Asphalt Care: Driveway Do's & Don'ts

Understanding Your New Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt contains liquid tar that needs time to harden and cure. Your driveway will be fully cured within about 24 months; until then it remains pliable and soft. Keep automobiles off for at least 7 full days — longer in hot weather.

Even when cured, asphalt can soften in extremely hot weather and re-harden as temperatures fall. To temporarily harden hot asphalt, water it down with a garden hose. If soap suds appear, don't be alarmed — that's a harmless reaction between the diesel fuel in asphalt and the chlorine in some city water.

During the Curing Period

• Don't pull in or out too fast, or drive too fast on the new surface.
• Don't park in the same spot every time.
• Don't turn your steering wheel back and forth while the car isn't moving.
• No jack stands or car ramps unless plywood underneath distributes the weight.
• Keep heavy trucks (concrete, oil, landscaping) off the new driveway — they depress and rut fresh blacktop.
• Storing a camper or trailer? Put plywood under the tongue jack and tires.
• Watch the sharp stuff: high heels, lawn chairs, bicycle kickstands, and other pointed objects create holes and depressions.

Protect the Edges

The edges are the weakest part of your driveway due to the lack of side support. Don't drive on them — they'll crack and crumble in time. Building up the sides with topsoil supports the edges once grass is grown.

The Long-Term Schedule

Sealcoat after the first year, then once every two to three years — never immediately after paving, and never more often than the surface needs (over-sealing makes asphalt slippery). Fill cracks as they appear so water can't reach the base. Any reputable sealcoating company can handle the application — the schedule above is what matters.

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