Why Bother with Paving?
The appearance of your driveway creates an impression about your home and way of life. An inviting driveway provides a focal point as passerbys and visitors approach your home. And certainly an attractive driveway, one with "curb appeal," adds value to your home investment. So it is worthwhile to plan your driveway carefully. With hot mix asphalt as your material - and some attention to design and construction - your driveway will provide years of lasting service and an excellent return on the investment.
Exactly What is Hot Mix Asphalt?
It's an engineered mixture of aggregate, or stones and sand, with liquid asphalt cement, a petroleum product. Varying sizes of aggregate are heated, and then mixed, in exact proportions, with asphalt cement that has been liquefied at about 300 degrees. While the mixture is still hot, it is delivered to your driveway and paved on top of a base or subgrade that has already been prepared. Very soon after paving, the mixture cools and hardens and you can drive on it right away.
What Benefits Do You Receive with Hot Mix Asphalt
You'll recognize several benefits with Hot Mix Asphalt, compared to others, as a more costly options.
It is strong and durable.
It is engineered to withstand freezing and thawing.
No need to worry about salting your driveway in winter. Hot Mix Asphalt is unaffected by salt. and unlike other, more rigid materials such as concrete, hot mix asphalt is designed to flex and "give". If a utility line must pass under your driveway, repairs are more easily and quickly performed than with alternative materials such as concrete. The same is true if undue ground settlement should occur naturally.
Is It Durable or Difficult to Maintain?
If designed and built correctly, a Hot Mix Asphalt driveway will give you years of effective service. A high-grade asphalt emulsion sealer (sometimes called bituminous emulsified sealer) should be applied every two to five years, depending on your climate, wear patterns and the like. Driveways that are sealed regularly look better and last longer. Emulsion sealers consist of asphalt cement treated to mix with water. Once applied, the water evaporates, the material hardens, and the surface is waterproof. For driveways on slopes, some sealers contains a sharp sand that will provide added traction.
How Do I Choose A High Quality Paving Company?
Just as with buying a new roof or deck, good business practices prevail with installing a new driveway. Be informed. Seek multiple bids. Get references. Surveys show that quality-conscious companies belong to trade associations.
Have more questions? Contact us, we are happy to help!
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