A homeowner knows how a cracked and worn out driveway affects the overall appearance of the property. For those of you who are asking Is Paving a Driveway a Good Investment? Of-course it is. With a one- time investment in driveway paving, it significantly enhances your property’s value and looks for years to come.

However, proper construction and paving of a Driveway is necessary to ensure it remains in good condition for several years.

But first let’s understand what exactly driveway paving is.

What is Residential Driveway Paving?

Residential Driveway Paving is the construction of a new Asphalt driveway. Why asphalt? Because it’s one of the most simple and economical options to get your driveway paved. Its durability, aesthetics, and strength warrants a long-lasting and smooth driveway.

Many homeowners with an old stone or gravel driveway can easily make the switch to asphalt. For these property owners, Asphalt Resurfacing is an easy fix.

Asphalt Driveway Paving Process usually uses hot mix asphalt. After liquefying it, the contractors use it before the mix solidifies.

Some of the benefits of residential driveway paving are:

• It doesn’t take long to lay an asphalt driveway. The construction work usually gets done in one to two days. Thus, you don’t have to wait a long time to start commuting on the driveway again.
• Asphalt Driveway Paving is a durable investment. It can easily last for up to 12 years with little to no maintenance. Moreover, getting it fixed is also quite easy with an experienced asphalt contractor.
• Getting driveways asphalt paved can offer huge ROIs. Many people ask Does Paving a Driveway Add Value to a House? It sure does. An attractive looking driveway can fetch great prices if you intend to sell the house in future.
• Another benefit to asphalt driveway paving is its affordability. Residential Driveway Paving Cost may depend on your location and requirements. However, it’ll not put a hole in your pocket if you just consider the essentials.

So, based on these factors, asphalt is truly the Best Driveway Paving Material.

If you are thinking about getting your driveway paved, you must know that it’s vital to get a professional asphalt expert. Professional Asphalt Contractors make the job easier for you. They not only provide step-by-step assistance but also offer expert consultation.

Moreover, Asphalt Driveway Paving Contractors often inspect the area before commencing their work. As a part of their inspection process, they check the soil condition and the area around the pavement.

Do you know why?

Because the sub-grade layer is an important part of the overall pavement project. It’s the foundation of your driveway. The sub-grade should be strong enough to take the weight of paving equipment. Accordingly, it’s better to replace a poorly designed sub-grade for a smooth driveway paving result.

Apart from checking the sub-grade, there are many other factors to consider for driveway paving.

Let’s take a look at them one by one.

Top 13 Factors Involved in a Residential Driveway Paving

#1. Construction of the Driveway Foundation

It’s essential to ensure there is sufficient compaction of the foundation before finishing off the paving work. Compacting any cracks or holes along with fixing any other problem areas is vital. Moreover, you should take care of any drainage problems.

Depending on the pavement thickness, contractors spread asphalt course thoroughly before compressing it. Compaction of asphalt mixtures is one of the leading factors behind the success of a pavement project.

#2. Pavement Width

The width of the pavement will really depend on your requirements. Usually, a one-car driveway needs a minimum width of 8’. However, if you want space for pedestrians too, this will increase to 12’.

But a driveway must be able to support larger vehicles too. So, keeping the width at least 10’ will be a safe option.

#3. Pavement Thickness

The thickness of an asphalt pavement depends on the condition of sub-grade soil. Contractors can either use asphalt over an aggregate base or a full-depth asphalt. The thickness will vary accordingly. In case of an asphalt overlay, a thickness of 1.5 to 2 inches will suffice. However, a 5 to 6 inch full-depth asphalt results in a stronger driveway.

A contractor always considers Residential Driveway Requirements in the paving project proposal.

#4. Placement

Driveways should be compatible with an area’s natural properties. What we mean by this is it should look good when considering the overall topography. Trees and rocks around the pavement area are important to preserve.

Moreover, depending on the type of driveway you want, the pavement width will vary. Many homeowners find curved or bending driveways to be more attractive than a straight driveway.

#5. The Drainage System

Effective Driveway Paving Drainage System plays a key role to maintain the strength and durability of driveway paving. Water should never be able to stagnant on or around pavement edges. Also, drainage from patios and walkways should be kept at an appropriate distance from the driveway.

The driveway should correspond to the existing ground’s shape. One of the important factors is grade of the property. This refers to the driveway slope. If the driveway is graded properly, water usually runs off the surface. But if it’s not done correctly, the water may start pooling on the surface.

