Question 1

How long should I wait before walking or driving on my new driveway?

Accepted Answer

You can walk on your new asphalt driveway immediately after installation. However, it's advisable to keep vehicles off the surface for at least 3 full days, and longer in warmer weather. The liquid asphalt in the blacktop requires 6-12 months to fully harden and cure, during which time the driveway will remain somewhat soft and pliable. Even after curing, asphalt driveways are not as hard as concrete surfaces.

Question 2

It seems like my driveway gets soft sometimes. Is there a problem with the asphalt that was used?

Accepted Answer

It's normal for asphalt to soften and harden with temperature fluctuations. On hot days, you can cool and temporarily harden the surface by spraying it with water, though this isn't necessary. If you notice soapsuds, don't be concerned; this is a harmless reaction between diesel fuel in the asphalt and chlorine in some municipal water supplies. While we strive to minimize puddles, some small ones may occur due to natural ground slope and drainage patterns.

Question 3

How can I prevent scaring on my driveway?

Accepted Answer

To minimize scarring on your new asphalt driveway, avoid rapid acceleration, quick turns, and high-speed driving. During the initial 6-12 month curing period, it's beneficial to vary your parking spots. When stationary, refrain from turning your steering wheel. If using jack stands or car ramps, place plywood underneath to distribute weight more evenly and reduce the risk of damage to the surface.

Question 4

The edges of our driveway are cracking. What caused that?

Accepted Answer

Driveway edges are typically the most vulnerable areas due to lack of lateral support. To prevent cracking and crumbling, we recommend avoiding driving on these edges. A practical solution is to build up the sides with topsoil, which will provide additional support and improve the overall appearance once grass grows in the area.

Question 5

What is the texture of our pavement smooth in some places yet looks rough in others?

Accepted Answer

Variations in texture across your asphalt driveway are normal and result from the diverse components in the blacktop mixture, including various sizes of stone, sand, and liquid asphalt. Areas that have been manually raked and spread may appear different from machine-spread sections. At Chesapeake Paving, we use high-quality materials to minimize these texture variations as much as possible.

Question 6

What can I do with the holes left in our driveway from a leaky transmission?

Accepted Answer

It's important to prevent spills of gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, power steering and transmission fluids as these can degrade the asphalt. For small holes caused by such spills, you can use cold patch filler. Hairline cracks that develop due to seasonal ground movement can be addressed with crack filler. These products are available at most building supply stores. For more extensive damage, we recommend professional repair. Contact us for a complimentary estimate.

Question 7

What will asphalt look like when you are finished?

Accepted Answer

Newly laid asphalt has a deep black color. You may notice some roller marks initially, and areas of hand-work might be slightly more visible. With regular use, the surface will gradually blend into a uniform, smooth appearance.

Question 8

Can you perform asphalt repairs in the winter?

Accepted Answer

While some asphalt work can be done in winter, it's often limited to temporary repairs. For optimal results, we typically recommend scheduling proper repairs during more favorable weather conditions.

Question 9

What's the difference between permeable and porous asphalt?

Accepted Answer

Porous asphalt is designed to allow water to penetrate through to a specially prepared gravel base beneath. Permeable pavement, on the other hand, is a broader term for surfaces that facilitate on-site stormwater management and treatment while maintaining functionality. This approach helps reduce runoff from impervious surfaces.

Question 10

How do you decide what type of asphalt should be used in my project?

Accepted Answer

The selection of asphalt type is determined by our sales representative after a thorough site inspection, considering the intended use of the area. For municipal and new commercial projects, product specifications are often provided by architects or engineering firms. We then formulate the asphalt mixture to meet these specific requirements.

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