You're So Smooth: A Paving BlogYou're So Smooth: A Paving Blog


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You're So Smooth: A Paving Blog

Once you have a paved driveway, you'll wonder how you ever got by without one. Pavement is so much easier to sweep in the summer and to shovel in the winter. It does not require a lot of maintenance, and it won't leave debris in your yard like a gravel driveway. Most people hire professionals to install pavement in their yard, but you should still know the basics. On this website, you will find information about choosing a paving contractor, designing a driveway, and applying sealant to your pavement. You'll also learn about common terms that paving contractors use when discussing projects.

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3 Problems You Could Encounter With Your Paved Driveway

An asphalt driveway offers an affordable way to access your property. Many homeowners invest in asphalt driveways because installation costs are low, the driveway can be completed quickly. and asphalt can be a durable material. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your driveway, so you need to know what to look for as you evaluate the condition of your driveway in the future.

1. Poor Drainage

Water has the potential to destroy the asphalt that makes up your driveway. Drainage is an important component that factors into every decision during the installation of new asphalt. A porous base is laid beneath the asphalt to help facilitate drainage. Your driveway will also have a slight slope toward the outer edges to encourage water on the surface to drain away from the asphalt.

If you spot pooling water or cracks on your driveway, this is an indication that the asphalt has developed some drainage problems. You will need to have an expert make repairs to preserve the integrity of your driveway.

2. Fading

Asphalt has a deep black appearance when it has been freshly laid. Exposure to the sun can eventually cause the asphalt to fade. In addition to transforming the color of your driveway, sun exposure and fading can weaken the structural integrity of the asphalt surface.

It's important that you have your driveway sealcoated on a regular basis to prevent any serious cracks or other structural issues from affecting the function of your asphalt in the future.

3. Cracking

Cracks form in most asphalt services over time. Small cracks should be addressed quickly to prevent them from spreading and compromising the function of your driveway. Water can infiltrate small cracks and cause them to expand by freezing and thawing on a repeated basis. Sealcoating will restore the surface of your driveway and eliminate any water infiltration.

Large cracks can pose a danger to the environment around your home. Oil, coolant, and other automotive fluids can seep into the ground through large cracks in your asphalt. An expert should be called in to determine if you can repair large cracks or if you will need to dig out the existing asphalt and install a new driveway for maximum safety.

A working knowledge of asphalt and the problems that can plague asphalt surfaces is important for all homeowners. This knowledge can help you better maintain your driveway by addressing problems quickly. For more information, reach out to a residential paving service.