As temperatures climb above 50 degrees and stay there, paving season officially kicks off in Delaware. For homeowners who have been staring at cracked driveways and pothole damage all winter, spring is the time to act. Here is what you need to know to make the most of the season.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Pave
Asphalt needs warm, dry conditions to be installed and compacted properly. The material arrives at the job site between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit and needs to stay workable long enough for crews to spread and compact it evenly. Cold ground or wet conditions can cause the asphalt to cool too quickly, resulting in a weaker surface.
Delaware's spring weather — typically mid-50s to 70s from late March through May — provides ideal paving conditions. The ground has had time to thaw and dry out after winter, and there is plenty of warm weather ahead for the new surface to cure fully.
Scheduling your project in spring also means your driveway or parking lot will be in top shape for the rest of the year. You will have a fresh, smooth surface through summer, fall, and into the next winter — giving the asphalt maximum time to harden before facing freeze-thaw cycles.
Assess Winter Damage First
Before you schedule a paving project, take a walk around your property and note what winter did to your existing surfaces. Delaware winters are hard on asphalt. Freeze-thaw cycles open up cracks, salt accelerates surface wear, and plowing can gouge weakened areas.
Look for new cracks, potholes, areas where water pools, and sections where the surface has crumbled or separated. This gives you a clear picture of what needs attention and helps your contractor provide an accurate quote.
Some damage may only need patch repair or crack sealing. Other areas may benefit from a full asphalt overlay or repaving. A professional assessment will tell you which approach makes the most sense for your situation and budget.
Book Early to Secure Your Spot
Here is something a lot of homeowners do not realize: paving contractors book up fast in spring. Everyone who put off their project over the winter is calling at the same time. If you wait until May or June to reach out, you may be looking at a mid-summer or fall timeline.
The best approach is to request your estimate in March or early April. This gives you time to review the quote, ask questions, and get on the schedule before the rush. Most reputable contractors can turn around an estimate within a few days of a site visit.
What About Sealcoating?
If your driveway or parking lot is in decent shape but looking faded and worn, spring is also a great time for sealcoating. A fresh sealcoat restores that dark black finish, fills minor surface imperfections, and protects against water, UV damage, and oil spills.
Sealcoating should be done when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees and no rain is expected for 24 to 48 hours. Late April through October is the sweet spot in Delaware.
If your asphalt was paved within the last year, wait at least 6 to 12 months before sealcoating to let it fully cure.
Get Started This Spring
Whether you need a new driveway, a parking lot repair, or a sealcoat to protect what you have, spring is the time to move. At Campos Mora Construction, we help Delaware homeowners and businesses get their paving projects done right — on time and on budget.
Ready to get your project on the schedule? Request a free estimate or call us at 302-883-9000 today.
Written by Campos Mora Construction
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