Are you considering paving your driveway? At Top West Asphalt, we know there are many different things to take into account from how you want your driveway to look to the performance and longevity of your new driveway installation. Taking into account the amount of time needed to install the driveway, surface durability, and the installation process of your driveway are all important, too.
Consider the Right Weather
It’s important to install your new asphalt driveway when the weather is the best for installation. Extremes in temperature and moisture are both important in choosing when to install. After all, your subgrade – the native soil your driveway will be placed on – should be smooth, firm, and laid out well, so that it is contoured to match your driveway’s layout. To make sure of this, the weather should not be either too cold or too wet. If the subgrade has too much moisture or is frozen, your new asphalt driveway could be laid down onto a surface that is far less than ideal.
Driveways that will be holding heavier loads will need to have more subgrade. The surface of the subgrade should not only be smooth, it must be free of any debris, top soil, weeds, plants, or leaves. In fact, any organic material remaining in the subgrade can cause decay and damage to your driveway.
Consider How Well Surfaces Install – and Last
Among the many benefits of choosing an asphalt driveway is how long they last and how quickly they can be installed. Properly installed, an asphalt driveway receiving regular preventive maintenance can last 20 years! These driveways last even in the coldest climates, handling freezing and thawing well. The dark surface absorbs the heat and light of the sun, melting snow and ice more quickly, too.
Asphalt is also a great value. In fact, it’s one of the most reasonable options for driveways, with preventative maintenance less costly than other materials, too.
And, asphalt driveways can be installed rapidly – usually in only a day or two once the subgrade is prepared. The material should be poured smoothly and quickly.
Once the asphalt is poured, it must be allowed to cure, usually for several days after paving. During that time, be sure not to walk or drive on the surface. Curing helps the material completely set and avoids any damage. Once cured, you might also want to seal the driveway. Using a driveway sealant can protect the soundness of the surface, especially if extreme weather is likely to occur.
Consider How Well Your Driveway Will Handle Drainage
Effectively handling water drainage is another thing to consider when you’re looking for experienced asphalt driveway installation. A skilled installation team such as our experts at Top West Asphalt understand the best ways to make sure surface water won’t build up on your new driveway by pitching it properly. If water pools or doesn’t drain properly from the surface, your driveway will deteriorate.
But with our many years of asphalt paving expertise, our professionals can make sure your new asphalt driveway is installed using our best practices for skilled installation.
Learn More about Asphalt Driveway Paving
Ready to learn more or schedule asphalt driveway paving now? Contact our professionals at TopWest Asphalt for your next asphalt project, paving, and repairs. We’re here to help – reach out to us today!
