Paving is a popular way for homeowners to create attractive outdoor patios and driveways. They are usually one of the first things people notice when coming to your home. There are different types of driveway paving options available like concrete, asphalt, gravel and block paving. Each one of these has benefits and depending upon the your own requirements / property, you can opt for the one of your choosing. Asphalt is an affordable, safe and attractive surface for paving your driveway, and has several advantages:
Replacing an asphalt pavement can be an expensive and time consuming task. Over time, most driveways begin to crack, showing signs of wear and tear where the material becomes worn. By using good maintenance principles, one can double its life span and save £££’s. Here are some maintenance tips that will help prevent water damage to your asphalt:
Seal coating
This is one of the most popular methods to protect asphalt from sun wear, snow or fluids. It acts as a “barrier coat” between asphalt surface and destructive elements. When asphalt is exposed to sun or water the asphalt hardens and pavement become more brittle. As a result of this it will crack when exposed to traffic and temperature changes. A seal coat combats this situation by providing a waterproof membrane to slow the oxidation process. Moreover, a sealcoat increases the pavement resistance and increases the surface friction properties. We would recommend sealing your asphalt once every three to five years, depending on its use and condition.
Crack filling
Once cracks have formed in the driveway, they create a way in for water which weakens the base. Water softens the surface which also leads to more cracks. Filling Asphalt Cracks in your asphalt driveway is an important part of extending the life of your asphalt surface. A popular product is a Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler. This product comes in a ready to use cold formula as well as a Hot melted version. Another reason you should fill the cracks in your asphalt is vegetation. As the roots on vegetation get bigger, the plant root can actually push the pavement up and create even more damage.
If you are thinking of improving your drive or would like to create an area in front of your house suitable for more cars, there are many factors to consider. Our designers can help you through the maze so contact us now for a free quotation.
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