Our unique qualities
60 years in surfacing
​Six decades of civil installation expertise underpin essential guidance on how newly laid materials cure.
All aftercare links together
Consolidating technical maintenance parameters to connect your newly completed pavement with long-term asset protection.
Practical damage prevention advice
Explaining simple operational restrictions regarding point loads and stationary wheel turning to eliminate unsightly scars.
Looking after your new surface properly
A newly laid surface is at greater risk of damage during its early life before it strengthens through an age-hardening process. This risk is increased further during the summer months when ambient temperatures and solar absorption are at their highest. Point loading is one of the primary causes of damage. Heavy items such as ladders, waste skips, caravans and motorbikes can form indentations in the surface, which become unsightly.
We provide this clear aftercare guidance at Edwards Surfacing so you can protect your investment from avoidable marks while the material properly sets. For advice, support, or to discuss your surfacing project, get in touch with Edwards Surfacing or read our news blog for helpful updates and guidance.
Newly laid asphalt
Asphalt is a generic term for all types of coated materials, including Macadams, Hot Rolled Asphalt, Stone Mastic Asphalt and Proprietary Thin Surfacings. Your newly laid asphalt surface will at first appear bright and bold in appearance and will have an increased surface tension due to the use of oil-based products within the material.
This can cause rainwater to flow less quickly as it drains. This appearance will soften over time as it is subjected to the elements, which also creates a slightly rougher texture to the surface, giving better resistance to skidding and slipping, particularly when wet.
Damage
During its early life, the new surface is at greater risk of damage before it strengthens through an age-hardening process. This risk is increased further during the summer months when ambient temperatures and solar absorption are at their highest. Most damage occurs in one of two ways:
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Firstly, as a result of point loading from ladders, waste skips, caravans, motorbikes, etc., indentations to the surface can be formed, which can be unsightly.
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Secondly, scuff marks can be caused by the scrubbing action of vehicle tyres. This occurs more commonly when wheels are being turned whilst in a stationary position, and therefore this should be avoided.
Repairing any damage can leave a scar on the surface area, and therefore, care should be taken to avoid this situation.
General aftercare
Remember, prevention is better than the cure! Treat your new surface with respect and be aware of the potential damage that may be caused, taking appropriate preventative measures. The most common types of damage to newly laid surfaces are:
Tyre damage from stationary or slow-moving vehicles
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Always ensure that the vehicle is moving before turning, and take care when making slow, tight turns.
Point loading from heavy objects
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Protect the surface with boards when using ladders, skips, etc., to ensure the weight of the load is spread.
Contamination
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Do not place dirty or oil-based products directly onto the surface, but use boards to protect from staining and marking.
Footpaths and domestic driveways are usually designed for use by cars. Structural as well as surface damage may occur if heavy vehicles are allowed to travel through these areas.
Contamination
Any oil-based products that are spilt on the new surface must be removed as soon as possible to avoid staining and the breakdown of the material structure. Immediately soak up the liquid with sawdust, dry sand or absorbent paper and discard it safely. Brushing the surface with soapy water may also help to remove some of the oil from the surface, but may still leave some staining.
Weeds
​Weeds generally occur along the edges of the surface where it abuts planting beds, grass, etc. These may be carefully removed and discarded. Where weeds have penetrated the surface, a proprietary water-based weed killer should be used. Only remove the weeds if it can be done so without disturbing the surface.
