The Curing & Care of an Asphalt Driveway

Curing

• The curing process that an asphalt driveway goes through is very long. Depending on the process that is used and the contents of the poured driveway, anywhere from three months to two years will pass before the driveway has completely cured. Curing is the process by which the contents of the driveway completely harden, and until this process has been completed, the driveway is in various stages of being soft and susceptible to staining and gouging. While the driveway has cured enough to be driven on after a few days and can be walked on almost immediately, it can still be damaged by dragging objects or something as simple as sitting on lawn furniture on the driveway. Follow the installer's instructions when parking on the driveway and moving objects across it.

Sealing

• Sealing is the application of a top coat that will protect the driveway from damage as well as keeping it looking dark and new. Sealer should not be applied until the driveway has completely cured, and it's usually better to wait a season or two past the cure date to make sure everything has completely settled. Depending on the environment, the driveway will need to be sealed between every two to five years after it has been laid the first time. This is a project that can easily be done by the homeowner as long as the guidelines on the sealer are followed. Some driveways may absorb the sealer, and applying a second coat may be necessary after the first one has dried. Usually drying takes one or two days.

Cracks and Holes

• Cracks and holes are bound to happen, especially in areas where the ground will freeze and heave beneath the asphalt, cracking the surface. These cracks should be fixed with a compound specifically designed for asphalt driveways; it is usually a thick paste that is applied and smoothed with a trowel. Cracks can expand if not taken care of during the summer season after they appear, and longtime neglect can lead to long-term problems. When sealing the driveway, fill in any cracks or holes first.

Tips

• Some of the most effective tips for caring for an asphalt driveway are also the easiest. Keep large vehicles such as moving trucks off the driveway, especially during the curing process. Clean up any oil, gas or other chemical spills immediately as these can damage sealer and may react with the asphalt to leave pits or stains. When driving on the asphalt, don't turn the steering wheel when the car is sitting still, which can cause the tires to leave marks on the asphalt. Be especially careful at the edges of the driveway as they will crumble. And mow carefully to avoid taking any pieces out of the asphalt.