Do's & Don'ts of Caring for a Newly Poured Asphalt Driveway

If you're preparing for residential paving services to install a new asphalt driveway, you may be wondering how to treat the surface in the days following the work. By taking the right precautions, you'll have a durable, attractive driveway for years to come. Here's some advice to keep your new driveway in excellent condition after installation.

Do: 
Wait before driving on it. Avoid driving or walking on the surface for 24 to 48 hours after the work. Doing so before the asphalt has time to fully dry risks tire marks and footprints that create cosmetic issues and tripping hazards. Wait longer, such as 72 hours, if you schedule residential paving services during hot weather since the malleable material needs extra time to cure.

Drive slowly on the asphalt for the next few months. Tell everyone in your family who drives or has a car to go slowly over your newly paved driveway. Speedy driving increases the risk of scuff marks, tire marks, and indentations on sections that have not cured as fast as others, such as those in shaded areas. Additionally, avoid driving on the edges to prevent chunks of the paving material from cracking and breaking off. 

Don’t: 
Park in the same spot every day. Refrain from parking in the same place on a daily basis. Doing so risks depressions that allow water to pool and seep into surface cracks. Water that infiltrates the driveway undergoes freeze/thaw cycles that cause further cracking and sub-base damage, resulting in potholes. Encourage family members to park in different spots, too. If overnight street parking is allowed in your neighborhood, use that to your advantage.  

Let chemical spills linger. Clean up gasoline, motor oil, and other chemical spills on your new driveway as soon as you see them. Chemicals break down the binder in asphalt, causing it to split and crumble. 

First, put on thick gloves to avoid touching the chemicals, and use paper towels to absorb as much of the fluid as possible. Then, create a soapy mixture with water and liquid dish detergent, and gently clean the paved surface with a soft brush.


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.