To prevent the stagnation of water, driveways are often raised in the center and lowered along the sides.

#6. If a Tack Coat is Necessary

A tack coat helps the asphalt overlay to adhere to the underlying surface. A tack coat is generally sprayed over a deteriorating surface before placing the overlay. This ensures a uniform surface prior to paving the driveway.

Further, this coat consists emulsified asphalt which is typically placed after cleaning the underlying surface. Taking this step may prove useful in the case of Thin Asphalt Overlay.

#7. Asphalt Surface Course Application

Any deficiency in the asphalt course of the pavement surface should consider immediately. Contractors usually use one or more lifts to apply the surface course. Further, rolling and compaction should start as soon as possible. Compacting the asphalt course should continue until there are no visible roller marks.

#8. Pavement Material

Materials you use for paving may differ depending on the project. In some cases, aggregate base may be the best choice to place over compacted sub-grade. While in other cases, full-depth asphalt application is more suitable.

A contractor should properly survey the area to determine the best course of action in regards to the pavement material.

#9. Driveway Sealing

A newly constructed driveway will not require sealing the surface. However, after the life span of the driveway, it’s important to seal the surface for any cracks. This will help in maintaining the look and strength of the driveway surface.

Though, a driveway pavement surface may require a sealer many times if it’s not constructed properly in the first place.

#10. Paving Existing Aggregate Driveway Surface

Paving over an aggregate surface will depend on the required thickness of the pavement. For this purpose, it’s necessary to determine the existing stone depth. And if that aggregate depth falls below the required pavement thickness, then additional stone may be useful.

#11. Resurfacing Asphalt Driveways

A homeowner may want to resurface asphalt driveway past its lifespan. Resurfacing is a cost-effective solution to repair the existing driveway without installing a new one.

It can easily correct oxidation, cracking, or vehicle fuel spillage. However, patching work of all structural weak areas is important prior to resurfacing the driveway. And full depth asphalt is best for doing the patching work to ensure the maximum strength.

#12. Everyday Traffic

It’s important to pay attention to the traffic load after getting your driveway newly paved. You don’t have to worry about your car damaging your driveway surface. However, bigger vehicles like a heavy-duty truck may damage the surface if parked consistently on your driveway.

For this reason, you should prevent parking any heavy-duty trucks for at least a year after repaving.

#13. Future Maintenance of Driveway

You may have to take additional measures to maintain your asphalt driveway paving. Failures may occur due to weakening of the aggregate base layer. This can result in potholes or cracks. asphalt patching can be useful to fix these issues after removing the affected area.

Moreover, fixing cracks will make sure that the water doesn’t get into various pavement layers. In case a lot of cracks develop due to traffic load or weather conditions. In this case, covering the pavement with new asphalt layer may be useful.

So, these were some of the important considerations to keep in mind for residential driveway paving.

Hopefully, you will benefit from these tips when planning your next paving project. Furthermore, getting the help of an expert will make things much easier for you. A contractor can provide you the correct Asphalt Driveway Paving Cost Estimate based on your location and project complexity.

A good paving contractor should always be able to assist in every step of the paving project.

READ MORE: 8 Key Factors That Affects Asphalt Paving Cost For Your Driveway

Ready to Get Your Driveway Asphalt Paved?

Choose the Best Asphalt Repair Company in Toronto, Main Infrastructure.

We are a one-stop solution for all your asphalt needs. We offer safe and innovative construction services in Toronto. Our experienced personnel are equipped with up-to-date knowledge to assist you in your asphalt project. We will undertake thorough inspection of your driveway area to recommend the best course of action.

Furthermore, our certified representatives are here to offer you the most genuine estimated asphalt driveway cost. Because we strive to offer you top-notch services under your budget.

Our extensive range of driveway paving services include:

• Asphalt Paving
• Pothole Spray Patching
• Infrared Asphalt Patching
• Asphalt Crack Sealing
• Manhole/Catch Basin Repair
• Vacuum/Hydrovac Services
• Sweeping Services
• Pavement Management Planning

Get in Touch with us @+1 (416) 514 0809 for a consultation or to crack a deal with a free quote.

The post A Complete Guide To Residential Asphalt Driveways [Factors to Consider] appeared first on Main Infrastructure Blog.