Placing a new asphalt drive is a huge home improvement task that may increase curb appeal and usability of your place greatly. Asphalt is an ideal material that can be used by homeowners because it is durable Asphalt Driveway Installation, less expensive compared to concrete and has the capacity to endure different weather conditions. Although this is normally done by professional contractors, it is better to know which steps to follow step by step so as to supervise the project and have a long lasting outcome.

Planning and Site Assessment

Prior to the arrival of any machines, it must be planned. The first stage is the site assessment that assesses the drainage patterns, the soil stability Asphalt Driveway Installation, and the necessary slope. Whether it is an even slope (normally at least 1:100 or 1/4 inch per foot) or a sloping one, the slope is essential to make water flow off the surface, and not to pool up on it, which causes an early deterioration Asphalt Driveway Installation. Local regulations should also be checked by a homeowner, proper permits obtained and any underground utilities identified and before and during any form of digging.

Excavation and Base Preparation

These days the life span of an asphalt driveway depends much on what is below. The first one is the excavation of the area with the due depth, normally 8 to 12 inches, to fit the base and asphalt layers Asphalt Driveway Installation. A compacting of the existing soil, or subgrade, is then done.

A good granular foundation is then laid in place typically made with crushed stone or recycle concrete called as "crusher run" . This layer normally ranges between 4 and 8 inches Asphalt Driveway Installation, depending on the type of soil and weight of vehicles that are likely to be driven on it. Angular contours of the crushed rock interlacing under heavy rollers gives it a stable and settle-resistant base, which offers drainage and avoids frost heave.

Laying the Asphalt

The actual paving may now commence with the preparation in place. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is transported to the area with temperatures of 275 0 -300 0 and should be put in place fast before it solidifies Asphalt Driveway Installation. To a typical home driveway, the asphalt is normally used in 2 layers.

Binder Course: This layer is also called the first layer or binder course and it is deposited at a depth of approximately 2 to 2.5 inches using a coarser aggregate mixture. This layer gives the driveway strength of the structure.

Surface Course: A second layer of finer-graded asphalt is then applied on top some 1.5 inches thick Asphalt Driveway Installation. This upper coating produces a smooth, appealing, and waterproof appearance.

Compaction

One important process is compaction, and it takes place as soon as the asphalt is deposited. The hot asphalt is then pushed through heavy steel-wheeled rollers which hold the aggregate in place and eliminate air bubbles Asphalt Driveway Installation. Upon the process, a thick smooth surface is developed that cannot be easily infiltrated by water or crack. Hand tampers or vibrating plate compactors are normally used to compact edges and tight spaces.

Curing and Final Edging

The new driveway should be given time to dry after compaction. Although it feels cold to touch after several hours, it is soft Asphalt Driveway Installation. The home owners are not to drive or park on the new surface within 48 to 72 hours to avoid rutting or marring. Final edge sealant use can also be used in certain instances where the sides of the driveway are to be sealed so as to stop moisture penetration into the driveway.

Knowing these important steps Asphalt Driveway Installation, which include a well-compacted bottom base up to the final cure, homeowners may communicate with their paving company better and guarantee that their new asphalt driveway will give them a smooth and durable surface in case of regular maintenance such as sealcoating after every few years.