Tired of the cracked, crumbling driveway in front of your home? Asphalt may be just the material you need to fix this issue! Asphalt is not the same as asphalt driveway sealant which is a coating used to refresh existing asphalt.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a hot mix of stone and sand, along with asphalt, a tar-like material made from petroleum. The asphalt must be heated at 300 F to liquefy it and must be worked on fast before it solidifies. While repairing or resealing asphalt driveways can be done by yourself, installing asphalt is a job better left to the professionals.
Why Choose Asphalt and not Concrete?
Asphalt and concrete are two very different materials. Asphalt is a popular choice for driveways due to it being highly:
• flexible and less prone to cracking
• cost-effective compared to concrete
• long-lasting and resistant against salt, rock and ice damage
• effective compared to concrete
• manageable as you can resurface or repair it yourself
The Installation Process
For a proper installation of asphalt, the base should first be worked upon. The base should be flat, solid, and free of cracks. Once the base is ready, the installation of the asphalt may begin. It may take around 40 minutes to fill the driveway and allow it to harden. In normal conditions, you should be able to drive on your new driveway in 2 days, however, some situations may demand more time like 30 days before you can use it.
Another important thing to note during the installation process is to have proper drainage. Accumulation of water will damage the asphalt in the long term and make it slippery to drive on. A French drain is the best option to get moisture away from the driveway.
Another thing to keep in mind is to hire a group of trained and expert asphalt installers. While asphalt can be seen as an easy and quick material to install, it requires time and know-how for it to be truly effective.
When to Install Asphalt?
Asphalt is best installed in warmer conditions, such as during the spring or summer. Cold air will require professionals more time to work on the asphalt. A rush asphalt installation will give a bumpy, uneven or irregular final result.
Following the guidelines above and hiring top-notch experts to do the job can achieve long-lasting and g