Tag Archives: asphalt driveway

14 Feb

How Long Does An Asphalt Driveway Last?

How Long Does An Asphalt Driveway Last

Bitumen, a petroleum-based substance, is used to bind aggregates like sand and gravel together to form the thick, gooey substance known as asphalt. The other components are joined together by bitumen to create a durable surface. These paving mixtures with a range of aggregate sizes and types are frequently used for asphalt driveways.

The Benefits of Using Asphalt to Build Residential Driveways

Asphalt is favored over other building materials for residential driveways because of its strength, adaptability, and affordability.

Extreme temperatures and weather are no match for the strength and durability of it. Its superior impact resistance makes it the perfect choice for regions with high traffic or cold climates that frequently experience freeze/thaw cycles. Compared to driveway materials like concrete, brick, or stone pavers, asphalt driveways are comparatively affordable. Additionally, asphalt roads have a long lifespan and require little upkeep. To further increase their longevity, they can be resealed every 2-3 years.

A method called asphalt sealing is used to shield surfaces from the sun, water, and oxidation. A longer lifespan and new-looking asphalt surface are also benefits of this treatment. To assist in filling in small cracks and holes, offer an additional layer of weather protection, and increase overall durability, sealing entails placing an additional layer of protection over a paved surface.

Expected Asphalt Lifespan and Contributing Factors to Durability

Depending on the environment and wear and strain from vehicle usage, an asphalt driveway will typically last 25 to 30 years. The life expectancy of the driveway may be fewer than ten years in colder climates, while it may last up to 30 years in warmer ones. The quality of the installation, the kind and volume of traffic on the driveway, routine maintenance, and weather conditions are just a few of the variables that might determine how long the driveway lasts.

The longevity of an asphalt surface is significantly influenced by the quality of installation. It can quickly deteriorate and disintegrate if it is not placed correctly because of weathering, water saturation, and other environmental variables. The lifespan of your driveway can be decreased by up to 50% as a result of poor construction techniques. Your driveway can last years without needing repairs or replacement if it is installed properly. Before installing the final layer of pavement, a skilled contractor can engineer a solid base layer beneath the asphalt top to provide optimal stability. By paying particular attention to detail during installation, you may have a long-lasting and resilient driveway.

In addition, the quantity and kind of traffic moving through can have a variety of effects on the pavement’s longevity. That’s because additional traffic puts a greater strain on the asphalt, which causes the surface to deteriorate with time. Regularly used driveways can last up to 30 years before needing to be completely replaced. With a projected lifespan of about 15-20 years, your driveway can degrade more quickly if it is exposed to heavier vehicles like cars or trucks.

The longevity of asphalt pavement can be increased by doing routine maintenance. Without upkeep, the material can easily deteriorate from exposure to the environment and become brittle. As a result, there will be cracking and water seepage, which will further damage the area by causing potholes, eroding edges, and poor drainage.

The longevity of asphalt pavement can also be greatly influenced by the weather. If roads are not adequately maintained, dramatic temperature changes, persistent rain, and snow can all harm them. Extreme heat or cold can make asphalt fragile and susceptible to cracking, whereas the opposite is true for extreme cold. Some of the protective coatings on top that assist in maintaining its integrity can be washed away by heavy rain. Additionally, snowfall can build up on top of driveways, adding additional weight that may need to be blown away with a snow blower or shoveled off by hand.

As previously noted, regular care is essential to maintaining the condition of your driveway for as long as feasible. Regular inspection and patching of any cracks or potholes are necessary. Sealing your driveway is also essential to prevent damage from UV rays, oil spills, and freeze-thaw cycles. To extend the longevity of your driveway, sealer should be placed every two to three years. Finally, keeping your driveway’s drainage system in good condition will assist in stopping water from collecting on the surface and harming the asphalt.

These recommendations will help you maintain your asphalt driveway so that it will survive for many years to come. Your driveway may endure up to 30 years or longer with appropriate installation, routine maintenance, and proper drainage.

Maintain your driveway

We must emphasize this. To get the most use possible out of your asphalt driveway, you must properly maintain it. Make it a routine to sweep the driveway and look for cracks and other issues. Call us right away if you notice a crack so we can fix it before it worsens.

