Cure Times & Aftercare
How you treat the pavement in its first 90 days affects appearance and performance. Follow this timeline to protect the investment.
Cure & Return-To-Service Timeline
- 0–24 hrsBarricades Stay Up
Fresh asphalt is still cooling. No traffic — cars, forklifts, delivery trucks. The mat can deform under load in the first day.
- 24–72 hrsPassenger Cars Only
Cars can return. No parking in the same spot for long periods. Avoid sharp turns while stopped.
- 3–14 daysReturn To Normal Use
Full traffic including trucks and dumpsters. Continue avoiding stationary turning if temperatures are still above 90°F.
- 30 daysFirst Inspection
We recommend a walk to note any early tire scuff or edge issues so they get addressed inside the workmanship window.
- 90–120 daysSealcoat Window Opens
New asphalt is now cured enough for its first sealcoat. Wait for a dry, ≥50°F window.
- Year 2+Preventive Maintenance
Evaluate sealcoat timing, route and seal qualifying cracks before winter, and re-stripe as line paint fades.
Owner Maintenance
Crack Monitoring
Walk the lot each quarter. Photograph any crack wider than a pencil and forward to us — we'll advise route-and-seal vs. patch.
Cleaning
Blow or broom sweep monthly. Degrease oil drips with an asphalt-safe cleaner. Never park a leaking vehicle on fresh sealer.
Drainage
Keep grates and swales clear. Standing water can damage the base and should be corrected promptly.
Striping Refresh
Plan restriping as visibility fades so traffic flow, accessible spaces, and fire lanes remain clear.
Related Learning Center
Aftercare Questions
When can I drive on fresh asphalt?
Cars: 24 hours minimum in typical Georgia summer heat, longer if the mat is thick or the weather is hot. Trucks and dumpsters: 48–72 hours. Never turn wheels while stopped — that leaves permanent scuff marks in the first 30 days.
When should I sealcoat new asphalt?
New asphalt needs 90–120 days to cure and off-gas its lightest oils before the first sealcoat. Sealing too early traps volatiles and shortens sealer life. We ship a written reminder at your 90-day mark.
How often should I re-seal?
Many commercial lots are evaluated on a 2–3 year sealcoat cycle, but the right timing depends on materials, construction, drainage, traffic, climate, maintenance, site conditions, and use.
What about crack sealing?
Any crack wider than 1/4" should be routed and sealed with hot-pour before the next winter. Water down a crack is the fastest way to destroy the base underneath.
How do I clean the lot without damaging it?
Broom sweep or blower monthly. Pressure wash oil spots with a degreaser rated for asphalt. Avoid solvents like gasoline, diesel, or paint thinner — they dissolve the binder.