When is the best time to repair a driveway?

If you think you need to repair your driveway, it is recommended that you do it sooner than later. A driveway in bad condition is rough and unsightly, not to mention that the existing damage can get worse over time. The most important thing to remember is to do these repairs at the right time of the otherwise it proves to be a costly mistake. New paving or major repairs must be done during the late spring and summer months. Emergency patch repairs can be done at any time of the year.

All You Need to Know About A Driveway Repair

1. Hot Mix Asphalt vs. Cold Patching

“Hot mix” asphalt is delivered in a heated truck. It is stored in a liquid state that keeps the embedded components mixed evenly and makes it easy to pour. During the warm weather, it can be easily spread, poured and levelled up while it is still in its liquid form. It hardens evenly as it cools, forming a long-lasting, enduring surface. On the other hand, during the cold weather, the temperature of the asphalt starts dropping quickly the moment it leaves the truck. This may result in its thickening, leading to an uneven pour. It may even start hardening before you are done with your paving. If the ground is frozen, the embedded components can get loose and even break free from the binder. All these factors can make your driveway look and feel uneven, allow water penetration, damage the basic structure of the asphalt and result in premature asphalt failure. Considering all this, driveway paving during the cold weather is never recommended.

2. Temperature Factor

This factor is crucial when it comes to driveway paving in Montreal consider booking the work between mid-spring to mid-fall. For a new driveway, the base layer must be placed when the ground temperature is at least 5 degrees. The upper layer needs a higher temperature of 10 degrees at least. It is to be noted that these temperatures are absolute minimums.

3. Precipitation Considerations

Although it is fine to repair or lay asphalt in a light drizzle, heavy rain can result in asphalt cooling very quickly. This can also cause water damage when laying the base layers. Dry summer months are the ideal time to start your driveway paving.

4. Emergency Repairs

Emergencies are inevitable. If you see potholes, deep cracks or other significant signs of structural failures in your driveway, it is essential to repair it as soon as possible, even if it is during the winters. The solution is to use cold mix asphalt in these situations. Cold mix asphalt does not need to be kept hot. It is blended in a way that keeps it adaptable even during freezing weather. Driveway paving in Montreal requires a cold mix asphalt during the winter.

Your driveway is undoubtedly an essential part of your house. If you think you need a new driveway, or have repairs done to your existing driveway, it is understandable to want a project finished as soon as possible. However, because of the nature of asphalt, it may not be the best choice. Using a cold blend patch if required and wait until the weather is a little warm and dry will have the best conditions for your new driveway. With an average life of 20 years, a driveway is a relatively long-term investment. Pavage Gentile Vision makes paving in West Island and Montreal even easier. Apart from driveway paving, the team of Pavage Gentile Vision also specializes in fences, stepping stones, swimming pools, stone masonry and whatnot. Are you all set to begin with your next asphalt project with a team you can trust to get the job done right? Contact them today!