Paving a driveway is a big investment, so you want to make sure it’s done right. One important factor is how long you should wait before paving your driveway. 

 How Long Should You Wait

So how long should a driveway sit before paving? The answer may vary depending on the type of foundation you have. For example, if you have a concrete foundation, you’ll need to wait at least 28 days before paving. 

Most experts recommend that a new driveway sits for at least six months before being paved. It allows the ground to settle and gives the contractor time to prepare the site properly. Are there any exceptions to this rule?

The six-month rule has a few exceptions. One exception is if the driveway is being paved over an existing concrete or asphalt driveway. In this case, the old pavement can be removed, and the new pavement can be installed immediately. Another exception is if the ground is very stable and there are no concerns about the settlement. In this case, the contractor may be able to pave the driveway sooner than six months.

The Importance of a Solid Foundation

A good foundation is the key to a lasting and durable driveway. If you pave your driveway too soon, the pavement may not adhere properly and could start to crack and crumble. Why does the amount of time a driveway sits before paving matter?

The amount of time a driveway sits before being paved is important for various reasons:

1. It allows the ground to settle so that the pavement has a solid foundation.
2. It gives the contractor time to prepare the site and grade the driveway properly.
3. It allows necessary repairs to be made to the existing driveway before paving.
4. It ensures that the weather conditions are ideal for paving.

What Can Happen if a Driveway is Paved Too Soon

If a driveway is paved too soon, it can lead to a variety of problems:

1. The new pavement may not have a solid foundation and could start to settle after a few months.
2. The contractor may not have had enough time to properly prepare the site, which could lead to problems with the new pavement.
3. The weather might not have been the best for paving, which could cause the new pavement to crack or chip.
4. If the old driveway is not in good condition, it could start to show through the new pavement.

Is Your Driveway Ready to be Paved

1. You can check with your contractor to see if they think the ground has had enough time to settle.
2. You can look for any cracks or holes in the existing driveway. If there are none, then it is likely that the ground is stable, and the driveway is ready to be paved.
3. You can check the weather forecast to see if the conditions are ideal for driveway paving.

Other Considerations

There are a few other factors to keep in mind when deciding when to pave your driveway.

1. It would be valuable if you made sure that the contractor had all the necessary equipment and supplies.
2. You must ensure the site is properly prepared before paving.
3. It would be beneficial if you made sure that the weather conditions were ideal for paving.
4. It would be useful if the old driveway were in good condition before paving.

Importance of Waiting

Before making a choice, be sure to take everything into account on when to pave. You can ensure a lasting and durable driveway with little planning and patience.

Recommendations from Professional Paving Company

Most experts recommend that a new driveway sits for at least six months before being paved. It allows the ground to settle and gives the contractor time to prepare the site properly. There are a few restrictions to this rule, such as if the driveway is being paved over an existing concrete or asphalt driveway or if the ground is very stable.

If you have concerns about whether your driveway is ready to be paved, you should contact a professional paving company like Bluff City Paving. They will be able to assess the situation and give you expert advice on whether or not the driveway is ready to be paved.

Whether you need a new driveway installed or your existing driveway repaired, Bluff City Paving can help. We offer various services, including the parking lot and driveway paving in Memphis, TN. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.