HAVE QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP

There's not a hard-and-fast rule about the correct temperatures for laying asphalt because there are multiple factors at play, including how hot the asphalt mix is to begin with and how thick the asphalt layers will be.

As a general rule, though, asphalt shouldn't be laid in very cold temperatures because the mix may cool down too much before it is properly compacted. It is better to wait until the winter chill has left so both the ambient temperature and the surface temperature will be warmer.

You may hear the suggestion that the air temperature should be at least 40 degrees in the shade, but your experienced contractor may rely on different guidelines to determine the best installation weather.

Because asphalt is an oil-based product, it doesn't fully cure until all the liquid in the mix hardens. This can take 6 to 12 months or even longer.

However, this is not what most people are actually asking when they inquire about cure times. What they actually want to know is how long it will be before they can drive on their new surface.

In general, it's a good idea to wait about 2 days before driving on a freshly laid asphalt driveway. Your contractor may advise a slightly longer waiting period based on current weather conditions or other environmental factors.

Although asphalt is durable and flexible, cracks and holes can happen from time to time. It is a good idea to have these repaired as soon as possible. Prompt maintenance will prevent them from becoming a more serious problem.

Most experts recommend sealcoating asphalt every few years. This treatment is applied to the top of your driveway. It helps seal any small cracks or holes in the surface that could otherwise become larger cracks, and it helps keep water from permeating the asphalt. Sealcoating also restores the dark color of fresh asphalt.

Asphalt has a natural flexibility that helps it withstand winter cycles of freezing and thawing. This makes it a good choice for driveways in cold climates.

Even still, if water is allowed to get into the asphalt, it can cause damage when it turns to ice. Therefore, it's a good idea to perform necessary maintenance before the weather turns cold. Have cracks and holes filled, and if you're due for a sealcoating treatment, schedule the work to be done before the temperature drops.

You should also do your best to keep standing water from accumulating on your driveway. Shoveling snowy driveways regularly is one of the best ways to accomplish that goal.

De-icing salt isn't as hard on asphalt as it is on concrete. It's reassuring to know that you can use this maintenance product as necessary during the icy months. However, using an overabundance of it or letting old salt stand all winter may eventually start to break down the surface, so moderation is still recommended.