Is your old driveway or parking lot starting to look a little worse for wear? Now is the time to replace it with a brand-new asphalt driveway! What makes asphalt the right choice? Here’s what you need to know about it.
What Are the Basics of Asphalt?
Let’s start with the most basic question; what is asphalt?
Asphalt consists of a mix of aggregate, including crushed stone, gravel, and sand, and a material called bitumen. Bitumen is a by-product of petroleum and is used to hold the aggregate together.
How is it Made?
The most common way the mix is made today is through the oil refining process. Asphalt is the heaviest of materials in a barrel of oil; it's basically the waste product. The operators will identify what type of asphalt they need to make, and mix it based on the project and climate of the project site.
The hot, liquid asphalt is combined with aggregate to create a mix referred to as Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The HMA is loaded onto a truck or stored in heated silos until it’s ready for use.
How to Prepare Ground for an Asphalt Driveway?
Installing an asphalt driveway requires some preparation. The preparation includes these steps:
Demolition and Removal
The first step in preparing your ground for a driveway is demolition and removal of any existing surface. Asphalt, concrete, pavers – all must be removed before anything else can happen.
Grading and Sloping
Now that you have a clean slate, the ground is graded and sloped to ensure water will run-off properly. This helps to avoid water damage, such as potholes or cracks.
Preparing the Subbase
The most important part of an asphalt driveway is actually the subbase. This provides a stable support for the new asphalt that will be laid down. It can also act as a frost barrier to prevent damage from freezing in the winter.
After the ground has been prepared through these steps, the actual process of installing asphalt can begin.
How Do I Maintain an Asphalt Driveway?
Asphalt is durable, but it can still become cracked, faded, and pothole-ridden if you don’t take care of it. Proper maintenance can mean your asphalt will last even longer.
Some maintenance tasks you can do include:
· Inspect it Regularly – check it throughout the year to ensure you can catch minor flaws right away. This is especially important during the winter and summer months.
· Repair Cracks Right Away – asphalt may be tough, but it can still develop cracks over time. Filling cracks quickly can prevent them from expanding.
· Remove Stains – gasoline and oil can dissolve the surface of your driveway, so cleaning up any spills and stains right away can improve your asphalt’s lifespan.
· Drain Any Standing Water – standing water can be very detrimental to the integrity of your driveway. Having a drainage plan as part of your installation process can prevent standing water. Grading your driveway away from your home prevents water from pooling.
· Apply Sealcoating – Sealcoating helps your driveway stand up to the elements better and slows the deterioration process.
Call Alvi Paving Ltd for Asphalt Driveway Installation in Ottawa
At Alvi Paving Ltd, we have more than 50 years of experience installing and repairing asphalt driveway Ottawa for homeowners and business owners. Contact us today to request a quote.