You live in Orosi, so you know our climate is not gentle on anything left outside. This is especially true for your asphalt driveway. The scorching summers and the damp, chilly winters really test your pavement. As a local contractor, I have seen what our weather does to residential asphalt. I want to share some advice on how to keep your driveway looking good and lasting a long time in Orosi, CA.
Understanding Orosi's Climate and Your Asphalt
Our Central Valley weather is a problem for asphalt. We have long, hot, and dry summers. Daily high temperatures often reach the high 90s, and sometimes even over 100°F. Then winter comes, which is usually wet and cold. Average low temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s. This constant change from extreme heat to a lot of moisture is hard on pavement in Orosi, CA.
The sun's UV rays constantly break down the asphalt binder. The asphalt binder is the sticky material that holds everything together. You will see this when your black driveway starts to fade to gray. That gray color means the asphalt binder is dead. Then, when winter rains hit Orosi, that water gets into any small cracks. If this water freezes, even a little, it pries the asphalt apart from the inside. We also get occasional heavy rains, especially around February, and these can challenge the drainage for your asphalt driveway in Orosi, CA.
When to Schedule Asphalt Work
Timing is important when it comes to asphalt work in Orosi, CA. You cannot just pave or sealcoat whenever you want; the weather must cooperate for proper Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating.
New Paving & Resurfacing
For New Asphalt Driveways or major Asphalt Resurfacing, you need warm, dry conditions. Here in Orosi, that means late spring, summer, and early fall are usually the best times for Asphalt Paving. The asphalt mix needs to stay hot enough to be properly compacted. Cooler temperatures make the asphalt harden too fast, and this can lead to weak spots in the asphalt. Ideally, daytime temperatures should be consistently above 50°F. It is even better if they are in the 70°F range or higher. We have many of these days from May through October in Orosi, CA.
If you are scheduling Asphalt Paving for summer, sometimes our Midway Asphalt Solutions team will start early in the morning. This helps to avoid the most extreme heat, which can make the asphalt too soft. But overall, our long, dry summers are the best time for Asphalt Paving in Orosi, CA.
Sealcoating
Asphalt Sealcoating is important for protecting your asphalt investment. Asphalt Sealcoating also needs specific conditions. The best time for Asphalt Sealcoating is usually late spring through early fall. You need daytime temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. These temperatures need to hold for at least 24 hours after the Sealcoating application. Rain is not allowed for at least 24-48 hours after our team applies the asphalt sealant, so we always check the weather forecast for Orosi, CA. Low humidity and direct sunlight help the asphalt sealant cure faster and bond better to the asphalt surface.
If you have a brand-new asphalt driveway in Orosi, you will need to wait about 6-9 months before the first Asphalt Sealcoat. This waiting period lets the asphalt cure properly.