Asphalt is one of the most commonly used paving materials for residential driveways today. If you are planning to go with an asphalt driveway installation, you may be wondering what you can expect from such an investment.
This guide will give you all the information you need to know before getting an asphalt driveway installed.
Reasons to Pave Your Driveway with Asphalt
1. Quick to Install
Asphalt can be easily laid by reputable driveway paving contractors in one to two days. Also, it takes about two to four days for it to cure; as such, you won’t have to wait too long to use your new driveway.
2. Long-lasting
With proper maintenance and care, asphalt driveways can last for about two to three decades. This allows you to have a smooth, attractive and reliable driveway surface that can last through prolonged exposure to sun, rain and even snow.
3. Low Maintenance
Typically, asphalt does not require any special tool for its maintenance. Also, preventative maintenance measures and provisions like crack filling and crack sealers tend to be more affordable and less time-consuming.
4. Highly Durable
Asphalt offers heightened driveway durability. This is because asphalt is a pliable material that can withstand elements like moisture and ultraviolet radiation. It also evenly distributes heat.
What’s more, asphalt is highly resistant to spalling which is a type of flaking often seen with concrete surfaces. As such, it is less susceptible to cracking.
Qualities of a Good Asphalt Driveway
If you choose to install an asphalt driveway, its ease of maintenance and natural beauty can produce a pleasing picture of you, your lifestyle and your home’s condition. To make sure that you get a long-lasting, durable asphalt driveway, here are five crucial elements to consider.
1. Good Foundation
Asphalt pavements will rely greatly on a solid foundation for its strength, flexibility, and longevity. A good foundation begins with the evaluation of the soil on which the driveway will be installed.
When the dirt is sandy and soft or made up of wet clay, you have to replace some of the soil with suitable dirt.
Your chosen contractor may need to compact the soil, add a layer of aggregate, and compact the aggregate to make sure that the foundation can support the pavement.
2. Good Design
You may already have a vision of how wide and long your driveway should look, along with the route it must follow. However, implementing such a vision must begin with a proper design.
To come up with the ideal design, your contractor will consider different factors like the terrain and the turning radius where the driveway meets the main street. If you have a faulty design, you will certainly be left dissatisfied with the outcome.
3. Proper Drainage
To ensure the longevity of your asphalt driveway, proper drainage is crucial. With an incorrect grade, water can easily pool on the pavement. This can increase the chances of water penetrating the foundation of the driveway.
Depending on the terrain and soil, your contractor may install a gravel base, a rock subgrade or a French drain to ensure a proper underground drainage.
4. The Right Asphalt Mix
There are a variety of asphalt mixes in the market today, with each having different aggregates and varying amounts of binder. Some offer a smoother appearance compared to the others.
How you will use your driveway dictates the type of asphalt mix that should be used. For instance, a more durable mix is recommended if your driveway will support heavy foot traffic or truck traffic.
5. Work Quality
The contractor’s attention to detail, expertise, and experience is critical to driveway quality. The asphalt needs to be compact, including the areas along the edges and around the joints. To prevent any slippage on the surface course, a tack coat may be required.
It is also important that the asphalt mix is at the right temperature when applied. Thus, choosing the right contractor will help ensure that you enjoy decades of function from your new asphalt driveway.
Choosing an Asphalt Contractor
Just like if you were replacing your window systems, you need to hire a company with a great reputation to construct your driveway. You can get referrals from family and friends as this can help ensure a good outcome.
You also have to make sure that the contractor has the proper insurance, bonds, and permits. Contact at least three possible companies and ask about their pricing structure, examples of work completed, and availability. Whenever possible, check the company’s past projects in person so you can assess the quality of their work.
Your home’s curb appeal can make a huge impression on people who pass by or visit your property. Thus, your driveway is as important as your lawn and landscape. If you have a well-maintained and clean driveway, most people will have a positive perception of your home interior’s condition and of your commitment to ensuring a properly maintained house.
If you are planning to have an asphalt driveway installed, you won’t go wrong with hiring the best asphalt contractor to do the job. This will assure you of having a truly durable and appealing driveway that will last for many years to come.
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Author Bio:
Ron Shattuck Jr. built Shattuck Paving into a trusted, reputable family business. Ron Jr. learned a lot about the industry and the hard work ethic that Ronald Sr. lived by, and has now followed in his father’s shoes to operate the company and help it grow. Today, Shattuck Paving is more determined than ever to serve their customers’ needs with integrity. No compromises!
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