To get the most out of your asphalt driveway, there are some tips you should follow. Avoid driving on the edges and base, seal cracks, and prepare a good foundation. These tips will also prevent your driveway from cracking and damaging it. Following these steps will ensure that your Asphalt Paving Charleston SC will last many years.
Avoiding driving on the edges
Asphalt driveways can suffer from deterioration and cracking if you drive on the edges. These driveways contain varying amounts of stone, sand, liquid asphalt, and other ingredients. Because of this, the surface texture will vary greatly. For example, a hand-spread asphalt driveway will be smoother than a machine-spread one. If you see uneven edges, you should repair them before continuing.
Asphalt is not a good surface to drive on because the edges do not support it well. If you can, build up soil along the edges. Then, keep grass clippings and debris out of the driveway. In addition to grass clippings, you should also remove weeds since they can grow through the asphalt surface. Lastly, consider seal coating your driveway, which will lock in existing oils and keep it flexible.
Sealing cracks
You can prevent further cracking and leakage by sealing cracks in your asphalt driveway before they become more extensive. The first step is to clean the area well. After cleaning, apply sealant. The sealant will last for six to eight hours, depending on the type you choose. To ensure the best results, wait at least 24 hours before driving or parking on it.
Crack sealants can be applied in several ways. The most common one is to use compressed air at a minimum of 90 psi. The nozzle should be aimed at the crack, no more than two inches below the pavement’s surface. Depending on the size of the crack, several passes may be necessary. It is essential to use the right wand tip when applying the sealant to ensure it reaches the crack ultimately.
If you decide to seal the cracks in your asphalt driveway, the cost will depend on your driveway’s size and the number of cracks. In addition, to crack size, you must also consider the type of driveway and distance. The distance will affect the time and travel costs. In addition, your local cost of living will play a role in the price.
Avoiding driving on the base
It’s essential to avoid driving on the base of your asphalt driveway if you want to protect it and keep it looking beautiful. Driving on asphalt can be abrasive and leave tire track marks or power steering scuffs on the surface. It’s also important to avoid turning your steering wheel when you’re not in motion. This can grind the surface and can leave holes. If you want to avoid making holes in your asphalt driveway, consider placing plywood under your vehicle to prevent this from happening.
The base of asphalt is a vulnerable part of the driveway, so it’s important to avoid driving on it until it’s fully cured. It takes about two or three days for a new asphalt driveway to cure fully. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to park on the curb so as not to indent the asphalt. In addition, make sure you don’t park heavy vehicles on fresh asphalt.
Preparing a good foundation
Before you lay asphalt on your driveway, prepare a suitable sub-base. This layer protects your asphalt from water damage and freezing and provides a solid foundation for the new paving material. Add a binder to this layer to provide additional support for the fresh asphalt. Once the sub-base is in place, it should be compacted.
You need a solid base to install a hot mix asphalt driveway. It would help if you started by preparing a sub-base consisting of two to three inches of rock. It’s important to ensure that the rock is the right size and thickness for your driveway. A smaller rock won’t be as safe and may not penetrate the subgrade or stabilize the earth. Although asphalt driveways are durable, a weak sub-base can lead to cracks, potholes, and buckling.
The best foundation base for asphalt driveways should have proper drainage. If it’s not, water will collect on the driveway, and it could even cause a pothole. To avoid potholes, choose a good Paving Companies Charleston SC. A good paving contractor should not use shortcuts and should focus on the right materials and compaction techniques. This includes tamping the edges of the pavement to ensure that it’s as stable as possible.