Asphalt paved highways are probably the most familiar example for everyone. As a homeowner, have you ever considered paving your driveway with asphalt? If yes, then you definitely need to read this article to help you with the decision-making!
Asphalt Paving
Asphalt pavement’s main ingredients are liquid asphalt, stone, sand, and additives. Liquid asphalt, a gooey, black substance, holds asphalt pavements together.
Preparation
Prior to applying the asphalt pavement, there is a lot of preparation work that must be known. Before applying the asphalt pavement, the surface must first be prepared.
The preparation for driveway paving Charleston SC can be done by spreading a thin layer of liquid asphalt binder using an asphalt distributor, especially if the surface is an existing asphalt surface.
As a result, the connection between the freshly paved surface and the ground beneath it is strengthened.
Cost
In general, laying asphalt is much less expensive than pouring concrete. One of the preparatory components in any asphalt mixture is crude oil. Hence, the price of crude oil at the time of installation may have an impact on the cost of asphalt. The size of your driveway, labor cost, and materials to be used also affects the overall cost of asphalt paving.
Moreover, since asphalt is durable, coating your driveway with it can save you money. In essence, you can avoid paying for repairs or replacements.
In addition, the existing driveway does not need to be destroyed before asphalt paving. You can save money since you do not need to employ contractors to destroy the existing driveway. You can also save time, energy, and resources.
Finally, because the driveway has fewer bumps, there is less wear and tear on the cars, which lowers maintenance costs.
Curing Time
Your new driveway’s first 14 days are extremely important because this is when it is most sensitive. Parking in your new driveway shouldn’t be done for at least 14 days. When you do, be sure to park on it when the weather is coolest.
Avoid using your asphalt pavement driveway for the first three to five days.
The curing process may take up to a hundred days. But after three full days, you are free to pass by it.
Asphalt is an oil-based substance that requires time to cure, particularly in the sweltering heat of the summer. During this time, as well as the first season with your fresh driveway, extra safety precautions must be taken.
Your carpark or driveway won’t be hard and durable until after the required amount of time—typically 6–12 months—for asphalt to harden and cure fully.
Longevity
Asphalt only requires sporadic maintenance to remain in good condition. All asphalt pavements can sustain quick congestion due to their bridging action and versatility without suffering serious damage.
With the right engineering, construction, and upkeep, intermediate and base courses can last for many years—and even without ever needing to be fully restored. As a result, asphalt mixtures have a 30-year lifespan.
Additionally, proper drainage is essential for the longevity of your driveway. The worst enemy of asphalt is water. Its health could be harmed by standing water. To avoid standing water damaging your driveway, have a reliable drainage system in place before you begin the installation.
Installation
A commodity created using petroleum, and crude oil is asphalt. The majority of pollution-causing hydrocarbons are released during asphalt production.
In addition to all of the adverse environmental impacts, installing asphalt necessitates the use of large machinery. The use of graders, paving tools, distributor trucks, and sand spreaders is necessary to lay asphalt surfaces accurately and smoothly.
Nonetheless, professional asphalt paving Summerville SC can do the installation for you. You can also ask them about the environmental impacts of asphalt if you want to know more about it.