Let’s get right to the answer of the classic paving question, “When is the right time of year to install new pavement?” Well, as with any property remodel or construction project, the best times of year to carry them out is when the weather is mild and warm. Primarily, late spring and summer are the most effectual times to pave, however, a warm fall can also be a good time for such projects. Here in Indiana, we can our summers sometimes extend far into September, giving us a Fall October and November, which can make the weather acceptable for pavement work.
Continue reading to learn how weather affects paving work, and when you should have your pavement repairs and installation done this year.
Temperatures for Asphalt Paving
When it comes to paving asphalt, summer is a good time to implement any needed work, including crack filling, pothole repair, overlays, and full-on replacements. This is because an asphalt job renders the best results in temperatures that average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Mid-summer is usually the best time for these temperature averages, since August can be too hot and June too rainy.
Winter Cold Patching
If you must have your asphalt pavement worked on in colder weather, it can still be done so long as you hire a reputable and skilled paving company that retains the proper knowledge and resources to do so, correctly. The process of repairing potholes and other surface defects in asphalt is generally performed during warmer seasons because a hot mix product is used to fill in gaps and openings in damaged pavements.
However, with winter cold patching, it is possible to make emergency asphalt repairs in the winter. Also known as cold tar patching, this method of asphalt pothole repair works well in colder temperatures because the actual product is designed with special polymers that render it ready-to-use at all times.
Rainy Weather Conditions
Paving and rain do not go well together. It is not recommended to wait until there is clear weather conditions for an extended period of time on the calendar, before beginning any pavement work. In order for pavement, both concrete and asphalt, to cure properly, the conditions must be free of precipitation. Although a light sprinkle won’t hurt, moderate to heavy rains, or continuous light showers, can jeopardize the structural integrity of paving work, and ultimately, the outer appearance as well. See our blog, “Will Rain Affect My Newly Laid Asphalt?” to learn more.
Who to Trust for Expert Paving in Indianapolis
Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for Indianapolis pavement repair and sealcoating services you can trust. Our team of paving contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have decades of combined hands-on experience in the road construction and design industry. We provide paving services for both asphalt and concrete. Request a free estimate, today.