With the base all set, it's the big day: time to lay asphalt.
Conditions Must Be Right to Lay Asphalt
Hot-mix asphalt is sensitive to temperate and moisture. Warmer temperatures are better because they give the contractor more time to work with the asphalt before it hardens.
Temps should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit in order to lay 1.5" of asphalt. If the contractor is using more asphalt (2 inches or more), he can work with a greater range of temperatures--down to 40 degrees is possible. Wind will shrink the window of time, as will moisture. In fact, too much moisture and the job may be delayed.
Asphalt Paving Goes Down
With all the preparations done, the actual asphalt paving goes fast. Blink and you may miss it. An average driveway may take as little as 20 minutes to at least begin to look like a finished product. However, more time will be needed to compact the asphalt. And then of course, the asphalt needs to harden. While you'll probably be able to drive on it within hours, the contractor will most likely recommend that you wait 24 hours just to make sure.
Next Page...Repairs/Adjustments After Laying Asphalt
