Tag: driveway repair

Why You Should Consider Installing an Asphalt Driveway

Ronnie Laymon Concrete Contractors , , , ,

While DIY asphalt driveway installation might look easy on YouTube videos, it’s a project that requires specialized equipment and a professional crew. Additionally, asphalt driveways require regular maintenance, including sealing and cleaning twice a year.

Paving Companies Charleston SC is durable and easy to maintain with the right care. Here are some reasons why an asphalt driveway is a smarter investment than concrete.

Asphalt is durable, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want their driveway to withstand the elements. It’s resistant to the freeze-thaw cycle, and road salt, compared to concrete, can easily deteriorate from these chemicals. Asphalt is also less vulnerable to major shifts in weather conditions, able to absorb heat more quickly in the summer and melt snow quicker in the winter.

The darker color of asphalt helps to hide dirt and stains. It’s easy to get an asphalt surface looking like new again by having it resurfaced every few years. This protects your asphalt driveway from the elements and makes it look more attractive. Resurfacing also helps to prevent cracks and other damage from forming so it can last longer than your driveway would otherwise.

Another advantage of an asphalt driveway is that it can support heavy vehicles and trailers. According to Angi, an average residential asphalt driveway is three inches thick, which can hold up to most passenger cars and even vans and lightweight trucks. However, if your driveway is home to large campers and trailers, ask your pro to lay down a thicker layer of asphalt.

In addition to minimizing runoff and improving drainage, porous asphalt can help with stormwater management by allowing rainwater to seep through to an underlying stone bed rather than pooling on the driveway’s surface. This helps to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion, which can be a problem for many homeowner’s properties. Porous asphalt can cost more than traditional asphalt, but the extra investment is worth it for homeowners.

Asphalt driveways are much less expensive than concrete, making them ideal for homeowners who want a long-lasting, durable driveway without the high cost. In addition, installing an asphalt driveway is relatively simple and quicker than constructing a concrete one, which helps keep labor costs low.

Besides being affordable, an asphalt driveway is easy to maintain and repair. Asphalt contractors can quickly fix cracks and potholes, providing a safe and durable surface for your vehicle. Furthermore, the black color of asphalt hides oil stains and rust, making it easier to clean and maintain.

In cold climates, an asphalt driveway is less likely to crack or break than a concrete one. Asphalt naturally warms up in the sun, melting snow rather than hardening it. Additionally, asphalt is more resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts. This is why many people choose to use asphalt in their northern-climate homes.

While it’s not as durable as concrete, asphalt can last between 20 and 30 years if well-maintained. However, this lifespan can be affected by weather conditions and maintenance.

If you live in a rainy climate and need a driveway that drains properly, porous asphalt is the best choice. This type of asphalt allows water to flow through the material rather than running off the surface, which saves money on excavation and grading. However, there are better options for freeze-thaw climates than this type of asphalt because rapidly expanding ice can rupture the pavement.

Although asphalt is a great material for your driveway, you must consider its drawbacks before deciding. For example, it provides more options for style and customization than concrete. However, some manufacturers now incorporate recycled materials into asphalt mixtures to improve aesthetics.

Asphalt is less prone to cracking and deteriorating from seasonal weather changes than concrete, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas or homes that house large trucks or RVs. It’s also more resistant to the freeze-thaw cycle and de-icing salts, which can pit or blot concrete.

It’s also relatively easy to maintain asphalt compared to other paving materials. A small amount of weekly or monthly tasks can maximize an asphalt driveway’s lifespan. For example, sweeping the surface helps prevent abrasive dirt and gravel from wearing away the material. Additionally, removing engine oil or gas drips as soon as they occur can help avoid or reduce staining. If stains do occur, using an asphalt-safe cleaning product can help eliminate them.

A final point to remember is that asphalt performs well in warm climates. At the same time, concrete can heave or crack in cold temperatures (especially if improper steps are taken to winterize the surface). In addition, it’s important to note that new asphalt must be “cured” before it’s safe to drive on, which usually takes a few days. During this time, the surface will feel soft to the touch and may leave impressions on the wheels of vehicles.

Once the curing process is complete, the asphalt sealer should treat the surface. Applying a fresh coat of sealant every few years can help keep the pavement looking brand new. It’s also a good idea to repair any holes or cracks as they occur, as the material is much easier to fix than concrete. Most homeowners can complete these repairs independently with minimal effort, saving them money versus hiring a professional.

