Homeowners looking to upgrade their property and add value to their homes should consider installing an asphalt driveway. Asphalt driveways are durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing. When investing in an asphalt driveway, several important considerations must be considered before the installation begins.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before installing a new asphalt driveway, several factors need to be taken into account.
Site Preparations:
Site preparation and layout are among the most important steps in the process, as this will determine how long your driveway will hold up and how attractive it will look.
Grading and Leveling:
The soil should be graded and leveled so that there is a solid foundation for the asphalt to be laid on. The area should also be made level, which will ensure that the water drains properly.
Choose Quality Materials:
High-quality materials are essential when constructing a new asphalt driveway. The more durable and well-made the materials are, the longer your driveway will last. Invest in a strong and reliable asphalt mix and edging restraints to keep everything in place.
Invest in Good Tools and Equipment:
The right tools and equipment are integral to successfully installing an asphalt driveway. A professional paving contractor has access to a reliable paver, compactor, and other necessary tools.
Installation Process
Once the pre-installation steps are taken care of, it’s time to begin the actual installation process.
Preparing the Subgrade:
The subgrade is the area of soil that will form the foundation for the asphalt driveway. It should be compacted and leveled as much as possible, ensuring no bumps or dips on the surface.
Proper Drainage Installation:
Proper drainage installation is essential to ensure that water drains properly and prevents standing water.
Installing Edge Restraints:
Using edge restraints is an essential step in constructing a new asphalt driveway. It ensures that the driveway’s edges remain intact and won’t break apart over time.
Laying Out the Asphalt:
Once the subgrade and edge restraints are in place, it’s time to lay out the asphalt. The asphalt should be applied in even layers, compacting and leveling each layer. It creates a solid foundation for your driveway.
Paving, Compacting, and Finishing:
After the asphalt is laid out, it must be paved, compacted, and finished. The paving contractor will use a paver to spread the asphalt evenly and a compactor to tamp it down. After the paving is complete, a broom can create a smooth finish on the driveway’s surface.
Post-Installation Maintenance
After your driveway has been installed, you can take a few steps to ensure that it remains in good condition for many years.
Sealcoating Tips:
Consider seal coating your asphalt driveway to protect it from the elements. Seal coating should be done every few years to keep your driveway looking its best.
Regular Inspection and Proper Maintenance:
It’s important to regularly inspect and repair any cracks or potholes that appear in your driveway. Taking care of these issues quickly can help prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Regular Cleaning:
It’s also important to regularly clean your driveway to remove dirt, debris, oil, and other substances that may have accumulated on its surface.
What to Expect After Installing New Asphalt Driveway
Are you in the process of getting a new driveway? What should a new asphalt driveway look like? Here are some important things to consider!
Luscious Asphalt Color
Don’t worry if your pavement looks different from the color of the sample at the store; as it dries and hardens, asphalt will naturally darken with time.
New Asphalt Texture
Fresh asphalt pavement has a distinctive feel due to incorporating an additional aggregate, like gravel, differentiating it from standard streets and driveways.
Asphalt Surface
Your new driveway should be level and have a perfectly smooth asphalt surface. Consequently, it’s essential to ensure its proper installation. Prevent the unsightly appearance of divots, waves, and bumps in new asphalt driveways by regularly inspecting for imperfections.
Proper Drainage
Ensuring appropriate drainage installation is essential to avoid asphalt driveway issues; water can collect on the surface and cause cracks if left unchecked.
Asphalt Sealing
After installation, the asphalt needs to be sealed. Asphalt sealer safeguards it from harmful elements and helps it last longer.
Pavement Stripings and Markings
Give your newly installed asphalt driveway an extra personality boost by adding some lines or stripes, making it look polished and finished.
The Smell of Fresh Asphalt
The strong and unmistakable smell of petroleum is a telltale sign that newly-laid asphalt driveways are hardening. However, this scent will gradually dissipate as the curing period ends.
Ultimately, don’t stress what your new asphalt driveway will look like when it’s first installed. Utilize this handy guide, and you’ll be able to find the ideal asphalt driveway that adds a touch of sophistication to your home.
Hiring a Professional Paving Contractor
Achieving an ideal and strong structured asphalt driveway can be tricky. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to hire a professional paving contractor that has experience in asphalt paving.
BaraCo Paving, LLC is the leading asphalt paving contractor in the area, offering various services to meet your needs. We are experienced professionals who understand what it takes to deliver superior results—from properly preparing the subgrade and laying out the asphalt to ensuring that every last detail is taken care of.
Contact BaraCo Paving, LLC, today to learn more about our asphalt paving services and how we can help you create the driveway of your dreams.