As an asphalt paving company, we’re often asked, ‘Can I pave asphalt driveways in winter?‘ While it’s not ideal, the answer is yes—under specific conditions. Factors like frozen ground and weather conditions play a crucial role in the success of winter asphalt paving.
Paving can still be done during mild winters or late fall, as long as the ground isn’t frozen and conditions are dry. Keep reading to learn how to determine the best time for your paving project and the unique challenges of cold-weather paving.
When’s the best time to pave asphalt?
We recommend paving asphalt in the spring when the snow melts.
That way, you’ll have a better chance of being able to schedule your paving project for when the ground is thawed and the weather conditions are dry.
No one likes having to deal with unexpected delays for new asphalt installation.
It’s also important to understand that the same strategies that work while paving in July won’t necessarily produce the same results after the first snowfall.
Temperature plays a large role in being able to properly compact hot mix asphalt, which affects lifespan.
If you still want to go ahead with paving in cold weather, be sure to follow our tips below.
Don’t Pave on Frozen Ground
Do not let asphalt paving contractors lay down asphalt when the ground is frozen.
Otherwise, the asphalt will turn into a poor quality mixture that will break down almost immediately. Even though the asphalt mixture is kept at high temperatures, it will freeze and stiffen if poured on cold ground.
Asphalt poured on frozen ground will result in a lot of asphalt potholes and cracks when the snow melts.
While we can’t pave while the ground is frozen, freezing air temperatures have no effect on the quality of asphalt.
Wait for Dry Weather Conditions
The weather conditions need to be dry when paving asphalt.
This means it can’t be raining or snowing.
The ground must also be completely dry, which rules outpouring asphalt immediately after rain or snowfall.
Just like when paving on frozen ground, the quality of asphalt is compromised when paved in the rain or snow.
This is because temperature affects how well hot mix asphalt is able to flow so it can be properly compacted.
Proper asphalt compaction affects the lifespan of your newly paved surface.
Work Quickly
Since the weather can change so fast in Michigan, it’s important that asphalt contractors work quickly and efficiently.
Paving asphalt in the winter has its own unique challenges that require contractors who have prior experience with cold weather paving.
Contractors will need to be able to get their crew and equipment over to the job site as soon as possible before the weather changes.
The asphalt paving contractors at B&E Coating Services LLC are dedicated to helping customers maintain the function and appearance of asphalt surfaces year-round.
If you are interested in asphalt installation or our other asphalt paving services, give us a call at 1(800) SEAL-817.
