How Long Does It Take Asphalt Paving to Dry?

If your business is planning a new parking lot installation or another asphalt paving job, you may wonder how long the material takes to cure. Various factors affect drying time, and you should understand that "curing" and "drying" are different. Below is what you need to know about how long you must wait to use a new asphalt parking lot.

Drying vs. Curing
Your parking lot can accommodate foot and moderate vehicle traffic once it is dry. This typically takes two to three days after the installation. However, since it is not fully "cured" or hardened, you should avoid spilling harsh chemicals/auto fluids or driving exceptionally heavy vehicles—such as semi-trucks or construction equipment—on it.

Moreover, you must wait 30 days before you can apply sealcoating, a waterproof sealant that protects it from UV light and extends its life span and integrity. The pavement needs about a month to oxidize and shed oil before you seal it. 

Finally, it takes the lot as much as a full year before it is "cured," or fully hardened. At that point, you can allow most heavy vehicles and machinery to park on your pavement without the risk of damaging it. 

The Conditions That Affect Asphalt Drying Time
Environmental conditions affect how long it takes a parking lot to dry. High humidity in the air means the pavement cannot shed moisture quickly, so it dries more slowly. 

High temperatures, on the other hand, help evaporation and speed up drying time. Finally, sunlight and wind both help asphalt dry quickly, so cloudy days without a breeze and shade trees overhanging your lot will slow down drying.


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.