Asphalt driveway
Are you considering installing an asphalt driveway in Melbourne? It’s a cost-effective, low-maintenance, durable option, making it a favourite for home or industry driveways. However, one needs to consider a few things to maintain the quality of asphalt driveways. Before you start, there are a few key points to keep in mind that will help ensure your project is successful. From choosing the right asphalt mix to properly preparing the ground, here are 8 tips for building a quality asphalt driveway.
Choose the Right Asphalt Mix
The right asphalt mix for building a driveway is essential because it affects the durability and performance of the pavement. Different combinations have different properties that make them suitable for various applications. For example, an asphalt mix with a higher percentage of asphalt binder will have better resistance to wear and tear and can handle heavier loads, making it ideal for driveways. On the other hand, a mix with a lower percentage of binder is more flexible and better suited for areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Selecting the right mix helps ensure a longer lifespan, improved stability, and better overall performance of the driveway
Prepare the Ground Properly
Preparing the ground is essential before laying the asphalt driveway in Melbourne. It includes removing vegetation, rocks, and debris, grading the area, and compacting the soil to provide a stable base. One must also add a layer of crushed gravel to the surface and compact it before laying the asphalt. It will enhance the driveway’s durability and ensure it lasts for years.
Compact All Layers
The base layer of your driveway should be compacted thoroughly to withstand heavy loads without cracking over time. Be sure to rent a compactor from your local hardware store or hire someone with experience in compaction equipment for the best results.
Use Edging
Edging helps define the shape of your driveway and creates clean lines between your pavement and adjacent areas like gardens, walkways, patios, etc. Typically made from plastic or metal strips, edging helps provide additional stability around the edges of your driveway so it doesn’t begin to crack over time due to shifting soil beneath it.
Apply Multiple Coats
You should always apply two coats of sealant after laying down an asphalt driveway. It helps protect against damage caused by water penetration and UV rays from the sun. Try using two coats of sealant every two years to keep your driveway looking great year-round.
Proper Drainage System
Rainwater pooled on the asphalt is the prime reason for cracking and potholes. Therefore, proper drainage is essential for constructing a quality asphalt surface to avoid water from pooling and penetrating the underlying base material. It can cause damage to the asphalt and the base material, leading to premature cracking and potholes. Additionally, standing water on the surface can create slippery and hazardous driving conditions. The asphalt can last longer and provide a safer driving surface by adequately draining water from the surface.
Timely Maintenance
Though asphalt driveways in Melbourne are relatively low maintenance, these still require timely care to ensure durability. Here are some steps to ensure proper maintenance of an asphalt driveway-
- Sealcoating: It applies a protective layer to the asphalt surface. It helps protect the driveway from the sun, water, and other elements that can cause damage. Homeowners must perform seal coating every 2 to 3 years to ensure maximum protection.
- Crack filling: Cracks can appear in asphalt surfaces over time, and if left untreated, they can lead to larger problems. Therefore, one must fill the cracks quickly to prevent further damage.
- Pothole repair: Potholes are a common problem for asphalt driveways and can be dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Workers use a hot asphalt mixture to repair the potholes and prevent them from happening again.
- Regular sweeping: Sweeping the driveway regularly will help remove any debris that can cause damage, such as leaves, sticks, or stones.
- Regular inspection: Regular inspections of the driveway can help identify any problems before they become serious. It will allow you to address them before they become too difficult or expensive to repair.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as salt, can cause damage to the surface of the asphalt. Therefore avoid using them on the driveway, or if you have to, use them sparingly and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ethical Workmanship
Quality workmanship helps to ensure proper asphalt installation, which is critical to its long-term performance. If not, it may not withstand the elements, leading to cracks, potholes, and other damage, resulting in costly repairs. Also, ethical workmanship ensures that the asphalt is safe for drivers and pedestrians since improper installation can make it slippery and dangerous for traffic.
Quality workmanship helps to reduce waste and minimise the impact on the environment. For example, proper installation methods and materials can help reduce runoff and erosion, which can harm the environment. Therefore, it ensures that the asphalt driveway installation happens sustainably, which is vital for both the contractor and the environment.
Summing Up
Building an asphalt driveway is no small feat. It requires careful planning and preparation before any actual work can begin. By keeping these 8 key points in mind before getting started on any project, homeowners can rest assured knowing their new driveways will last for years.
Always reach out to honest and ethical asphalt driveway contractors such as Roadseal Civil, licensed, trained and highly experienced to create a sturdy, durable and cost-effective driveway.
