If you want to install a driveway or parking lot on your property, you must do this before the winter. The time it takes for asphalt to cure depends upon the weather conditions, especially the temperature. Understanding how paving work cures will help you schedule your appointment on a suitable day. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide on how outdoor conditions affect the installation and curing process.

What Does Asphalt Require to Cure?

Air

In order to successfully install a driveway or parking lot, the temperatures must not be freezing. Winter temperatures could cool the mixture too rapidly, preventing it from compacting naturally and forming a durable seal. 

As a general rule, the day of the project should start at a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and get warmer over the course of the day.

Another important factor to monitor is the wind speed. When winds pick up, asphalt tends to cool down, which may interfere with its ability to dry properly. Rainfall has a comparable cooling effect, so schedule the work on a clear, mild day.

Unfrozen Ground 

It’s also crucial to note the temperature of the ground prior to installing the asphalt. Like the ambient temperature, the ground must not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the installation. This will ensure a proper cure, which will prevent cracking, crumbling, and deterioration.

During the fall, your contractor may use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of the sub-base to make sure it’s ready to receive the product.

To schedule a paving project before the winter arrives, get in touch with Art Tabasco & Sons Paving. For over 35 years, they have provided asphalt installations, repairs, and sealcoating to clients throughout New York’s Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Dutchess counties. Learn more about what they do on their website or call (845) 778-5584 to set up an appointment.