What's the optimal time of the year to construct a driveway? A driveway specialist discloses the ideal temperature range for achieving top-notch results.
Ideal Time for Driveway Resurfacing in the UK Revealed
When it comes to resurfacing your driveway, timing is everything. According to driveway and home improvement expert Bill Jarvis, the best time to get a driveway done in the UK is between May and September [1]. This period, spanning late spring to summer, offers warm, dry weather and temperatures consistently above 10°C, which are essential for materials like resin, tarmac, and concrete to cure properly [1].
During this ideal time, mild, dry days help avoid problems such as resin curing too quickly or tarmac softening. The temperature sweet spot is between 12°C and 25°C [1]. Longer dry spells are beneficial for most driveway products to set properly. However, even quick-drying driveway products don't do well with surprise rain.
The choice of driveway material can affect the best time and conditions for resurfacing. For instance, tarmac and concrete need warm, dry days to cure evenly and avoid cracking. High temperatures (above 30°C) can cause issues with resin curing too quickly and tarmac softening. On the other hand, resin-bound driveways are sensitive to moisture and can be spoiled if it rains while being laid [1]. Block paving can technically be installed all year round, but requires dry conditions for sealing [2].
It's best to wait until it warms up to replace a driveway, rather than attempting to do so in less than ideal weather conditions. The worst time of year to get your driveway done is between November and February, due to cold, wet weather and short daylight hours. During the winter months, cold temperatures (especially below 5°C) significantly affect curing and adhesion of driveway materials and sealants. Cold weather causes weak sealant adhesion, delays curing, and increases the risk of damage like cracking and flaking [3]. High humidity and moisture typical in winter further hinder sealing processes [4].
In summary, late spring through summer (May–September) offers the most favourable conditions for driveway resurfacing in the UK, balancing temperature and dryness to enable proper curing and durable results across materials. The winter months are the least ideal due to low temperatures, high humidity, and moisture that interfere with curing, adhesion, and spreading processes [3][4].
References:
[1] Jarvis, B. (2022). The Ultimate Guide to Driveway Resurfacing. Homebuilding & Renovating.
[2] Handley, S. (2024). The Best Time to Resurface Your Driveway. Real Homes.
[3] Anonymous. (2021). Driveway Resurfacing: A Comprehensive Guide. The Money Edit.
[4] Anonymous. (2020). Driveway Resurfacing: What You Need to Know. GoodtoKnow.
- When planning home improvements, considering the 'home-improvement' aspect of driveway resurfacing, it's important to time the project for late spring to summer (May–September), matching the 'lifestyle' preference for warm, dry weather to ensure proper curing and long-lasting results.
- For those interested in home-and-garden endeavors, sprucing up the exterior of a home may involve driveway resurfacing, which, according to experts, is best conducted during the favorable conditions of late spring through summer (May–September), as this period balances temperature and dryness for a variety of driveway materials.
