When it comes time to have the driveway to your home created, you can choose between gravel, bricks, pavers, concrete, or asphalt. Of course, each type has its own pros and cons. If you are looking for a driveway that will be about the mid-range in cost, longevity, and maintenance requirements, asphalt is the way to go. The types that cost less will not last as long and/or require more maintenance. Those that last longer will cost much more and may also require more maintenance. However, before you contact an asphalt paving contractor, there are a few things you need to know.
Asphalt Laying Is Seasonal
You should plan to have your asphalt driveway laid between the middle of spring to the middle of fall. The temperature needs to be at least warm for the asphalt to set and cure properly. If you have the driveway constructed during the winter, be prepared to have some repairs done once the weather turns warm.
Make Alternate Parking Arrangements for a Few Days
Once the asphalt has been poured, it needs a few days to set and cure. During this time, you should not park or drive on it at all. It would be best to keep any weight off of it, so set up barriers to keep people from walking on it too. After a few days, you can use the driveway, but avoid putting heavy machines on it. It is also a good idea to avoid parking in the exact same spot for a few months to prevent the asphalt from having dips or grooves where the wheels rest.
Wait to Seal Coat
When the driveway is new, the oils in the asphalt need to evaporate before applying a seal coat. Wait about six months and then put the protective coating on. After that, you should have it reapplied every couple of years or when you notice the color of the stones in the asphalt are changing.
With proper care and maintenance, an asphalt driveway can last many years. Make sure to have a company that provides asphalt paving services come out to patch any holes or cracks as soon as you notice them to prevent them from growing. In addition, because of the temperature concerns, check over the driveway every couple of weeks so you can be sure to get things fixed before the weather is too cold for the asphalt to set properly
Most people do not think twice as they drive over a nice, smooth paved road or park on a flat, well-paved driveway. But there is a lot of work that goes into creating smooth, strong paved surfaces. Paving contractors need to lay out a driveway or parking lot properly to ensure good drainage. They also need to formulate the pavement material properly for the given climate and conditions. As you start reading the articles on this website, you will gain more insight into the life and work of paving contractors. The next time you pull into a parking lot, you will definitely find yourself thinking about what lies underneath your tires.