration.
✔️ Without sealcoating, asphalt becomes dry, brittle, and more susceptible to cracks and potholes.
Protect Your Asphalt Investment with Regional Paving
Proper maintenance ensures your driveway or parking lot lasts for years without costly repairs. By following these eight key steps, you can significantly prolong the life of your asphalt pavement.
At Regional Paving, we stand behind our work with a one-year guarantee on labour and materials. For expert paving services and professional guidance on asphalt maintenance, contact us today!
📞 Call Giovanni at 905-651-2451
📩 Request a Free Quote →
🚧 Serving Niagara, Haldimand & Lincoln since 1976 🚧