What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?
With regards to asphalt driveways whether for residential or commercial properties, there are some key elements that you have to look at which will either make or break its longevity and dependability. Most especially for commercial properties, having proper installation of the asphalt is vitally important for many reasons. Aside from the fact that this is a worthy investment, this at the same time safeguards the pedestrians and drivers as they enter the commercial property because of potholes and several other road hazards that aren’t present.
And aesthetically speaking, good installation of asphalt driveway is vital so by that, the commercial business will be prioritized and look professional. Keep on reading to know what are the key elements to look at and whom to trust for the installation services.
Suitable foundation – the ground foundation is the first important aspect that must be considered. There ought to be a solid sub-grade and strong aggregate base for proper paving of driveway. Most of the time, this takes place during paving projects similar to reasons that the sub-grade isn’t properly stabilized.
As a quick example, the contractor needs to remove or cover the clay with durable stone that will reinforce the ground surface in case that the ground is full of soft wet clay. And if you fail to do so, it may possibly result to cracking, buckling, crumbling and ever-increasing deterioration of the driveway.
Good drainage – water is a big threat both to concrete and asphalt pavement. Thus, when having asphalt driveway, it is crucial to have proper drainage. Instead of collecting or amassing on top of it, the water has to be drained away from the edges of the pavement. And say for example that there is no slope to the pavement, then the water will not runoff properly to the sides and away from the driveway. This can also make the water to seep in the asphalt’s pores or open crevices. When such thing happens, it can freeze, thaw and then expand the pavement, which can lead to problems such as crumbling, cracks and potholes.
Proper supplies – if wrong mix of pavement is used to pave for asphalt driveway, then problems are bound to happen. Asphalt driveways are vulnerable to oxidation and weathering and with that in mind, the right mix of hot asphalt is highly important. Although opinions will be different among contractors and companies as to which kind of mix is ideal for such projects, the mixes must contain lesser air voids than the highway mixes. It has to result in a finer aggregate finish in order to look darker and smoother at the same time.