How to Take Care of Your New Driveway

Steps that need to be taken to preserve the appearance of your new driveway.

Asphalt takes a minimum of 2 years to fully cure, or harden. During that time there are steps that need to be taken to preserve the appearance of the driveway:

• No vehicle traffic for 2-3 days after the driveway is laid. Foot traffic is fine right away (no high heels).
• New asphalt is soft, particularly on warm sunny days. Wetting down your driveway with a hose will cool and harden the asphalt temporarily.
• NEVER turn your steering wheel on your driveway when the vehicle is not in motion. Spinning your tires, rapid starts, and stops as well as sharp turns may result in marking or damage.
• Avoid parking in the same spot every time until the driveway has fully cured.
• Sharp or heavy objects such as high-heeled shoes, kickstands, dumpsters, ladders, automobile ramps, and jacks may create dents or holes in your driveway. Use these items cautiously even after the asphalt has fully cured.
• Automotive fluids, chemicals, oil, gasoline, diesel, and heating oil will soften or dissolve unsealed asphalt. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible with Speedi Dry or similar. Cleaning the area with a mild detergent and flushing with water may also work with some chemicals.
• We recommend waiting at least 12 months before sealing your new driveway. Asphalt needs exposure to the air and elements to cure, so sealing too soon will increase the time that it needs to fully harden.