A quality asphalt driveway is more than just a place to park your car, it adds curb appeal, creates a usable environment and increases property value Asphalt Driveway Installation. It’s not like a weekend DIY project such as staining a deck or planting new shrubs.The process of putting down asphalt isn’t just the application of material and rolling it out—Dublin, Ohio residential driveways constructed with asphalt are equal parts art and science.Precise planning Asphalt Driveway Installation, solid materials and consistent attention to detail ensure that your asphalt pavement will be smooth, enduring and attractive.
The pathway to a great driveway starts with the site preparation, not the beginning of hot asphalt. It is one of the most important steps, because the ground will determine how long your driveway lasts Asphalt Driveway Installation. It begins with excavation, cutting out topsoil and organics to provide a firm sub-base. The original soil then filled in behind the compacted stone. Then a solid base of gravel though 6-8 inches deep is laid. This sub-base, most commonly consisting of crushed angular gravel, is designed with specific gradations to facilitate proper water drainage, and compacted in lifts Asphalt Driveway Installation. Since a poorly constructed base is the number one reason for asphalt failure, resulting in cracks, potholes and surface erosion long before its useful life expectancy is realized, this area requires serious attention.
After the base is compacted and graded to the appropriate pitch (typically at least 2% falling away from the building) then the asphalt surface course can be installed. The professional makes use of what is called Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Asphalt Driveway Installation, which comes to the job hot at 300-350 degrees F and can be worked on right away, after all this is a major selling point. The hot material is laid in an asphalt spreader that has been modified to accommodate a truck (the receiving vehicle) Asphalt Driveway Installation. For smaller projects, a series of laborers with wide shovels administered by a talented member of the crew standing above the overturning tail gate could be used instead. For regular home driveways, the 2-3 inch compacted layer is pretty standard Asphalt Driveway Installation. Large steel-wheel and pneumatic rollers compact the material straight after spreading, to eliminate any air voids and ensure it is a suitable density. This is important for strength, as it compacts the material and seals the surface to keep water from penetrating and forming cracks in the driveway’s body.
The last step is to seal and cure Asphalt Driveway Installation. Additionally, following the installation of new asphalt, it takes a while to cool down and harden; therefore, you should stay off for at least 3-5 days. Although asphalt is flexible and tough, it can be damaged by exposure to UV light and water. 4-application of a good sealant is suggested to extend its longevity (apply every 6-12 months) Asphalt Driveway Installation. This seal coat is a layer of protection guarding your pavement from sun light, gas, and oil while making the asphalt look brand new. Re-seal every 2 to 3 years, and keep small cracks filled to help prevent further deterioration; the typical service life of your driveway should be in the neighborhood of 20 years or longer.
It is extremely important to select a knowledgeable experienced contractor. Search for companies with good references, licensing and insurance Asphalt Driveway Installation. Not only will a pro perform the technical aspects properly, he might also be able to recommend drainage solutions and the best asphalt mix for your local climate.
In short, a professional asphalt installation in the GTA is made up of preparation Asphalt Driveway Installation, precision and protection. With an understanding for the importance of each stage - from the invisible strength of the gravel base to the final roll with a compactor - homeowners can make informed decisions. The product: It's so much more than a plain slab of gray; it's a long-lasting, beautiful, and valuable entry that workhorses your home for decades.
