How to care for your new driveway!  Asphalt consists of asphalt binder and mineral aggregate mixed together then laid down in layers and compacted.  Mixing is generally performed with the aggregate at about 300 degrees Farenheight, and the Asphalt Cement at 200 degrees Farenheight. Paving and compaction must be performed while the asphalt is suffently hot.Asphalt is a substance that needs to cure, or harden completely, which can take anywhere from 6 months up to a full year in some cases. Once your driveway is completed, the asphalt needs about 3 days before you drive on the surface. Your driveway may look smoother in some areas which is due to the makeup of the asphalt and the handwork. As with any new construction there are always things that a homeowner can do to improve the longevity of your newly completed project.  In the case of a new driveway, we have compiled a list of some things that should help with its care and up keep.  Because of this newly curing condition we suggest the following:

• Avoid start up your vehicle moving too fast or pull in too quickly.
• Avoid turn in tight areas or turn your steering wheel when the car is at a complete stand still as this will leave impressions in the asphalt.
• Don't park in the exact same spot, the weight of the vehicle will create ruts in the newly curing asphalt.
• Driving over the edges will result in breakage and cause it to create areas that could later crack.
• Avoid spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc, as this will leave a permanent stain.
• Lawn chairs, jack stands, car ramps, kick stands on motorcycles or bicycles with also make impressions in the surface, so try to avoid these in the first year.
• We recommend backfilling and seeding all edges  1” below driveway top, allowing room for sod to grow.

December 12, 2006