Dealing with Asphalt in the Summer Heat

Asphalt is a popular paving material for driveways and parking lots because it’s durable and long-lasting. But even asphalt surfaces can start to break down over time, creating cracks that allow water into the surface. That can lead to moisture buildup, which in turn leads to problems like potholes and rutted pavement. Fortunately there are ways you can prevent these issues before they happen – such as by installing an asphalt repair coating system, but you need to know how to cure asphalt faster.

The best time to repair asphalt is when it’s dry. If you’re doing the work yourself, this means waiting until daytime temperatures are in the 50s or higher and there hasn’t been any rain for 24 hours. Check your local weather forecasts – if a storm seems imminent, reschedule to do the work on another day.

Wear protective gear like goggles and gloves! Asphalt needs to be clean before applying an overlay coating system (this also applies even if you decide not to add one). Sweep up loose materials such as gravel that can fall into cracks once they’ve been filled with sealant. Remove grime from crack seams by scrubbing them with a stiff-bristled brush.

Wet the asphalt with a hose to clean it before applying an overlay system or other type of sealant, and make sure you do this during dry weather conditions. If you’re sealing cracks in your driveway, use a paintbrush to apply treatment from one end of the crack to the other – don’t fill just part way because that can cause future damage by trapping moisture within that area. Asphalt repairs need time for curing – typically at least 24 hours depending on local climate factors such as temperature and humidity levels. Wait 48 hours if possible! That gives any new material ample time to bond with existing surface materials for maximum strength over time.