Asphalt is an ideal option for driveways because it can be applied to various surfaces. Additionally, the material is easily molded to fit the surface of your driveway, making it a popular choice for commercial and residential paving projects. This versatility also benefits homeowners looking for a cost-efficient, durable, and long-lasting material.

While concrete is an excellent choice for a driveway, asphalt is less costly and easier to install. These factors make it a more attractive option for homeowners on a budget or those wanting to complete their projects quickly.

Regarding maintenance, a homeowner can expect fewer issues with an asphalt driveway than a concrete one. Because asphalt is designed to shrink and expand with temperature fluctuations, it’s less prone to cracking. Its flexibility helps it resist damage from the freeze-thaw cycle and de-icing salts, providing superior performance during inclement weather.

A typical asphalt driveway will require periodic seal coatings and resurfacing, but these services are typically less expensive than concrete. Additionally, the dark color of asphalt helps hide stains, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Choosing the right driveway material is important for homeowners and business owners. It’s important to consider how your driveway will be used and the climate in which you live. With proper care and maintenance, a driveway made from asphalt can last decades.

If you want to upgrade your driveway, contact Precision Asphalt Maintenance today to learn more about how an asphalt driveway can improve your property and home value. We’ll happily answer any questions and help you choose the best material for your needs.

Asphalt driveways are fairly easy to repair. Most repairs can be done without professional help and should not require more than some elbow grease. However, if you are uncomfortable doing the job, consider hiring a local asphalt contractor to do it quickly and safely.

When repairing an asphalt driveway, the first thing to do is to remove any debris accumulated in the cracks and potholes. You should also clean the surface to ensure it is free of dirt, dust, oil, and other substances that could prevent the repair materials from adhering properly.

You can use rubberized asphalt emulsion crack filler for small cracks, which can be applied with a caulking gun. You can fill larger cracks with cold patch asphalt and tamp it down. You can also supply large holes in an asphalt driveway with base gravel and pour cold patch asphalt.

Once you’ve repaired any cracks or holes in your asphalt driveway, you can apply a coat of sealer. This will protect the asphalt from UV damage and help keep moisture from penetrating it and causing deterioration. Sealing an asphalt driveway is recommended every three to five years.

The best way to avoid expensive repairs in the future is by performing preventative maintenance. This includes washing your asphalt driveway twice a year to remove dirt, grime, and other substances that may cause damage when it rains or snows. It’s also important to check for signs of damage regularly and perform repairs as soon as possible before the problem worsens. This will keep your asphalt driveway looking its best and extend its lifespan.

How to Identify Driveway Repair Needs

Mark Ledesma Concrete Contractors , , , , , , , ,

A well-maintained driveway adds both function and style to your home. But a crumbling, cracking, or discolored driveway not only looks bad, it can also cause problems with the structure of your home and be hazardous to vehicles and pedestrians.Driveway Repair

Start by assessing the damage to your driveway and deciding whether it should be repaired or replaced. Driveway Repair Charles Town WV is the preferred choice if surface damage covers less than 50% of the driveway.

Cracks in driveways are not only unsightly, but they can also become an unstable surface that eventually breaks apart and causes damage to vehicles driving on it. The better you are at identifying and catching cracks early, the longer your concrete or asphalt driveway will last before it needs replacing.

While it’s fairly normal for cracks to form in concrete and other types of hard surfaces, the more cracks there are, the more serious the problem becomes. Hairline cracks are relatively harmless and may not need to be repaired, but you should still keep an eye out for them in case they grow wider over time. Cracks that are more than a credit card’s width are definitely worth tending to as soon as you notice them, as they can lead to structural problems and even further cracking and sinking of the entire driveway slab.

Keep an eye out for other signs of a serious problem with your concrete or asphalt driveway, such as heaving or settling. These are often caused by improper soil compaction when the driveway was first constructed.

When the underlying soil isn’t compacted correctly, it allows water to shift and settle underneath the driveway slab, which puts uneven pressure on certain areas of the structure. This can cause the surface to crack, bow, or even sink in places where the water is concentrated.

Another common problem is a misaligned concrete slab, which can cause the slab to crack in specific locations that aren’t controlled by control joints. The best way to fix this is by using a special concrete resurfacing product that can be sculpted and molded to reform the shape of the slab.

