Improving your driveway, parking lot, or business property in Columbus, Ohio is a big investment. The time of year you pave might have a huge impact on the quality of your asphalt paving, its performance and its life. This is because weather, temperature and ground conditions are critical in the determination of a smooth durable pavement surface. Preparation and local weather forecasts will save time and money and possible cost of repairs in the future. In this guide, you will learn about the best season for asphalt paving.
- Paving in Columbus, Ohio: Choosing the Best Time of Year for Lasting Results
Columbus has diverse seasons such as cold winters, wet springs, hot summers and humid fall. Paving in the wrong season may jeopardize the structural strength of your pavement and end up being a long-term problem. The waste of knowing when to pave is with the aim of having your investment serving many years.
Read along to know the best season for asphalt paving:
- Late Spring- Early Summer (May – June)
The first seasons of early summer and late spring are favorable paving seasons in Columbus. By this period:
- The earth is completely free of winter.
- The temperatures are always warm.
- Rainfall is not as common as in early spring.
- Asphalt does not harden too soon to be rolled and compacted.
| Reason why it works: Gives it a long lasting surface that will survive through the future freeze-thaw cycles. |
- Summer (June – August)
The summer period is considered to be the best paving season in Columbus. The advantages include:
- Pleasant and stable climatic conditions that enable the asphalt to be easier to handle.
- Extended working days which enable the crews to complete projects within a shorter time.
- Little rainfall, which minimises delays.
| Note: Do not use too much heat (more than 90 degree Fahrenheit) or do not plan early morning or late evenings on hot days. |
- September – Early October (Early to Mid-Fall)
The other good season to pave is fall. Generally the conditions are moderate with the temperatures ranging between 60-80degF and a lower degree of humidity. Benefits include:
- Problems with rain have been minimized.
- Contractors tend to be more relaxed in terms of schedule.
- Newly tarmac surfaces would be able to cope with the succeeding winter freeze-thaw cycle.
| Best for: Projects are behind schedule in summer, to put up pavement that will work through the winter. |
- Seasons to Avoid
- Winter (Late October – March):
Winter paving is not advisable in Columbus due to the following reasons:
- Asphalt will not cure well in low temperatures.
- The ground is frozen or partially frozen and this does not allow good compaction.
- Numerous asphalt plants are cut down or shut down.
- Any kind of paving in winter poses the danger of cracking, unevenness, and long-term damage.
- The first week of spring (Prior to mid-April)
There is a risk in paving in early spring:
- The ground can still be wet and cold because of the snow or the rain during winter.
- The moisture may erode the base of pavement.
- Asphalt might fail to bond properly resulting in premature cracking.
- Having your paving work scheduled after mid-April gives you a chance to make sure that the ground has dried and that it is stable to receive the new surface.
- Quick Seasonal Summary
| Season | Suitability | Note |
| Late spring | Ideal | Ideal Warm, dry conditions, strong base |
| Summer | Best | Best Stable weather, faster project completion |
| Early fall | Good | Good Moderate temps, flexible scheduling |
| Winter | Avoid | Avoid Cold prevents curing and compaction |
| Early spring | Caution | Caution Ground may be wet or thawing |
- Conclusion
In Columbus, Ohio, the ideal season to pave is during the late spring and the early fall making summer the best season to have good work. It should be avoided during winter and early spring when cold or wet ground will affect the quality of asphalt. Timing is a good idea to provide you with smooth, long-lasting, durable pavement, and you can be sure about the money spent and you will not have to spend money on new repairs. The timing of the assistance is important in order to maximize the operation and the life of your driveway, parking lot or business pavements.
- FAQs
In Columbus, is it possible to pave during winter?
No, cold weather does not allow asphalt curing.
Should paving be carried out during summer?
Yes, asphalt does well in warm and dry conditions.
Why should not early spring be recommended?
The ground can be rainy, which compromises the asphalt base.
What is the time taken by asphalt to cure?
Curing The first 24-48 hours to cure, months to full strength.
Is it necessary to hire a professional contractor to pave?
Yes, specialists would guarantee quality installation and durability.