When Is the Best Time for Asphalt Driveway Paving?
New asphalt driveway paving can benefit you and your property for decades. A great driveway adds loads of functionality, makes your home more accessible and boosts curb appeal. In warmer parts of the country, driveway paving contractors can work throughout the year. However, we’re not so lucky in West Virginia. You don’t want to flush the total asphalt driveway costs down the drain with lackluster results. So, when is the best time for West Virginia asphalt paving?
When Is the Right Time to Schedule Driveway Paving?
To make the most out of the total blacktop driveway costs you pay, contractors prefer to work from late spring to early fall. Contractors can work outside this window, but new challenges will arise, and your total asphalt driveway costs may climb.
West Virginia asphalt paving companies can start projects when the ground thaws after winter and temperatures consistently exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer temperatures are ideal. Therefore, residential paving goes into full swing during the summer season.
Why Does Timing Matter for Paving?
Residential paving is much easier than large-scale industrial or commercial paving. However, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore factors like the weather. The reason why West Virginia asphalt paving has a “season” is because of asphalt workability. Contractors use hot asphalt mixes to construct driveways. Many grades and mixes are available, and specifics will impact total blacktop driveway costs.
However, asphalt must remain hot regardless of quality and formula as contractors lay and compact it. When driveway paving material arrives at your site, it’s typically between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. But, it starts to cool once exposed to the open air.
Asphalt paving can cool down a bit while contractors lay and compact the material, but it must remain at 175 to 275 degrees. If its temperature dips below that, it becomes unworkable, and the asphalt driveway cost you paid to create this brand-new surface go to waste.
Contractors prefer to work from late spring to early fall because ambient air and ground temperatures are warm enough to prevent the asphalt from cooling too quickly. It cools rapidly when temperatures are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, like in the late fall and winter. It can harden too much to compact, resulting in crumbling and a low-quality final product.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Planning an Project?
Beyond ambient temperatures, asphalt paving contractors must also monitor the weather forecast to avoid rain and wet conditions. Rainfall can ruin driveway paving by cooling the asphalt, making it unworkable, and impacting the final quality of the finished driveway.
Asphalt contains bitumen, an oil byproduct. Water and oil don’t mix. When it rains, the oils can rise to the surface, negatively affecting curing. The same goes for wet soil. Melted snow and a damp subgrade can ruin the structural integrity of your driveway. To ensure the blacktop driveway cost go far, contractors will schedule your project when conditions are dry and warm.
Let Erskine Paving take care of all your residential paving needs. We know how to do things right, taking every precaution to ensure you receive the results you deserve. With years of experience and an award-winning reputation, you can trust us to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. In addition to new paving, we’re available for sealcoating, repairs, resurfacing, dirt work, gravel hauling, parking lot drainage improvements and more.
Call Erskine Paving today at (304)222-9272 to talk shop and get a free quote for your paving project. Alternatively, email Erskinesealcoating@gmail.com or use our online form to get in touch.