Potholes

Potholes in a driveway are probably one of the most obvious signs that your driveway is in need of repair. It’s a big problem, as these holes can cause damage to your vehicle, especially when driving over them at speed. The best thing to do is get these fixed as soon as you notice them. Otherwise, you’re risking your car and the safety of anyone who might be using it.

Potholes often appear in dirt or gravel driveways, where they can form as a result of water leaking into the ground under the surface. This causes the soil to displace, leaving a hole that then gets bigger and larger over time. It can be difficult to avoid these if you drive over them regularly, but you should always try to fix them as soon as possible.

The first step is to clear the area of the pothole from any debris and dirt. This is important to ensure that the asphalt patch can adhere to the existing surface. It’s also worth considering making improvements to the underground drainage in the area, which can help prevent potholes from forming in the future.

Once the area is cleared, you should then start to fill the hole with coarse gravel or crushed stone to a level just below the top of the existing asphalt layer. Then, rake or shovel in the gravel to create firm edges to the hole, and then compact it with your vehicle, if you have one, or by driving back and forth over it multiple times until the surface looks even with the surrounding pavement surfaces.

Once you’ve finished filling the pothole, it’s a good idea to apply an asphalt sealer to help protect it from the elements in the long term. You should also make sure that any small cracks or holes are repaired before the winter, as this is when they’re most likely to expand and become more problematic. If you don’t have the time to make these repairs yourself, then hiring a professional is a wise option. They’ll be able to assess the condition of your driveway and recommend any additional repairs that might be needed.

Sunken Areas

A sunken driveway isn’t just an eyesore; it can also damage cars, and drivers can fall when walking across it. It’s important to fix sunken areas as soon as possible. If not, they can worsen and lead to a collapsed or unstable driveway.

Typically, the problem begins when erosion washes soil from under your driveway. This leaves a void that eventually sinks into the concrete slab. To prevent this, make sure to keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from your driveway. And be sure to check and clean downspouts to ensure that they aren’t directing water toward your driveway or into the soil underneath.

If you have an asphalt driveway, a simple DIY solution is to patch the area with concrete patching compound. A kit can be purchased that comes with everything you need, including instructions on how to use it. Before applying the material, you should loosen the asphalt with a putty knife or screwdriver and sweep the surface to remove debris. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the mixture to help it adhere better, and then brush it on the damaged spot.

If your concrete or tarmac driveway has extensive sunken areas, it may need to be re-poured. This is more labor-intensive than resurfacing, but it’s often the best option if your driveway has substantial problems that won’t go away with other repairs.

It’s also important to talk to your neighbors if you need driveway repairs that require excavation. Contractors can offer bulk discounts if several homes on the block require the same service.

When you’re ready to begin the process of repairing your driveway, it’s a good idea to get an estimate from a few different contractors. This will give you a better understanding of what the cost will be and help you set your budget.

If you aren’t comfortable doing the work yourself, be sure to hire a professional. Getting the job done right will ensure that your driveway lasts longer and looks great. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that the problem is fixed properly and won’t come back in a few years.

Stains

Stains in your driveway are not only unsightly but can also create a slip-and-fall risk for anyone walking on them. Fortunately, cleaning a stain is comparatively inexpensive and can be done with supplies you probably have in your garage or tool shed. You’ll need a strong scrub brush, a do-it-yourself pressure washer, a spray bottle, and some cleaning products that are safe for use on concrete or asphalt.

Oil stains are one of the most difficult to remove from driveways, especially those made of concrete. There are a number of folk remedies for oil stains that claim to work miracles, but most require a lot of elbow grease and a good deal of scrubbing.

Many of these methods involve coating the stain in an absorbent material like kitty litter or clay, leaving it for at least an hour (overnight is better), and then sweeping it up. For tougher stains, mix powdered laundry detergent or dish soap with water and spray or pour the solution on the stain. Scrub the area with a stiff nylon brush and rinse it clean.

Liquid dish soap is excellent for removing stains caused by plant-based materials like tree sap and rotting leaves. It’s also very effective for stains related to vehicle fluids, such as coolant (which has a faint green color and a slightly sweet smell) and transmission fluid (which has a reddish tint and is slightly opaque).

Other common driveway stains include those from fertilizer and plant food, which appear orange as they oxidize; pet urine (which often has a musty odor); and gasoline, which are both light brown in color. While you can try using vinegar or a mixture of baking soda and WD-40 to remove these, it’s usually best to get a professional power washing service involved.