Any residence or business needs some type of paving to allow for parking and access to your building. With many different surfaces out there it can be tough to choose one. However, asphalt paving can be a solid solution for covering the needs of your home or business. Before you start installing asphalt pavement it is ideal to first know some key facts about this type of surface and ways to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Install asphalt paving during spring, summer, or early fall
Summer is probably the best time to install a new asphalt driveway because the warm mix and hot mix asphalt are the best options for paving projects. Both of these options require warm weather to be installed properly because all of the components of hot mix asphalt perform best when the weather is warm. If you need to make emergency repairs during the cold season, you can use cold mix asphalt, and it will still seal your driveway, but it is not the most effective time for paving. If you want to install a new driveway, try to schedule it for the spring, summer, or early fall. After installation, Even though fresh asphalt cures much faster than most other paving materials, it must still be protected while curing. This means that all objects, including people, pets, and cars, must be kept away from the surface for at least 72 hours. You should also avoid driving heavy vehicles on the asphalt for the first month after it is installed, as it is still settling in. After about a month or so, you do not have to be concerned about how your asphalt is being impacted by other objects as it has fully settled.
Sealcoating can protect your asphalt
Asphalt is very resistant to the effects of snow, rain, and other weather elements, but it can be much more resistant if a good sealcoating is applied every other year or so. By applying good sealcoating, you can significantly extend the life of your asphalt driveway or parking lot by fending off the sun’s ultraviolet rays as well as any moisture that may accumulate from rain and snow storms. Since it protects the underlying asphalt from deterioration, sealcoating has proven to be extremely effective at extending the life of asphalt driveways. In addition to protecting the surface, sealcoating brings a refreshed appeal to that surface. It is common that a new coat of asphalt sealer on your driveway or paving will help it stand out from the cracked and worn alternative. While this is something that every homeowner should strive for, it is especially important when preparing to sell your home.
Asphalt paving needs regular care
Aside from regular sealcoating, there are a few other things you can do to extend the life of your asphalt driveway. The more diligent you are about following these certain precautions, the longer your asphalt driveway will be trouble-free and provide a long-lasting surface. It is a good idea to clean your asphalt driveway on a regular basis, especially if there are oil or chemical spills on the surface, as these can leach into the asphalt and cause damage. If you used salt on your asphalt driveway for traction and melting snow during the winter, remove it as soon as possible so that it does not degrade your asphalt paving.
Asphalt is a better choice for winter climates
There are a number of reasons that make asphalt an ideal surface choice in regard to colder climates. As mentioned, asphalt is a highly durable material. The ground shifts in sub-zero temperatures and asphalt is a flexible surface that adapts to these shifts. As a result, asphalt is more crack-resistant when compared to other surfaces’ durability during the cold months. In addition, asphalt is not as likely to deteriorate with the use of salt as other surfacing materials are vulnerable to. With concrete being black, the dark color helps draw in and contain the sun’s heat. This means that during the winter, snow will melt faster on asphalt driveway paving, parking lot paving, or road than it will on concrete. This greatly improves safety in both residential and commercial properties and makes its maintenance by your local asphalt paving company much easier. Furthermore, asphalt surfaces offer greater traction during snowfall, frost, and rain. The surface can allow you to find a firm footing. If you have concerns about your paving withstanding the winter season, asphalt paving may be the option to choose.
The average lifespan of asphalt is 10 to 25 years
Asphalt pavement typically lasts between 10 and 25 years. However, the actual lifespan is heavily determined by a variety of factors. To determine how long your asphalt pavement will last, some factors to consider are the quality of the installation and proper maintenance. One factor that directly affects asphalt’s longevity is dependent on proper installation. Without proper edging, for example, the surface may begin to deteriorate within weeks of installation. If you decide to install the asphalt when it is too humid or rainy, you may have difficulty doing so correctly. Meanwhile, using the asphalt surface before it has had enough time to dry may result in damage. It will eventually cause cracks, holes, and other problems. Ensuring that your asphalt paving is done by professional installers can result in a lasting surface. Even though asphalt paving is extremely durable, as mentioned, it requires routine maintenance to last as long as possible. Without proper attention, small overlooked cracks can quickly turn into a pothole or become an uneven surface. Asphalt maintenance includes timely inspections, regular cleaning, and high-quality repair. Without them, it is impossible to achieve the maximum life expectancy. The more abuse your asphalt pavement takes, the more frequent maintenance it will require.
Asphalt paving can add a specific degree of appeal to any residence or commercial property. This type of surface has a number of benefits that can make asphalt paving an ideal surface for any type of property needs. The durable surface of asphalt makes it ideal for properties that experience harsh winters. In addition, with proper care, asphalt paving can last a prolonged period making it a great choice for an all-in-one paving solution.
