Your driveway is the introduction to your home. It needs to be appealing and functional at the same time, creating a safe place to drive or park. Whether you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, stay “in the know” about driveways so that you can anticipate any issues and consult the appropriate professionals.
The Process for Asphalt Driveway Contractors
Asphalt and concrete are the most popular materials for driveway construction (with asphalt being common in the Northern U.S. and concrete driveways being more prevalent in the Southern region). The distribution is due to the different freeze and thaw cycles. Concrete driveway contractors have to be careful to keep the area’s climate in mind to ensure the driveway material stays in tact.
If a beautiful and budget-friendly driveway surface is what you have in mind, consider going for an asphalt driveway. Not only is its lustrous, smooth appearance appealing, but the material is also efficient in melting away snow because it can absorb heat, taking away some of the maintenance work for you, the homeowner, during the winter.
Is it time to install a new driveway for your home?
A properly installed and maintained asphalt driveway can last up to 30 years. However, that can vary depending on factors such as the drainage plan, climate of the region, stability of the sub-grade and frequency of maintenance.
If a driveway is showing signs of significant aging, such as blotches, patches and wide cracks throughout, then it’s time to replace it entirely. A qualified asphalt driveway contractor should do the replacement as they have to make crucial decisions such as whether to repave the driveway on the existing soil for best results. Several factors (including soil tests) must guide the decision, because any wrong move may require that you repeat the process in a few years. A deteriorating driveway can also become a safety hazard.
The process of installing a new asphalt driveway usually takes 1-2 days and up to a couple of weeks. The installation depends on the soil, as it influences the sub-grade to be used. If it is determined the sub-grade needs to sit to allow for proper settlement and compaction, this process could take up 3-4 weeks. After installation, you can drive on the asphalt driveway after 72 hours.
The choice of a driveway surface should be informed by other factors, too, such as the amount of traffic expected on the driveway. Areas that have heavy vehicle traffic should use concrete surfaces rather than asphalt.
For those who need an asphalt driveway contractor in Phoenix, Maryland, contact F&M Contractors for more information on driveway construction or repair. It’s time to make your driveway a dream entrance to your home!
About F&M Contractors
The trusted source in concrete and asphalt driveway paving since 1979. Contact us today for a free estimate. Check out where we have been working in your neighborhood!
