Let’s be honest, a dull and cracked driveway isn’t the prettiest and it can really impact the appearance of your property. So if you are considering paying your driveway it may be time to take the leap! Paving your driveway will not only help the appearance of your home but can also help to enhance your property’s value over time.
However, this isn’t something that you can do all on your own. Before deciding whether or not to get your driveway paved you have to first decide if you want to install a new driveway or you want to fix your existing one. So in order to ensure that your driveway stays in good condition for years to come you will want to give a team of professionals a call for your residential driveway paving.
Residential Driveway Paving
Asphalt is one of the most simple and economic options when it comes to paving your driveway. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and its strength helps it stay intact for long periods of time. The paving process uses a hot mix asphalt that is then liquefied and then the paving begins.
The Benefits Associated with Paving your Driveway
We may be a little bit biased, but when it comes to residential driveway paving asphalt is truly the best material for paving. Not only that but there are quite a few benefits that come along with paving your driveway too. Some of those benefits are:
- Affordability: Paving your driveway with asphalt is quite affordable. The cost depends on your location and the scope of the project however, these services will not put a hole in your pocket.
- Timely: It doesn't take very long to lay an asphalt driveway. Typically the construction will take one to two days meaning that you don't have to park on the street for very long.
- High Return of Investment: Paving your driveway can offer a huge return on investment. Paving services add value to your home and help you receive higher offers if you are looking to eventually sell your home.
- A Good Investment: Paving your driveway is a great investment because it can easily last up to 12 years with almost no maintenance involved. And if for some reason you need to get a spot on your driveway fixed it is relatively easy to do so!
Why You Need a Professional
While there are many benefits that come with paving your driveway, it is important to understand that if the paving is done incorrectly all those benefits will go right down the drain. Our team at Sealcoating 2.0 knows just how important it is to inspect the area before paving. We do this to check the soil condition and the area around the pavement because this “sub-grade” layer is vital to the foundation of your driveway.
The sub-grade has to be strong enough to hold the weight of paving equipment to ensure the best results. However, this inspection is not the only factor to take into consideration when paving your driveway. Other things to consider are:
Constructing the Foundation
It is extremely important that the foundation is compacted enough before the paving is finished. Being sure to compact any holes or cracks and fixing any other areas where there are problems is important too. The compaction of asphalt mixtures is one of the most important factors in successful paving.
Driveway Placement
Driveways should be compatible with the area’s natural properties. This basically just means that your driveway should be placed somewhere that looks good with the topography of the land. Some homeowners prefer a curved or half circle driveway over a straight driveway.
Pavement Thickness
The thickness of your pavement will depend on the condition of your sub-grade. You can either use asphalt over an aggregate base or over a full depth asphalt which will in turn affect the thickness. If you are in need of an asphalt overlay having a thickness of 1.5 to 2 inches is enough, however a 5-6 inch thick driveway will be much stronger.
Pavement Width
On the other hand, the width of your driveway depends on you. A one car driveway is typically 8 feet, however, if you want to have space for people to walk, a width of 12 feet might be better. It is always safe to have a width of 10 feet to ensure that larger vehicles can be supported as well.
If a Tack Coat is Needed
A tack coat will help adhere the asphalt to the underlying surface. It is generally sprayed over a surface that is deteriorating before the overlay is placed. This ensures that there is a uniform surface ready before a technician starts paving your driveway. The tact coat also consists of emulsified asphalt which is usually placed after the underlying surface is clean. This can be helpful in preventing a thin asphalt overlay.
The Drainage System
Effectively paving your driveway means that you also took the time to determine the drainage system. Water should never be stagnant on or around your pavement’s edges. And if pools of water are occurring it is most likely due to the slope of your driveway.
Your driveway should correspond to the ground’s existing shape. This is known as your property’s grade. If your driveway is graded correctly then water will run off of its surface. In order to help prevent water from pooling when paving your driveway, experts will typically raise the surface in the center and lower it along the sides.
The Pavement Material
The materials that are used when paving your driveway can differ depending on your needs. Sometimes an aggregate base may be best, while in other cases a full asphalt application is better. A contractor will survey the area to determine the best course of action for your paving project.
Driveway Sealing
A newly paved driveway will not necessarily need to be sealed. However, over time it is extremely important to seal the surface for any cracks. Sealing your driveway will also help to maintain the look and strength of your driveway over time as well.
Everyday Traffic
Before paving your driveway and even after you’ve paved your driveway, it is important to pay attention to the traffic load. While you don’t have to worry about your car damaging your driveway, you do have to worry about bigger vehicles and heavy duty vehicles. Regularly parking heavy duty trucks can cause damage to the surface of your driveway for at least a year after getting it paved.
Let us Help
Our team at Sealcoating 2.0 is here to help you with all of your asphalt needs. Whether you are interested in paving your driveway or want to seal coat your existing driveway, we are here for you. Contact us for more information about our paving services!