TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW ASPHALT

TOP PRIORITY!!!! The new driveway is soft when you first put it down, it will need time to set.  If your driveway is paved during the cooler months of the year you should remain off your driveway for a period of 5 days.  However, during the hot months of our New Jersey Summers, it is recommended that you stay off your driveway for a period of ONE WEEK TO TWO WEEKS.  The longer the heat and the humidity, the longer it will take to set.  Do not turn car tires in place on new driveway as to this will leave tire marks.

Note: Bike stands, jack stands, high heels, and any objects with a long thin point will sink into the driveway during this time without any trouble.  It is recommended that you keep things like this off your driveway for a greater period.  Avoid abrupt/sharp turning of tires on new driveway.

*Jack stands should always have wood or comparable material underneath.

**It is possible during the hot New Jersey summer months for objects to sink into asphalt driveway even after the recommended setting period.

To make sure that your new driveway sets up in time with our recommendations, you have the option to run water on your driveway from the hose. Sprinklers are also a great option.  All of this will help keep your driveway cool and allow it to set in a reasonable amount of time.

After a period of approximately 6-12 months, you have the option to seal coat your driveway. Having your driveway seal coated will help prolong the life of your driveway by protecting it from harsh weather conditions.  Usually, the driveway looks faded when it is time for a seal coat.  If you seal too early or too often before the oils in your driveway have time to set, it will cause the seal coat to peel up.

 

TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW CONCRETE

Although concrete will harden soon after pouring, it’s still susceptible to damage from weight during the first four weeks. Wait at least 24 hours before allowing foot traffic, including pets, on a newly poured sidewalk or slab, and don’t drive a vehicle on a new driveway for at LEAST 10 days. After that, you can drive regular passenger cars on the concrete; heavy pickups or RVs can roll onto the driveway once the concrete reaches its full strength, at around 28 days.

Any paint or stain applied to young concrete while it’s still hardening can be negatively affected by residual moisture or the changing chemical content in the concrete. It takes about a month for all the water to get used up in the hydration process. Brush on paint too soon while moisture is still rising to the surface, and it can put pressure underneath the hard barrier of paint, causing it to peel away or break the bond. For this reason, paint may not adhere as well, and the final color and appearance of stained concrete may also be affected. To achieve the best results, wait until the 28-day period is over to apply paint or stain.

 

We hope this was helpful and we thank you for your business!