Redoing your driveway at the right time.
Were you thinking of redoing your driveway? Of course, budget plays an important part when planning to redo a driveway, but timing is everything. For example, paving when the ground is frozen will make asphalt break down almost too easily. The same goes when you pave when the ground is wet. So, what time of the year is best to redo your driveway?
Redo your driveway when there is the least rain
If you live in Sydney, the best time to pave your driveway is from July through December. That’s the time of the year when it is least likely to rain. It is best to redo your driveway during these drier months because the quality of asphalt is best guaranteed when air and ground temperatures are between 10oC and 32oC.
When paving with asphalt, it is also crucial to do so when the ground is dry and firm. That’s because water can damage the base layers of the driveway and will cause the asphalt to cool fast.
Why does timing matter when redoing the driveway?
Different weather conditions have different effects on asphalt, which can influence the quality of your newly paved driveway.
- Cold weather
Extreme cold can cause the asphalt to contract and shift, resulting in cracks. Experienced companies use a hot mix asphalt that is specially designed to withstand the freeze and thaw cycle of the winter months.
- Wet weather
Oil repels water, and asphalt mixture contains oil. Therefore, laying asphalt whilst it is raining or when the ground is wet can cause cracks or holes to form. This will ultimately compromise the quality of your new driveway.
Whist there is a porous asphalt mix that allows water to run through it, it is still recommended to schedule redoing your driveway on warm, sunny days.
- Dry weather
Asphalt and concrete surfaces that are not maintained properly can build up with dust and oil when the weather is arid. Even a slight drizzle or moisture on these surfaces can cause your driveway to become slippery. That’s because water and debris on the surface combine to create a thin liquid film that can become a slip hazard.
You can ask your contractor about sealcoating. Along with regular maintenance, sealcoating prevents debris from building up and will help your driveway withstand dry days.
- Hot weather
Scorching temperatures can deteriorate the asphalt surface and cause it to fade. Your asphalt driveway can also develop soft spots and small waves during these hot temperatures. Proper installation of asphalt as well as sealcoating will help protect your driveway from warm temperatures and UV rays.
Why is the time of the year important when redoing the driveway?
Hot mix asphalt is more pliable and manageable when the weather is warm. It sets better on dry, sunny days, so you can be sure that your driveway will last longer. Hot mix asphalt must retain a temperature between 80oC and 135oC to compact and set properly.
Asphalt pours and spreads better in warm weather. It can also be smoothed easily before it cools when the day is warm, leaving you with a quality driveway that is pleasing to the eye. Warmer weather also ensures that your asphalt installers have all the time they need to do the job properly. This means they don’t have to rush to finish redoing your driveway because there is a rain forecast for the next few days.
What is the ideal temperature for redoing the driveway?
Asphalt is extremely malleable when poured at the right temperature. However, when it is cold, it loses its malleability, preventing it from binding properly and thus causing it to ravel. Cold temperatures can also make asphalt brittle, making it more prone to cracks, chips and other cold-related damage.
On the other hand, extreme heat can cause freshly laid asphalt to melt, bruise and slough. It also will not allow asphalt to cure or set properly.
So, what is the best temperature for installing asphalt? Ideally, you want to pour asphalt for your driveway when both air and ground temperatures are between 10oC and 30oC. Anything outside this range can cause you problems down the road. So, ensure you have two to three days of ideal ground and ambient temperature before you start redoing your driveway.
Can I redo my driveway in winter?
Generally, it is best to hold off redoing your driveway during winter. This is because ambient and ground temperature may not be ideal for installing asphalt, which can result in issues in the near future. However, paving in winter is not exactly impossible, as long as the ground is not frozen and weather conditions are dry which can be possible with the Australian climate.
Can I redo my driveway when it is raining?
Asphalt installation cannot be done whilst it is raining. Pouring must also be held off if it has rained recently and the ground is still wet.
Whilst you or your contractor would like to be able to finish redoing your driveway soon, it is just not possible while it is raining or when the ground is wet. That’s because the asphalt mixture contains oils that repel water. Installing asphalt while raining will affect the quality of your driveway. This could cause cracks or holes in newly laid asphalt.
You can immediately see the damage to the asphalt caused by rain or water. The oil separates from the asphalt, which will cause water to rise to the top of your newly paved driveway. Craters or potholes will form immediately if it is raining when the asphalt is laid.
Northern Highways Bitumen knows the best time to redo your driveway.
At Northern Highways Bitumen, we have a solid track record of keeping our clients satisfied. Whether you are looking to redo your driveway at home or have a commercial project on your mind, we can help. Clients from the residential, commercial, government and industrial sectors have relied on our high-quality and cost-effective methods of completing their projects.
With decades of experience in road construction and surfacing solutions, we know just what to do to get the job done right. To know more, you can fill out our online enquiry form. You can also talk to one of our specialists at 1300 858 751 or send us an email at sales@northernhighwaysbitumen.com.au.
