Paving Care & FAQ
Your new asphalt is an investment. Here is how to protect it through its first year and beyond, plus straight answers to the questions Southern NH homeowners ask us most.
Your First-Year Driveway Care Guide
Fresh asphalt stays soft while it cures. A little care in the first year keeps your driveway smooth, level and looking great for decades.
Give It Time to Cure
Asphalt needs 12 to 24 months to fully harden, so your new driveway will feel soft and pliable at first. You can walk on it right away, but keep vehicle traffic off for at least 7 full days, and longer in hot weather. Even fully cured, asphalt will never be as hard as concrete.
Ease Into Turns and Starts
For the first few months, get your wheels rolling before you turn the steering wheel, and avoid three-point turns. Starting too fast, pulling in too quickly or turning in place can scuff and gravel a fresh surface.
Spread Out the Weight
Do not park in the exact same spot every time, especially on hot days, or you may leave impressions. Place plywood under trailer jacks, camper tongues, jack stands, flower pots and basketball hoops. Kickstands and high heels concentrate weight and can dent soft asphalt.
Protect the Edges
The edges are the weakest part of any driveway because they have no side support. Avoid driving on them, and build the sides up with topsoil or gravel. This supports the edge and looks great once grass fills in.
Sealcoat on Schedule
Sealcoat your new driveway 4 to 12 months after it is paved, then every 2 to 3 years after that, with cracks filled each year. Sealcoating keeps water, gas, oil and salt from drying out and eroding the asphalt. Skipping the first sealcoat can void your guarantee, so ask us about timing.
Plan for Water
Keep roof runoff and standing water off the pavement with gutters and proper grading. If water collects along an edge, regrade or add a swale so it can run off. Persistent water may call for a drainage system, which we can install.
5 Steps for Fresh Pavement
Just had a driveway or lot paved? Follow these 5 steps to get the longest life out of your new surface.
We guarantee our labor and materials, so call us anytime with questions about post-paving care.
- Wait at least 24 hours before driving on a new surface, and longer in hot weather, so the asphalt can cure.
- For the first few months, keep your wheels rolling before you turn, and park in a straight line after coming to a slow stop.
- Do not park in the same spot every time, and cushion trailers, campers and heavy objects with plywood to avoid impressions.
- Use sifted topsoil and seed when landscaping alongside new asphalt, since some soils react with the edge and cause minor, non-structural flaking.
- Do not sealcoat brand-new asphalt for at least one year, then have it sealcoated every 2 to 3 years with cracks repaired annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sealcoat my driveway or replace the asphalt?
I tried to sealcoat my own driveway. Can you fix it?
How long before I can drive on my new driveway?
Why does my asphalt look slightly different in some spots?
Why should I choose asphalt?
Do you guarantee your work?
Still Have Questions About Your Project?
Call the family crew that has paved Southern NH for over 35 years. We are happy to walk your property and give you honest answers, and a free estimate.