How Long Does It Take Asphalt To Dry
Asphalt is a popular material used in road construction and building driveways, so it’s not surprising that one of the most common questions asked by homeowners is, “how long does it take asphalt to dry?”
If you’re one of those people who want to know the answer to this question, you’ve come to the right place. Read more as we’ll tackle this topic in today’s article.
How Much Time Is Needed For Asphalt To Dry Completely
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the outdoor temperature, the type of sub-base soil, the type of asphalt used, and the humidity level.
To be specific, the outdoor temperature can have a significant effect on how long it takes for asphalt to dry completely. Warmer temperatures and direct sunlight accelerate the drying times, while cooler temperatures and dull weather slow down the process.
Heat causes the asphalt binder to harden quicker, allowing it to support traffic faster than in cooler climates. On the other hand, cold slows down this hardening process and makes it more difficult for precipitation or water runoff to evaporate from the surface of freshly laid asphalt.
With longer drying times come increased potentials for cracking and deterioration due to moisture seeping in through porous material or weak bonds in cooling materials.
Aside from that, the type of sub-base soil used for an asphalt project can affect how long it takes the asphalt to dry. Loose and sandy soils provide good drainage and allow water to evaporate quickly, resulting in shorter drying times.
Conversely, compacted soils with poor drainage can take much longer for the asphalt to dry since water would take more time to evaporate.
Additionally, heavy clay or organic soils tend to hold moisture longer, further delaying drying time. Therefore, selecting the right sub-base soil is important as it will impact how quickly the asphalt can be ready for traffic and use.
In the same way, the drying time of asphalt can vary significantly depending on the type of asphalt used and other factors. Asphalt is usually a combination of aggregate material, such as sand and gravel, that is combined with a binding agent like bitumen or tar.
The type of asphalt used in a particular application will determine the mixture proportions, which can have an impact on the drying time.
And of course, humidity levels can have a big impact on how long it takes for asphalt to dry. When the humidity is high, it can cause condensation, which prevents the asphalt from drying properly.
Asphalt needs to be exposed to air in order to dry quickly and at its best quality; if the air is filled with moisture, then this process cannot take place efficiently. High humidity levels also make it more difficult for sealcoating products to adhere correctly and effectively, leading to a lower-quality finish that doesn’t last as long as intended.
Therefore, when applying asphalt or sealcoating products, one should always consider the current humidity level in order to achieve optimal results.
Generally speaking, when temperatures are between 65˚F and 75˚F, asphalt can be left for approximately 24 hours before being driven or walked upon. However, when temperatures are lower than 65˚F or higher than 90˚F, you may have to wait as long as 48 hours before driving or walking on newly laid asphalt.
Another factor that affects the drying time of asphalt is whether or not a sealant has been applied. Sealants should always be applied after any installation of asphalt, and they can take up to 3 days to fully cure during normal weather conditions.
If a sealant isn’t applied properly and evenly on top of newly-laid asphalt, it won’t effectively protect against moisture damage and dirt accumulation over time.
Therefore, it is important that you leave your newly-sealed driveway untouched for at least 72 hours after application so that it can cure fully before use.
Why Consult A Professional To Ensure Correct Asphalt Drying Time
When it comes to a project involving asphalt, it is best to consult a professional contractor in order to ensure the correct drying time. This is because asphalt must be applied and cured correctly in order for it to perform as expected. Failing to do this can result in various problems down the road ranging from durability issues to costly repairs later on.
So don’t hesitate to consider the services from Baraco Paving in Orlando, FL to have a smooth asphalt paving project.
Conclusion
Overall, it typically takes 24 hours for newly-laid asphalt to dry under normal temperature and humidity conditions without sealant applied – although anything shorter than 48 hours should be considered a favorable outcome as these numbers can vary depending on external elements such as heat or rain.
Sealant itself will require an additional 72 hours before it has completely cured, so bear this in mind if you have recently applied sealant over freshly-laid asphalt!
Furthermore, if circumstances arise where temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then caution should be taken and waiting periods extended accordingly.