As the end of summer approaches, you may find there are some asphalt paving projects you’d like to complete before the end of the year. Many factors must be considered before implementing asphalt services. Weather is often what delays the project by days or even weeks. So, how late in the year is too late? Is fall in New England too risky to start the process? Only an experienced asphalt installer can help make that call, but here are the factors they will consider before determining if fall is actually too late.
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What to Consider for Laying Asphalt in Off-Season
Weather Variables
Throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the fall can be a tumultuous time, and we can’t be sure if winter weather will strike early. According to research done by Cornell University, you need the following weather conditions for optimal hot-mix paving:
- Air temperatures no lower than 45 degrees at night
- Pavement temperatures (they tend to run hotter than the actual temperature outside) above 70 degrees but below 150 degrees
- No chance of rain and minimal wind
Because these criteria are hard to meet in late fall in our area, paving later than the end of October will be difficult. Many asphalt paving contractors might even refuse to do the work. That is not because they don’t want to help you, but they will be saving you money by waiting and not taking the chance on a bad outcome. Hot-mix that doesn’t cure properly will only bring a myriad of frequent and intense issues like asphalt potholes. You’ll be calling for help in just a few months if you pave in the wrong weather conditions. Especially for the intense winters that we have, your paving needs to have a chance to completely cure and have the proper blacktop sealing.
Installation Alternatives
If you want new asphalt because you see an increase in asphalt issues, there are things you can do in the meantime to keep your property safe. Although laying completely new asphalt isn’t recommended, you could still get cracks and potholes filled as needed. Many asphalt maintenance companies can use a temporary cold mix that will keep your paving safe throughout the harsh winter. Although these are temporary solutions, you won’t have to worry about the problem getting worse before it warms up enough to do a total repair. Most companies will go ahead and prebook you for the springtime to have a more permanent repair done.
Get Professional Asphalt Help
To summarize, late fall residential paving or commercial asphalt installation isn’t the best idea. You risk being delayed by the weather if you wait until after October. However, even though it might not snow, the pavement could be too cold to manipulate. Don’t take that chance. If you need help with your paving, call Cassidy Paving today at 866-978-9788. We offer free estimates and can help you create a plan that keeps your asphalt safe during late fall and winter.