Yes, watering new asphalt is a practice used by some contractors, but it's done for a specific reason.
Why Water New Asphalt?
The primary reason some professionals choose to spray water on freshly laid asphalt is to control its temperature. As the reference indicates:
Some contractors practice spraying water onto the freshly paved asphalt to accelerate the cooling time, so the new sections can be quickly opened to traffic.
Asphalt is a hot material when first laid, and it needs to cool and harden before it can withstand traffic. Speeding up this cooling process is crucial for minimizing disruptions.
The Purpose: Accelerated Cooling
Watering acts as a cooling agent. When water is sprayed on the hot surface, it evaporates, taking heat away from the asphalt. This process helps the asphalt cool down more rapidly than it would naturally.
Key benefits of accelerating cooling with water include:
- Faster Hardening: The asphalt solidifies quicker.
- Reduced Waiting Time: The surface becomes ready for use sooner.
- Quicker Opening to Traffic: Roads, driveways, or other paved areas can be accessed faster, reducing inconvenience.
| Practice | Purpose | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Spraying water on asphalt | Accelerate cooling | Quicker opening to traffic |
It's important to note that this is a specific technique used by some contractors to manage cooling time, particularly when trying to expedite the usability of a new surface.
