Like most things in life, there is an optimum time for installing an asphalt driveway and completing other forms of repair. There are also certain weather conditions where installing asphalt is inadvisable. In this short article, we’ll explore how different types of weather can affect the quality of your asphalt driveway installation, and guide you on the best temperature to give you the best finish possible.

Why Does Asphalt Need Certain Temperatures For Installation?

Asphalts malleability, which is what makes this material so versatile, also becomes its enemy when temperatures hit extremes. During installation, cold temperatures can prevent asphalt from properly binding which causes the asphalt to become brittle. Thus more prone to chips, cracks, and cold-related damage, leaving you with a poor final product. On the opposite end of the spectrum, extreme heat is an enemy of freshly laid asphalt too! High temperatures can cause new asphalt to melt, slough, bruise and won’t allow asphalt to properly cure.

Installing Asphalt Driveways In Cold Temperatures

Great news for us Canadians!  Believe it or not, it is entirely possible to effectively install asphalt in colder weather …as long as the conditions are favorable! Favorable conditions mean the ground is dry and temperatures are above freezing. If the ground is frozen or it has been raining, the result will be a cracked, stiff surface prone to potholes. This is because rapid cooling prevents the asphalt from effectively compacting. If a cooler installation is necessary, opt for late Fall or only during mild Winters.

Installing Asphalt Driveways In Warm Temperatures

So when is the best time to install an asphalt driveway when it’s warm? We recommend paving asphalt in the spring, after the snow has melted, or during the summer. This way, you’ll have a better chance of being able to schedule your paving project for when the ground is thawed and the weather conditions are dry. Remember, moisture plays as big a role as temperature, so try to avoid scheduling a project when the weather is prone to rain.

Asphalt is a fantastic product, but it takes the right temperature on both the ground and in the air for proper installation. When you choose a local professional to install your asphalt driveway, like us, we’ll scour the weather forecast for suitable installation temperatures and inform you of the best installation date. Ready to start your asphalt driveway project? Don’t hesitate to contact us today at 416­-701-1881 or info@epicpaving.ca.