Extend the life of your asphalt

The paving crews have just left, what should you do now?

The DON’TS

NOT drive a vehicle or bicycles on your new asphalt for a minimum of 72 hours (longer if it is really hot outside or you have a heavy truck). Your vehicle is heavy and the asphalt is still soft, driving your vehicle on it while in this fragile state can cause tire tracks and wheel scrubbing.
Do NOT apply any asphalt sealer for the first calendar year. The asphalt needs time to cure and harden and release oils. This process can sometimes take over a year, but typically, a year is normal.
Do NOT water your driveway right away. The cool water will cause premature cooling of the asphalt which can cause cracks and defects that otherwise would not have occurred.
Do NOT place planters or other stationary items onto your surface until a minimum of 7 days has passed to allow the asphalt to surface cure. Your items may adhere to the surface or stain the asphalt if this is not adhered to.
Do NOT blow grass or leaves onto the surface of the asphalt in the first 7 days. Leaves and grass can stain the surface of the asphalt.
Do NOT ever spin your tires on the surface of the asphalt.
Do NOT apply harsh chemicals to the surface of your driveway. Oils and fuels can damage the surface or cause premature degradation.

The DO’S

Do have adjoining surfaces such as curbs and slabs caulked at the joint within one month of the new asphalt being installed. The space left between the two surfaces will eventually fill with organic matter and weeds will sprout. By sealing these gaps, you will prevent the weeds and halt the chance of the weeds from pushing into your new base aggregate layer under the asphalt. Weed growth through the asphalt is the number one reason for replacement. Also remember that water can permeate those same areas and cause buckling and cracking during the winter freeze.
Do apply a high quality asphalt sealer once a year to the asphalt surface but no sooner than one year after the installation date.
Do pay attention to the surface. If you notice cracks or weeds, quickly remove all organic matter and fill the crack with an approved crack filler. Doing so will prolong the life of your asphalt as well as keep it looking new.
Do protect your investment. Leaky vehicles should not be parked on the asphalt and spilled fuels or oils should be absorbed quickly and washed away from the surface of the asphalt.