The Best Time of Year for Asphalt Paving Projects
Timing is everything when it comes to asphalt paving. Whether you’re having a new driveway installed, repairing cracks, or paving a parking lot, knowing the best time to pave can save you money and time. American Asphalt is here to help with whatever project you’re undertaking. As experienced paving contractors, we know the ins and outs of seasonal paving in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Here, our team discusses the best time of year for asphalt paving projects.
Why the Season Matters
Paving is more than just laying down asphalt and stopping for the day. The process relies on the right conditions and weather to make sure the asphalt bonds to the surface, cures properly and lasts for years. When scheduling your paving project, you need to consider the temperature, ground stability, and humidity levels.
The following conditions are ideal for asphalt paving:
- Temperatures above 50°F
- Pavement temperature above 70°F
- Humidity below 75%
- Light rain or no rain
- A slight breeze or no wind
Best Seasons for Asphalt Paving
Understanding the best time to pave helps ensure the quality of your new asphalt. Each season offers unique challenges and opportunities, so paving at the right time makes a difference.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time for asphalt paving, making it the ideal time for commercial parking lots. With consistently warm weather and longer days, it is easy for pavers to lay and cure asphalt because it cures faster, creating a durable and smooth surface. Additionally, more hours of daylight mean we can complete your project faster.
When scheduling your summer paving project, keep in mind that you want to plan ahead. Aim for early to mid-summer before the hottest weather arrives and companies get booked. Scheduling early also helps you avoid peak-season prices, saving you money.
Autumn
Fall is another great season for paving projects. The cooler temperatures allow us to work efficiently and comfortably. The autumn weather helps asphalt set, and the late season means our team has more time and availability to complete your project.
If you’re planning a fall project, you’ll want to aim for September or October before the frost hits. However, it’s also important to note that fall weather can be unpredictable. Sudden rain or frost can cause delays. If we can’t complete your full project in the fall, we’ll perform maintenance to keep your surfaces working until the summer.
Spring
In areas with colder winters, such as New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, spring marks the start of paving season. As the temperatures start to rise, the ground begins to thaw, meaning our contractors can start your commercial parking lot, driveway, and street projects. At American Asphalt, we recommend waiting until late spring for large projects due to the drier ground and higher temperatures. The wet conditions and unpredictable rain of early spring can cause delays.
Winter
Winter is the off-season for full-scale paving projects because the freezing temperatures prevent proper bonding and curing. Additionally, the frozen ground is hard to work with and dig into to create a smooth surface for your parking lot or commercial driveway. While we don’t recommend large paving projects, winter is a suitable time for small-scale projects. Emergency repairs, maintenance, and sealcoating are ideal alternatives to prevent further damage until the warmer months arrive.
More Seasonal Tips from American Asphalt
You want your new pavement to be lasting and flawless. To keep your asphalt in tip-top shape all year, keep the following tips in mind:
- Schedule early: Reach out to contractors early to reduce the risk of them being fully booked. Winter is an optimal time to schedule your spring and summer projects, while fall projects should be booked in the spring.
- Regular maintenance: Properly laid asphalt may be durable, but it is still susceptible to damage. Regular sealcoating, crack repairs, and surface cleaning help your pavement last longer.
- Consider drainage: Proper drainage makes pavement last longer. Water buildup and poor runoff can lead to cracks and potholes. If your parking lot isn’t draining properly, our concrete and inlet repair service can help.
- Choose quality: You may be tempted to choose the contractor with the lowest price estimate. However, you should focus on the quality of services. While you may save more money upfront, an improperly installed driveway could cost you more in repairs.
Schedule Your Commercial Paving Project Today
It may be the heart of winter, but now is the perfect time to schedule your commercial paving project with American Asphalt. For over 120 years, our team has been a trusted provider of premium asphalt surfaces for businesses in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Our commitment to the safety of our team members, community, and clients, along with our use of quality materials, have contributed to our 99% client retention rate. To learn more about our asphalt paving services, contact us today.