Asphalt Dry Time
A question we are asked all the time is "How long does it take for asphalt to dry?".
Paving using asphalt is cheaper, easier and time-efficient when compared to concrete, but that does not mean that it is to be taken any less lightly. A simple mistake such as ignoring the weather forecast of a blessing from the rain gods might pour water on your project and quite literally so! To understand how long it takes for asphalt to dry completely, we first need to understand what goes into its making and the methodology that is practiced, for these ultimately set the clock at a masked level compared to the more evident external factors.
The aggregate (typically fine rocks and sand etc.) is mixed with bitumen, a dark sticky substance that is derived from crude oil, which acts as a binder for asphalt. As far as the procedure is concerned, when roads or pavements are being constructed, hot asphalt is poured on top of a layer of heavier aggregate and pressed onto it with the help of a steamroller. The asphalt cooling depends directly upon the surrounding air temperature, moisture, sunlight and the wind speed and once it is settled and hard, it is ready to survive foot and vehicular traffic for years to come.
Humidity Levels While Paving
The time taken for asphalt to cure and dry is directly proportional to the humidity in the air. The more humid it is on the day you decide to pave a path in your driveway, or to actually pave your driveway, the longer it is going to take before you can take your first steps on it. The logic is simple; the moisture already present in the air is going to leave less scope for the water from the asphalt to be accommodated. So if the humidity that day is over 90%, we suggest postponing your project to another day.
The two temperatures to be considered are the air and surface (asphalt) temperature. Both of these need to be similar and neither too high nor too cold. If too high, the binder may not dry and solidify the surface, while too low a temperature would inhibit the water molecules in the asphalt from evaporating.
Sunlight And Asphalt Dry Time
Although sunlight does not play as big a role compared to the temperature, it still is a determining factor as to how long it may take for the asphalt to dry. Consider an asphalt resurfacing task for example, you pour fresh material on the cracked asphalt surface and there is a median temperature that is achieved. Now, how long it takes for it to finally dry will also be dependent upon the sun god's will. If there is no sunlight, the drying will be slower due to lack of heat. Simple!
Paving On A Windy Day
Unless you are planning to pave a driveway during a hurricane, the wind is your best friend. A breezy day is a good time to get to work, for evaporation of water from the asphalt will take place more efficiently. The air that is directly above the asphalt layer, after getting saturated will make way for the unsaturated wind to gently take away the moisture from your pavement and leave the surface smooth, dry and ready for use!
When all these factors work in your favor, it typically takes a day for fresh and as less as 2 hours for resurfaced asphalt to dry. If you are down on luck, the former may take up to 3 days and the latter up to 6 hours to finally leave you with asphalt that is ready to support vehicle traffic.
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