Guide to Temperature Requirements for Asphalt Paving
What is the ideal temperature for laying asphalt?
This may not be an important question for property owners, since asphalt temperature is one of several key factors affecting the quality of asphalt installation or repairs; too high or too low temperatures can be disastrous for any asphalt paving project.
Asphalt cools quickly if the outdoor temperature is too low. This jeopardizes the binding between the most needed aggregates and may cause you to see raveling on such pavements after some time.
Conversely, the extremely hot temperature can delay the curing time. Too much heat can melt the asphalt causing it to soften and the development of bruises and sloughs.
Therefore, to get the best results, you need to lay the asphalt with keen consideration to the temperature requirements of your project.
Understanding the impact of temperature on asphalt processing and laying can be helpful. This will help when discussing the project with the asphalt contractors and deciding on the paving time.
Ground Temperature Range Required to Lay Asphalt
Ideally, it is preferable to do asphalt paving at 50°to 90°F land temperature. You must keep an eye on the weather forecasts. Asphalt requires this temperature and heat for at least 2-3 days. This assures proper laying and binding to form robust structures.
Why is Air (Ambient) Temperature Crucial for Asphalt Projects?
The HMA must be hot at the time of laying. This promotes solid binding of the material with the substrate layer.
Since the ground temperature is lower than ambient temperature, the air temperature of 60°-75°F is preferred for the job.
The other two factors affecting HMA temperatures are wind speed and precipitation.
High precipitation or high winds can speed up the asphalt cooling process. The heat, viscosity, and liquid state of the material at the time of laying determines the strength of the asphalt structure.
Avoid doing a paving project in windy weather to prevent quick drying.
Asphalt Curing Time
The curing time may vary for various asphalt pavement depending on the type of work done, asphalt resurfacing, patchwork, or repaving, It can take around 6-12 months for curing. But this does not prevent you from using the paved area.
You need to provide a resting duration of 2-3 days to allow the asphalt to set firmly on the subsoil. If the outdoor temperature is too hot, you may need to provide up to 7 days of resting time for the purpose.
Is it good to speed up the curing process?
Curing means drying the asphalt for faster binding. This is mostly done for commercial paving projects. When you need a parking lot ready for a new commercial project, this is an option.
However, you must avoid leveraging DIY methods. The method is quite complicated and employs high-grade equipment.
What is the Best Season to Install or Repave Asphalt?
Depending on where Since asphalt projects are done during hot weather, you may schedule the construction or asphalt maintenance work after late spring. Most contractors will advise you to choose a date during late spring, early summer, and before the fall.
However, the temperature requirements for laying blacktop can vary from asphalt driveways. Blacktop is also a kind of asphalt structure containing a higher percentage of crushed stones.
If you are looking for the best paving local contractor, take a moment to visit our online directory of asphalt paving companies to find the best local paving company near you.
They are standing by to provide you with a quick and reasonable estimate for your residential or commercial asphalt paving project.
