The Best Time of Year for Asphalt Work

Within the Hoosier construction and building industry, namely when it comes to pavement work, the rule of thumb holds strong, insisting that the best time of year for asphalt work is between mid-June and September. During these months, the climate is drier, calmer, and all around more predictable in comparison to other seasons throughout the year. You never want to lay asphalt and rainy weather nor in climates that are too cold or too hot. The weather and climate should be ambient to support the most successful outcomes for asphalt projects.

Although the industry rule of thumb claims that June through September are the best months for asphalt work, it does not mean that asphalt installation projects cannot be successfully completed prior to or thereafter this time spectrum. As mentioned, if the weather is ambient and the type of asphalt work specified is compatible, the project can be carried out successfully. It is important to talk to your trusted Indiana commercial paving company to ensure that your particular asphalt paving needs can be met in the time of year that you need them.

Considerations for Laying Asphalt in Cold Weather

there are several considerations taken from a professional standpoint when assessing the compatibility of an asphalt project in the cooler seasons of the year. Principally, the top considerations when determining if asphalt work can be carried out in a colder season include ambient temperature, ground temperature, pavement thickness, temperature of asphalt mix, and how much sun is expected for the day. All of these factors play an important role in the overall success of an asphalt installation project.

Sealcoating Asphalt

Contrary to asphalt laying, asphalt sealcoating can be done so long as the outdoor temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F. Any temperatures cooler or hotter than that are not compatible with asphalt sealcoating work.

Are you looking for a qualified commercial paving service to help you prepare your asphalt pavements for the upcoming seasons? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis Indiana asphalt paving and sealcoating services at the most competitive rates in the central parts of the state. We serve commercial, industrial, and municipal clients.

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Commercial and Industrial Pavement Repair

No matter what kind of asphalt paving job is on the docket for the day, all professional pavement contractors know to consider the most important elements of such work, most importantly, temperatures. In addition to the outdoor climate, ground temperatures, ambient temperatures, and mix temp are all critical factors that impact the overall results of an asphalt paving or patching project.

Continue below to learn more about the best temperatures for asphalt pavement work.

Indianapolis Indiana Asphalt Maintenance and Repair 317-549-1833

Timing and Temperature Control for Asphalt Paving

Ambient, ground, and mix temperatures must all be well-monitored and managed, but there is more temperature control that comes into play after asphalt is poured. Contractors have to move very quickly to compact the mixture and smooth it all out before it can begin to cool, or cure. If asphalt mix cools to fast, there is no way to ensure full compaction, which leads to several pavement defects and extensive deterioration down the line. This is why proper asphalt installation is so vital.

Asphalt Mixture

The temperature of the asphalt mixture is a critical part of a successful pavement job. The most commonly used material is hot asphalt mix, which arrives on site at extreme temperature levels; usually between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to lay the asphalt mixture initially, it must cool down to at least 290 degrees Fahrenheit, but as cool as 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower than 190 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the asphalt mix to cool to quickly, and therefore lead to poor compaction and unstable performance. Variables that impact the thickness and cure time include ground temperature, wind speed, and ambient temperature.

Ambient Temperature

Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air. For any type of pavement installation work, ambient temperatures should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the best case scenario, climbing as the day progresses. Because wind speed can also impact how quickly asphalt mix cools, which can ultimately lead to a bad paving job, the ambient temperature for asphalt work ideally should be higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit on exceptionally windy days.

Ground Temperature

The temperature of the ground, both at the surface and below, are important factors to consider before laying asphalt. If the ground is to cold, proper installation may not be possible. If the ground is too hot, the asphalt mixture might not cool fast enough. Generally, the ideal ground temperature for asphalt work should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and climbing. The ground is usually cooler in the morning, so the temperature should rise throughout the day from 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How are your commercial pavements looking this year? Contact ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial asphalt maintenance and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients all throughout Central Indiana. Request a bid, today.

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