Getting a new asphalt lane or driveway involves quite a few steps. Each step is necessary so your new driveway has a long life. Here are three basic steps an asphalt paving service might undertake when you get your new driveway put in.
1. Remove And Recycle Old Asphalt
If your old driveway is in such bad shape that it can't be repaired, the contractor might cut it up and haul it off. Many times, old asphalt can be recycled and turned into new material for a new asphalt installation. Ask your asphalt paving service if they recycle, and then you won't have to feel bad about sending your old driveway to the landfill.
2. Prepare And Compact The Base
A new base is put in to support the new asphalt. The contractor has to grade and slope the base so water drains away. The base also has to be compacted so the soil won't shift. Once the base is made, the contractor rolls over it with a heavy truck and watches to see if the base shifts underneath. If the gravel shifts, the base has to be filled in, compacted, and tested again.
It's important to install the base properly, or you could have ongoing problems with your driveway. Proper drainage is essential so your driveway doesn't crack or get potholes.
3. Put Down New Asphalt
Asphalt paving is done in a couple of steps. First, large aggregate is put down to create a strong layer of asphalt on top of the base. Then another layer of smaller aggregate and oil is added. The bottom layer provides support while the top layer makes your driveway attractive. The final step in installing an asphalt driveway is to roll over the surface with a heavy roller to make sure the asphalt and gravel are compacted.
When finished, you'll have a new dark black asphalt driveway that has a smooth and attractive appearance. You may want to ask the asphalt paving service how to maintain your driveway so it holds on to its good looks for a long time.
Asphalt paving services might be completed in a single day, depending on how big your driveway is. However, you might not be able to use your driveway until the following day or even longer. The weather plays a big role in how quickly the asphalt cures, so your asphalt paving service lets you know when the job is done, and how quickly you can start driving and parking on your new driveway.