The short response is “NO.” However, we are at times able to start asphalt paving in pre-winter or late-winter in the event that the weather cooperates. The ground should be dry and not frozen for us to pave asphalt surfaces. This implies no snow or rain. 

residential asphalt driveway during winter

Customers often ask if they truly need to hold on until spring for a new asphalt driveway or parking lot. Our recommendation? It’s ideal to hold off on asphalt paving until we’ve moved past winter. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR ASPHALT PAVING?

The soonest we recommend asphalt paving is mid to pre-summer once the snow melts. Like that, you’ll have a better chance of thawed ground and dry weather conditions. While we understand you might be in a rush to replace your asphalt parking lot or driveway, you’re better off waiting until the seasons change. 

TIPS FOR ASPHALT PAVING IN COLD WEATHER

Similar strategies we use to pave in July will not be guaranteed to create similar outcomes once the temperature drops. Temperature plays a huge role in being able to properly compact hot-mix asphalt, which affects life expectancy. 

Here are our ways to pave in the pre-summer or early fall. 

DON’T PAVE ON FROZEN GROUND

Do NOT let paving contractors set down asphalt while the ground is still frozen. Otherwise, the asphalt will turn into a poor-quality mixture that will break down immediately. 

Despite the fact that the asphalt mixture is kept at high temperatures, it will freeze and stiffen if poured on the cold ground. Asphalt poured on frozen ground will bring about a lot of potholes and cracks when the snow melts. 

You ought to never allow a contractor to pressure you into paving in winters. Likewise, don’t disregard your premonition about a company in the event that something seems off. 

WAIT FOR DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS

The weather conditions should be dry while paving an asphalt driveway or parking lot. This implies it can’t be raining or snowing. The ground should be totally dry, which precludes paving asphalt immediately after rain or snowfall. 

Very much like with paving on frozen ground, the quality of asphalt is compromised when paved in the rain or snow. This is on the grounds that temperature affects how well hot-mix asphalt can stream so it tends to be properly compacted. Legitimate asphalt compaction affects the life expectancy of your newly paved surface. 

WORK QUICKLY

Since the weather can change quickly, parking lot and driveway pavers should use their time effectively. Asphalt paving during the pre-winter or late-winter has unique challenges that require contractors who have prior experience with cold climate paving. Paving contractors should have the option to get their crew and gear over to the place of work at the earliest opportunity before the weather changes. 

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