Decorative Asphalt
Asphalt is a well known substance for paving roads
. What is not very well known about it, is that asphalt can come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Asphalt has been used since the 1800's, but in the beginning it was primarily used on roads to assist water drainage to prevent flooding. With the assistance of piping in the asphalt, standing water became much less of a problem.
Today, asphalt is a very economic solution to paving driveways, roads, highways, and patios. It is also very easy to maintain.
Creating a dynamic and decorative pattern using asphalt is very easy. In Asphalt Paving, the design is basically a stamp.
Pre-cut plastic is molded into the desired pattern, and then the plastic is melted onto the asphalt surface using heating machines. This process makes it very easy for you to design an individualized pattern for your asphalt, whether it is for the patio or driveway.
If you need some ideas, try going online to look at some patterns. Then, design the pattern on your computer and print it off.
There are many creative and elaborate designs that are used on asphalt today. Businesses use this stamping system and asphalt to add their logo to the parking lot.
Asphalt patterns can significantly improve the look of your home or yard. An individualized pattern will add the extra touch that will make your home stand out.
The most commonly used pattern is the traditional brick pattern because the brick pattern makes the road look like it was really laid down brick by brick. This pattern is very common in suburban streets, median strips, between roads, in parking lots, and on driveways.
Other patterns that are fairly popular include the herringbone, slate tile, cobble, irregular, random patterns, running brick, and the basket weave. By varying the colors of the asphalt you will have an eye pleasing, and fancy looking driveway.
It is also possible to mix several patterns together. This will also add the extra individualized touch.
A simple example of mixed patterns would be to use one design to create a border and another to fill the center of the area. Not only does asphalt allow creative abilities to be implemented, but it has other advantages over other types of pavements.
For example, asphalt is not as susceptible to frost heaves as concrete. Asphalt also provides a level surface that makes snow removal comparatively easy.
In addition, concrete cannot be re-layered without pulling up the old concrete. However, if you grow tired of the current asphalt or it becomes too old, you can simply lay a new layer on top of the old one.
The biggest advantage surrounding asphalt is that is much cheaper than any other paver. The flexibility of asphalt also allows asphalt to last longer through severe weather conditions.
However, asphalt is the same as concrete in relation to maintenance. It must be resealed every so often it you would like it to last for an extended period of time.
With the proper sealing, asphalt can last for over thirty years. The more flexible the asphalt is, the longer it is likely to last.
The newer the asphalt is, the more flexible it tends to be because it still has plenty of hydrocarbon oils present in it that make up its structure.
The foundation of crushed gravel also helps provide stability to the asphalt. In turn, this layer of gravel extends the lifetime of the asphalt.
It is also recommended that the foundation and asphalt finish extend out one foot past where the asphalt will be laid. This will ensure that the driveway does not crack around the edges when people drive on the edge.
Six to nine months after installing the asphalt, make sure that you seal the asphalt to ensure longevity. Over this six to nine month period, the asphalt will have enough time to cure.
Asphalt paving is an ideal was to add decoration to a home.
by: Ronald Pedactor
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