A driveway is not just a parking lot but it is the first impression of a house and an essential functional feature Asphalt Driveway Installation. Asphalt is a top choice to those homeowners who want a mixture of durability, cost-effectiveness, and traditional, clean look. The mechanism of installing professional asphalt driveways will help to understand why this material will remain and how to make the investment last long.

The Foundation of Success: Preparation of the Site.

The paving is not the most important step of installing an asphalt driveway, but the preparation. An adequate base will avoid cracking Asphalt Driveway Installation, sinking and decay in the future. This starts by clearance of the area of all vegetation, topsoil and debris. Then the underlying soil, known as the subgrade, is properly graded and pressed to allow even stable support and important runoff water drainage off the house.

A layer of aggregate (usually 4 to 8 inches) is laid over this compacted subgrade as a bottom layer Asphalt Driveway Installation. This layer usually consists of crushed stone that is the skeleton driving the driveway to distribute weight of the vehicles and prevent heaving of frost. The compaction of this base should be done with meticulousness any weak areas will automatically translate to untimely failure of the asphalt surface.

The technique of the pour: Asphalt application.

After the base is laid the asphalt layers are then installed. Asphalt is made up of about 95% stone, sand Asphalt Driveway Installation, or gravel (aggregate) and holds together with 5 percent liquid asphalt cement- a product of petroleum. This blend is manufactured at a high temperature (300 o F and above) at an asphalt plant and brought to the site.

Then professional installers use tack coat, a liquid coating of asphalt, on the top of the compacted base Asphalt Driveway Installation. This serves as an adhesive, which makes the bond between the base and the new asphalt hard. Hot mix asphalt is then sprayed and unemulsified by using a mechanical paver that forms a smooth and flat mat. This is then pressed in heavy rollers when still hot. This compacting eliminates air cracks and makes the mix dense, which is necessary to be strong and waterproof.

The installation of a quality usually consists of 2 layers Asphalt Driveway Installation, i.e. there is a course and a surface course. The structural load is carried by the binder layer which is a more robust combination. Last layer is the surface course or the top layer which is a finer, smoother mixture that gives the final look, weather resistance, and seal.

The last stage: Curing and Maintenance.

Newly laid asphalt should have time to cure and to completely become hard, and this period may take several months Asphalt Driveway Installation. Driving on it and turning steering wheels when it is immobile should not be done by the homeowners within the first few weeks to avoid scuffing.

The secret of maximizing 20-30 years of life of an asphalt driveway lies in proactive maintenance Asphalt Driveway Installation. The most significant thing is to apply a quality sealcoat some 6-12 months after installation, and then after every 2-3 years. This protective coating helps to protect the surface against harmful UV rays, water infiltration, as well as gasoline or oil spillage Asphalt Driveway Installation. Moreover, timely application of crack sealant in tiny cracks helps to ensure that water does not enter cracks and corrosion does not occur at its foundation, which ultimately transforms minor problems into major ones.

Finding the Right Professional.

Considering the technical character of the work, it is of the paramount importance to hire an experienced and reputable contractor Asphalt Driveway Installation. Identify licensed and insured practitioners with good local recommendations and a list of work performed. A written estimate must give all the steps; the depth of excavation, base material thickness, type of asphalt mix, and the depth of excavation Asphalt Driveway Installation. Also keep in mind that the lowest bid may be an indicator of shortcuts in preparing the base or quality of the materials which may cost more in the long run.

Finally, installing an asphalt drive way is a big investment that adds value and appeal to the property in the long run Asphalt Driveway Installation. Through attention to professional site preparation, the use of high quality materials, professional installation and regular maintenance, the homeowners can have assurance that their paved path will be smooth, functional and beautiful to visit many years to come. It is a credit to the fact that the real hardiness is always designed on the bottom up.