Trees that are growing towards your driveway may need to have their branches pruned since their roots can damage the foundation by encroaching beneath it.

Finally, mist the asphalt with cool water to reduce heat-induced cracks on hot days. For all of your asphalt needs, contact Jireh Construction’s specialists.

25 Oct

How to hire the best paving company for your asphalt driveway

How to hire the best paving company for your asphalt driveway

Your home appears incomplete without a driveway. It gives the space a more sophisticated and neat look. Moreover, a driveway adds functionality to the area. You can use that space to park, walk, or play. You can also increase your property’s resale value by paving a driveway. There are  many benefits of having a driveway. However, the quality and build of the driveway are very crucial. If your paving company does not deliver a  good job, your driveway might appear bad and get damaged quickly.

This is why choosing the best paving company for the task is very important. If you Google ‘best paving companies near me, you will get a massive list of companies on the screen. To ensure that you pick the best paving company, here are a few critical factors you must keep in mind while choosing:

Check all the necessary aspects.

You must never choose a paving company randomly based on the name. Only opt for reputed paving contractors if you want a great driveway. There are a few common characteristics found in all reputable paving companies. As a wise homeowner, you should check for the following features after searching for ‘paving companies near me:

  • Experience – It is always wise to select an experienced paving company. This is because the experience will allow the experts to perform even complex tasks efficiently. As a result, you will not have to worry about mistakes. Even though you can get cheaper deals from inexperienced contractors, it is always recommended to select the contractors with many  years of
  • Positive feedback – Before you hire any paving company, you should check the feedback provided by previous clients. This will help to understand the quality of service offered by them. You can easily find feedback online on plenty of websites. Otherwise, you can ask your neighbors or friends for recommendations.
  • Insurance coverage – Home improvement projects are always risky. If you are working with a good paving company, it will offer complete insurance coverage against damages caused to your property accidentally. As a result, you will not have to worry about paying for any damages.
  • Availability of experts – In some cases, you will notice that the paving companies hire subcontractors for the project. This means the firm you hire for the project does not perform it. This could be an issue as the hired workers might not be experienced. In case any warranty-related problem arises, responses will be slow as well.
  • Licensed – You should always hire a licensed paving company for the task to ensure safety. You can ask for the license before hiring.

Check if they are making adequate preparation.

All professional paving companies understand the importance of staying prepared. This makes the overall task more efficient. If a driveway has been created without good prep work, it will start showing signs of damage early. Discuss the prep work details, from excavation and base materials to compacting processes.

If you are hiring a paving company to work on your resurfaced driveway, discuss with them the other tasks they will perform. Before the driveway is covered with paver material, it should be covered in tack-coat. Also, the driveway should be appropriately cleaned beforehand. Otherwise, the newly paved driveway can get damaged.

Compare all quotations and choose the best deal.

One crucial factor determining which paving company you should choose is your budget. You may find considerable differences in prices. Some companies charge more because of the experience and reputation they hold. Small companies tend to charge less so that they can gain more clients. However, it is always better to choose a reputed paving company. Sometimes small contractors tend to skimp on the driveway thickness so they can charge a lower price. Building the driveway may be cheaper initially, but it can get damaged much faster and cost you much more on repairs over the years.

While inquiring about the quote, also  ask about the thickness of the asphalt. This will also help you in the decision making process.

Ask for a guarantee

You should always ask about the company’s guarantee. Almost all paving companies offer guarantees. The paving company should provide a minimum one-year warranty against all materials and artistry. You will want this for repairs related to installation, quality of materials, or for any other issues that may arise.

Before hiring the paving company, discuss all the terms in detail. Ask them about precisely what the warranty covers. The guarantee for workmanship includes bad workmanship, taking wrong measurements, sloppy edging, etc. On the other hand, the contract for materials includes signs of dents, cracking, and premature degradation of the asphalt.

All of the points above are important when you are hiring a great paving company. Make sure you do not rush with the decision after searching for ‘the best paving company near me on Google. Always read about the guarantees and project specifications provided by the paving company. Jireh Asphalt & Concrete Inc. is one of the best paving companies you can hire for your residential asphalt driveway. They have over  30 years of experience in asphalt paving.