So You Want an Asphalt Driveway

Asphalt pavement is rapidly becoming the material of choice for driveways. This is because asphalt has a number of characteristics that make it an ideal paving medium. Most modern roadways are paved with asphalt, a dark, nearly black substance. Hot-mix asphalt paving is made from a mixture of asphalt, stone, and sand that has been heated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve its fluidity and ease of application. Cooling causes it to solidify into a solid form. This makes it easier to set than concrete, which must dry first.

Asphalt may be laid at a lower cost than concrete and has a longer lifespan without cracking or breaking. It thrives well in colder locations and is surprisingly resistant to ice melt and rock salt. Maintenance on asphalt is similarly simple and rare.

If you've been thinking of tearing down your old driveway and putting in a new one, asphalt paving is likely your best option. If you're considering having asphalt pavement placed in your driveway, here are some things to consider.

Find Out Where the Asphalt Paving Will Go
It's a good idea to have a look at your driveway as it stands before you have asphalt pavement laid. When you look at it, does it seem good? Is the surface free of cracks? If your driveway already looks like this, you may add asphalt on top of it. It's the less difficult option, since there's no need to excavate and level the ground for the foundation. However, you should think about whether or not your present garage and the landscaping around it can handle an additional 2-3 inches of asphalt on top of the current driveway. If you go this route, you'll probably have to dismantle the fence and reassemble it at the increased height.

Before laying asphalt paving, most people remove the driveway, dig down into the soil a little, and lay down an aggregate foundation of stones on top of the dirt. The standard depth of an aggregate base is four to six inches. This is implemented so that the asphalt has something more sturdy to rest upon. To prevent water from ponding on the asphalt surface, a foundation is laid down first.

It's Important to Wait for the Right Circumstances
Since asphalt is very reactive to changes in humidity and temperature, you must wait for ideal circumstances before laying it down on your driveway. As asphalt takes longer to cure in warmer temperatures, a warmer day is preferable if you need extra time to apply and set the asphalt pavement. There will now be more time for preparation and completion of the paving project. Although asphalt may be laid in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it performs best on days with a high of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You also want to avoid days with high humidity levels too. There might be delays and extended waiting and setting times if moisture seeps into the asphalt and makes it difficult to set. For the asphalt to set properly, we need dry weather not only on the day it is laid, but also for the next day or two.

Use Asphalt Paving Equipment
Now that everything is set up, we can begin spreading hot asphalt from the mixer onto the ground. It is important to work fast while applying asphalt since it hardens as it cools. You'll need to be on your toes and double check everything is in order before the sun goes down. The standard thickness of an asphalt layer is three inches.

Simple preventive maintenance may extend the lifespan of asphalt for decades. If you don't regularly apply a seal coat to your asphalt, you should have one put on as soon as you notice any cracks or other damage. Driveway sealer may be applied to the surface of the asphalt every so often to preserve its condition. You may be certain that your brand-new asphalt will be safe from the sun's harmful rays and the sweltering heat they generate. You should also keep an eye out for cracks in your driveway and get a sealer applied as soon as you see any to stop them from spreading.

How to Find an Asphalt Company
Professional businesses are the only ones qualified to lay asphalt pavement. Of course, not just any installation or asphalt contractor will do. Knowing which firms to trust and which ones to avoid when hiring a contractor is essential.

Obtain Many Estimates for the Paving Work
This might help you compare firms and see the subtle distinctions between them. And remember, price is only one factor. Be wary of contractors that enquire about their competitors" bids in order to undercut them. A contractor will not operate at a loss, so if one bids you a lower price to undercut a rival, that money will have to come from someplace. As a consequence, you run the risk of receiving low-quality asphalt, the incorrect aggregate (stones that are too large or too round), and undoubtedly lower-quality workers, all of which contribute to shoddy work, blunders during installation, and project delays.

If you're a trustworthy builder, you won't worry about what other firms charged since you already know how much it will cost you per square foot to complete the project, regardless of the differences between the individual properties.


Article kindly provided by pavingcentralcoast.com