Tag Archives: driveway

18 Nov

Lifespan of an asphalt driveway: the long and short of it

Lifespan of an asphalt driveway the long and short of it

Asphalt driveways can last 15 to 30 years, though this depends on a lot of factors.

Deciding on a driveway can be a tough decision, but when you compare asphalt and concrete, there are some clear benefits to choosing asphalt driveways. Unlike concrete, asphalt driveways are easier to install and drain water more effectively. This should be your choice if you live in a climate where it rains often. An asphalt driveway can also increase the value of your home. Sure, hiring a pro to pour asphalt can be expensive – reaching anywhere from $4,750 + on average, but these driveways will last 15-30 years!

What impacts the lifespan of an asphalt driveway?

When you’re seeking a professional contractor to help with your asphalt projects, there are many factors to consider. These factors all have an impact on the lifespan of the asphalt.

Proper installation

Though easier to install than concrete, laying down an asphalt driveway is not without risk. However, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the higher level of difficulty. A competent contractor will have to design the driveway and prepare the foundation to minimize cracking. To avoid any issues in years to come our experts at Jireh Construction manually rake the area before laying down a leveled and properly graded surface. We go the extra mile to create a great experience for our customers, and we never cut corners. We will work with you for years to come.

Extreme weather conditions

Our experts at Jireh Construction also know that if you live in an area where you experience extreme weather conditions like very cold winter months, the driveway is susceptible to cracks but not to worry.  Our solution is to use hot-mix asphalt, which does a pretty good job resisting cracks caused by the freeze thaw cycle. This mix should be used on small cracks to avoid becoming big ones during cold winter months to avoid costly repairs later on.

Type of usage and thickness

Your average residential asphalt driveway is typically 3 inches thick, but that’s not always enough for heavier vehicles like campers, trailers, or trucks. If your home’s driveway needs to withstand the weight of these higher-sized vehicles on occasion, it should be 4-5 inches thick. This will provide a durable surface and significantly extend the life of your asphalt.

When our experts come out for initial consultation we will discuss with you your requirements and suggest the best thickness for your driveway.

Tips to improve the longevity of asphalt driveways

You probably don’t want your asphalt driveway to last only 15 years, which is why you can be proactive and take steps to make it last 30. Here are some that may help.

Let the Driveway Dry and Cure

Wait three days (72 hours) after a fresh asphalt driveway is poured before any cars are driven or parked on it. Wait five days to walk on a freshly paved driveway, and then use caution when you do. An asphalt driveway can take 30 days and up to one year to harden and cure – so wait until the pavement has fully hardened before you park large vehicles on it. Watch out for problems with gas or coolant leaks during this time because they could both damage your newly paved driveway.

Seal it Up

Asphalt is naturally porous, so it needs a coat of sealant six to 12 months after the initial installation. If Sealed too soon it can cause permanent damage to the pavement, so contact a sealant professional to ensure the asphalt is hard enough to absorb the seal. A high-grade sealant will protect your driveway from moisture, gasoline, grease, oil, road salts, anti-freeze, and many more potentially dangerous substances.

One can apply sealant on their own, but make sure the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit before laying down a coat of the sealant. One should also check the weather for a forecast of clear skies for three days after applying the sealant. Precipitation and frigid temperatures could endanger the seal coat. Repeat this process every two to three years.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance

We cannot stress this enough. You must properly maintain your asphalt driveway to ensure you squeeze the most time out of it. Make a habit of cleaning the driveway and inspecting it for cracks and other irregularities. If you spot a crack, call us immediately to patch it up before it becomes a bigger issue.

You may also want to trim trees and remove roots that are running toward your driveway, as these roots can crawl underneath the foundation and wreak havoc.

Finally, spray the asphalt with cold water on hot days to minimize heat-induced cracks.

Call the asphalt experts at Jireh Construction for all of your asphalt needs.

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.