Asphalt pavement is a combination of pieces of stone or gravel that is then heated. Following that, the mixed material is trucked into the project site – in this case, your driveway area – where it is spread and compacted into what you may call pavement. It’s sustainable, has many applications, and asphalt has the unique ability to cool and be able to withstand traffic in mere hours. If you’re looking into repaving your asphalt driveway, then you may want to hear more about the benefits…
The Benefits of Repaving Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt is superior to concrete when it comes to paving a driveway. The components may be similar, but there are major differences that you should consider, including the aesthetics of the finished product, maintenance, and certain restrictions that may be imposed by your local homeowner’s association. While asphalt can dry in hours, concrete takes several days. Tar is another potential substitute that is sometimes brought up when compared to asphalt, but tar is very soft and degrades faster.
Repaving your asphalt driveway can be a surprisingly intricate process: this spotlights the value of having asphalt professionally concocted and placed by experienced contractors. Contractors will first demolish and remove the existing surface with the help of heavy machinery. Then, careful grading and sloping will be used for the appropriate water drainage. The sub-base will need to be prepared, then the professional installer will proof roll, lay down the binder, and finally install the new asphalt surface. Finishing touches include using a butt joint and transitions to smooth the transition between the new asphalt surface with the existing parking lot or driveway.
Signs To Look For
- Cracks in the asphalt are typically gas, oil, and salts that have penetrated the surface in the driveway. These chemicals can erode, expand with fluctuating temperatures and cause cracks to expand.
- As mentioned, a driveway will need to be a specific slope for it to drain water properly. If there is draining issues where water pools, then it may need to be redone.
- Asphalt needs to be resealed every 2 to 3 years to prevent cracking, especially around the edges. Regular resealing will ensure the structural integrity of the asphalt before costly cracks appear.
Contact Your Local Experts
F&M Contractors have been servicing the Baltimore area and surrounding neighborhoods since 1979. The go-to source for commercial and residential projects, we will be able to help with your driveway asphalt needs. Contact us for more information, a free quote, or if you need a driveway contractor in Towson or the surrounding area to check out your asphalt features.
