Hot asphalt is laid at a high temperature and compacted with a roller while it is still workable. As it cools, it hardens. But it keeps hardening for weeks afterwards, and how you treat it in that time makes a difference.
Walking on it
You can usually walk on new asphalt within a few hours, once it has cooled. Avoid high heels and dragging furniture or bins across it in the first days.
Driving on it
We usually recommend keeping cars off a new driveway for one to three days. In hot summer weather, longer is better, because the surface stays softer for longer. We will give you a specific time for your job when we hand over.
The first few weeks
Asphalt stays slightly soft for several weeks, especially on hot days. During this time:
- Do not turn the steering wheel while the car is stationary. This “power steering scuff” can twist the surface and leave marks.
- Vary where you park so the same spot is not loaded all the time.
- Avoid parking heavy vehicles, caravans or trailers on jacks or stands without a board underneath to spread the load.
- Keep heavy delivery trucks off if you can.
- Do not use sharp tools such as spades or kickstands on the surface.
Fuel, oil and chemicals
Diesel, petrol and oil dissolve bitumen. Clean up spills quickly with an absorbent material, then wash the area with water and a mild detergent.
What about the colour and marks?
New asphalt is deep black and may show tyre marks in the first weeks. These usually fade as the surface hardens. Over months, the surface will gradually turn a slightly lighter grey in the sun, which is normal.
Edges
The edges of a new driveway are its weakest point until the surrounding ground settles. Avoid driving over the edges and keep the soil or paving next to them firm.
Resurfaced driveways
A resurfaced driveway follows the same rules: it is new asphalt and needs the same care in the first weeks.
Questions after your job?
If anything concerns you after we have laid your tar driveway, call or WhatsApp us. We would rather check than have you worry.