Asphalt pavements have a lot to recommend them. They are highly economical, quite attractive, and rapid to construct. Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun, so ice and snow can melt more easily during a brutal Chicago winter. Maintaining or repairing an asphalt pavement is typically fast and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements can have remarkably long lives. However, the treatment that asphalt paving project receives during its first few months of existence can have long-term consequences.
Why Are the First Few Months in the Life of Paving Critical?
As any knowledgeable paving company can tell you, asphalt pavements have the ability to flex under load. When traffic passes over them, they can give a bit, then they rebound extremely quickly. However, there is a downside to this flexibility until the asphalt cures completely. The uncured asphalt is much more tender than it will be after curing, so it is more vulnerable to damage. It does not matter whether your asphalt paving company installs an overlay or constructs a new pavement. If you want to maximize its longevity and minimize your repair expenses, there are certain things that can help.
How Long Does Curing Take for Asphalt Paving?
The curing time for asphalt paving in Chicago can vary a great deal. The weather at the time of installation, the type of asphalt mix, and the lift thicknesses can all impact curing. Usually, a parking lot paving company expects complete curing to occur in no more than a year. On the other hand, due to its thinness, an asphalt overlay may only need three months or so. Your asphalt contractor can take all factors into consideration to estimate a more precise time frame.
What Actions Do Paving Contractors Advise Clients to Take and Avoid for a New Asphalt Pavement?
Typically, a roadway or parking lot paving company will make the following recommendations.
1. Do not get in too big a hurry to open your pavement to vehicles. The minimum wait is usually 24 hours, but it could extend to as long as 72 hours.
2. Do apply sealcoating once the asphalt reaches a sufficient level of curing. Depending on various factors, this could be anywhere from three months to a year.
3. Do not leave parked cars, heavy equipment, or pallets of heavy materials stationary on your new pavement. Move them around every few days.
4. Do remove puddles of oil or other vehicle fluids as quickly as possible, especially if you have yet to apply sealcoating. Petrochemicals can deteriorate the binder in asphalt pavements. The soft, crumbly spot they leave behind can turn into a pothole very quickly.
5. Do not allow drivers to practice stunt maneuvers on your new pavement. This includes drag racing, burning rubber, and spinouts.
6. Do prevent or remove accumulations of snow and ice. The frozen material next to your pavement will likely melt slightly on a warm day, then refreeze overnight. If the snow or ice melts even a little, the water can fill the pores in your pavement. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in these pores will turn to ice and expand, damaging your pavement.
At Black Hawk Paving, we offer a full range of asphalt services as well as concrete services. Our clients range from small commercial businesses to national chains. Our services include asphalt paving and resurfacing, concrete flatwork construction, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing, site grading and excavation, asphalt sealcoating, concrete curbing, asphalt fabric installation, sewer repairs, pavement markings, and traffic signage. We have been serving Chicagoland since 1975. Our prices are competitive, our reputation is exemplary, and our references are impeccable. We offer free quotes, so contact us today to request yours. You can email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, fill out the online form, or call 708-479-0400.
