New tarmac aftercare: when to drive on it and how to look after it
You can usually walk on new tarmac once it has cooled, often the same day. Allow at least 48 hours before parking, preferably 3–5 days, longer in hot weather, and avoid turning the wheels while stationary for the first few weeks.
Why does new tarmac mark?
Asphalt cools within hours but keeps hardening for months. In the first year, especially on hot days, sharp turns, car jacks, motorbike stands and skip feet can mark the surface.
First-year do's and don'ts
- Do move slightly while turning the steering wheel
- Do put a board under motorbike stands, ladders and jacks
- Don't let heavy lorries or skips onto a domestic drive
- Don't pressure-wash hard in the first months
- Don't leave fuel or oil spills: blot them straight away
Ongoing maintenance
Sweep regularly, keep channels and gullies clear, treat weeds at the edges early, and get small cracks sealed before water gets in. Sealers are optional and should suit the product; never seal a porous asphalt drive with a standard sealer.
How long will it last?
A well-built domestic drive commonly lasts 15–20 years, and some much longer. The base, edges and drainage decide it more than the surface.
Questions
Why is my new drive slightly soft on hot days?
Bitumen softens with heat. It firms up as it ages over the first year.
When should I seal my tarmac?
Sealing is optional. If you want it, wait until the surface has aged, and use a product that suits the type of tarmac.
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