subject: Asphalt Paving For An Economical And Long Lasting Driveway [print this page] Asphalt paving is the most popular driveway and parking lot surfacing material for homes and businesses. It is the most economical to install as compared to other surfaces including concrete and is an ideal material for colder climate areas that experience annual freezing and thawing. Installed correctly, an asphalt driveway or parking lot will last from 25 to 30 years under normal conditions with proper sealing and maintenance.
Proper preparation of the substrate is essential to a long lasting and problem free asphalt driveway. Driveways and parking lots that experience frequent cracking and premature deterioration typically do so due to improper installation and resulting foundation problems. To remedy the problem, the entire driveway must be removed and replaced which is quite a costly project. It is never worth taking short cuts to save a few bucks up front that will only cost much more a few short years later.
Asphalt paving is a mixture of sand and stone combined with liquid asphalt cement that is heated to enable pouring and proper curing. It is typically installed in two layers over a compacted layer of gravel and crushed stone. If particularly heavy vehicles will be regularly used on the driveway or parking lot, the substrate gravel layer may be further strengthened with liquid asphalt cement to bind it for added strength and durability.
After installation, the asphalt paving will go through a curing phase for about three to six months. It will be evident that the curing has completed when there is no longer a rainbow type hue reflected in water when the asphalt is wet. At that point, seal coating the asphalt will help to prevent fading and deterioration from oxidation. Seal coating will also protect the asphalt from chemicals, gasoline, and oil that will deteriorate the binder in the asphalt to degrade it.
Most sealers will last from two to four years when they are professionally applied, depending on climate and use conditions. Periodic sealing will help to keep the driveway looking good and will extend its life. Any cracks that may appear should be attended to immediately. Cracks allow water to enter and when the water freezes it will expand and increase the size of the crack. It is much less costly to have cracks repaired while they are still small or have the driveway resurfaced that to replace it entirely.
If you need a new driveway or need your asphalt paving repaired, seal coated, or resurfaced, find a reputable contractor in your area who is licensed, bonded, and experienced. Never sign on to a supposed company that knocks on your door offering a great deal. They are scams and you will be throwing your money away. Take your time and check out the contractor to ensure you get the quality you are paying for.
