The selection of material to use in the construction of a new driveway is a major issue that affects the appearance Asphalt Driveway Installation, utility and the value of the property to the homeowner. Asphalt has been one of the top alternatives among the top alternatives, and it is boasted of its combination of durability, affordability, and smooth look. The rightly laid asphalt driveway gives a durable surface that is smooth and it can help improve the outlook of your home within twenty to thirty years Asphalt Driveway Installation. The knowledge of the installation procedure is the most important towards achieving this durability and maximizing your investment.
The process of moving to a new asphalt driveway will start way before the first truck coming. The stage of site preparation is the most significant as it defines the structural integrity of the Asphalt Driveway Installation. This is the total wash away of a material on the surface followed by boring down to a stable sub-grade the native soil underneath. This subgrade should be graded and adequately compacted to have effective drainage so that water is not stagnant on or under the pavement Asphalt Driveway Installation. The main tortfeasor of asphalt is water that is capable of washing away the foundation and causing an early crack.
A strong aggregate base is placed on this compact sloping subgrade. This base may be easily composed of a few inches of crushed stone or gravel, which is the foundation of the driveway and which offers the necessary load-bearing capacity as well as increasing drainage Asphalt Driveway Installation. Similar to the subgrade, every aggregate layer is graded and compacted using heavy machinery precisely. The strong, well-compacted base is not negotiable a weak base will undoubtedly result to surface failures, no matter how good asphalt is being poured upon it.
The most obvious step is the installation of the asphalt mat itself. The hot mix asphalt (HMA), is a meticulously designed combination of 95 percent (approximately) stone Asphalt Driveway Installation, sand, and gravel (aggregate) held together by 5 percent liquid asphalt cement, and is delivered at temperatures ranging between 250-350 o F. A paving machine spreads this material evenly to a standard compacted depth of 2-3 inches as a residential drive. A heavy steel-wheeled roller is used after the paver to compact the material to give it the most denseness, eliminating air pockets and making the surface smooth and uniform Asphalt Driveway Installation. The first step of compaction is very important, with regards to strength whereas the second step of compaction is a roller finish which puts in place a smooth appearance.
At last, the driveway assumes a crucial curing phase. New asphalt takes time to cool and harden after which it may take a few days. Traditionally, it is necessary to stay off the surface in driving or parking during this time Asphalt Driveway Installation. The material is hard on cooling but chemically, it requires several months to cure. The final process during a professional installation is the sealcoat. This protective layer is applied after the asphalt has completely dried (generally 6-12 months) and it protects the surface against ultraviolet rays, water penetration, oil and gasoline spills Asphalt Driveway Installation. The most effective maintenance practice to prolong the life of the driveway, keep the deep black color of a driveway, and avoid the damage to the surface is the regular re-sealing which is necessary after 2-3 years.
The most important is the selection of a reputed and experienced contractor. The professional adds the skills in the correct grading Asphalt Driveway Installation, compaction methods, and knowledge of materials which cannot be provided by the DIY installation. They shall also deal with the necessary information such as how to make a suitable crown to runoff and blend beautifully with garages or pavements.
Conclusively, installing asphalt driveway is a multi-tasked engineering project which puts the foundation first in its priorities Asphalt Driveway Installation. When properly applied it gives a long lasting, beautiful, and usable surface. The initial cost of professional installation and a dedicated program of basic maintenance that is mainly sealcoating will safeguard your driveway in several years to come Asphalt Driveway Installation. The end product is not only an extension of your house in which to park your car, but a large extension to the functionality and the appearance of your house.
