The wintertime promises snow and ice. This is exciting for some and an unpleasant experience for others. Along with the joys of the holidays, you are going to encounter a driveway that is deteriorating under the constant strain of the ice. Filling in these cracks and potholes as soon as you can is imperative. Unfortunately, the cold weather complicates this process. Let’s go over the logistics of laying asphalt in cold weather so you can determine your next step this winter.
Can you install asphalt in cold weather?
Can you lay asphalt in cold weather? The short answer is yes; however, there are a lot of things that have to line up for the paving process to work out. For one, because the asphalt mix has to maintain a certain level of heat, it becomes more difficult to manage when the weather outside is working to cool it down. If you intend to lay asphalt in colder weather there is going to be a time crunch that you are working under. This time crunch leaves a lot of room for errors and there is a chance that you are going to end up with a product that is not satisfactory.
It is important to note that cold-mix asphalt is available for purchase. Unfortunately, the cold mix does not hold nearly as well as the hot mix. It is less durable and its lifespan is noticeably shorter. If you intend on performing a small repair then the cold mix is going to work; however, anything bigger than a crack and you will want to consider waiting for warmer weather.
How long does asphalt take to cure in cold weather?
If you do lay asphalt in the cold weather then you are going to need to give it some time to cure. Curing is the process of letting the asphalt set after you lay it down. Normally this is a relatively short process but the colder temperatures complicate everything. In the summer asphalt takes 48-72 hours to fully set but the winter usually requires about a week of waiting. During this time you need to make sure that no one drives over the pavement. This can cause warps and cracks to form which will be a hassle to take care of.
What is the lowest temperature you can lay asphalt?
The lowest temperature that it is recommended you lay asphalt is 50 degrees. Anything less than 50 degrees and you are going to encounter some problems. If possible, wait until spring before you start any of your paving projects. It is understandable that you would be in a hurry to get it done; however, rushing the process ensures that it will come out half-baked. You should contact a professional if you have any questions pertaining to asphalt. After all, scheduling the job now means that you can get it done as soon as possible!
How can we serve you?
The professional paving contractors at Sipes Asphalt & Concrete know the ideal conditions for pouring concrete or asphalt. Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or crack sealing, we’ve got you covered. Call Sipes for your paving estimate and the best paving solutions in the Indianapolis area.
