Asphalt Driveway – Pros & Cons

The road surface can be damaged by cracks, potholes and chips that contribute to water penetration and can eventually lead to corrosion and damage. If the road surface is heavily worn, it is better to choose to repair the asphalt quickly.

• very long durability;
• high load capacity, especially for frequently used entrances;
• low maintenance;
• can be made more attractive with chippings;
• fast setup;
• not susceptible to weeds;
• easy snow removal;
• easy and thorough cleaning possible, easy removal of leaves.

Disadvantages:

• visually often less attractive than other variants when occupying the driveway;
• overall fewer design options;
• higher price at construction;
• specialist company required for installation;
• more complex substructure required;
• the excavation must be significantly deeper than with other types of flooring;
• a drainage channel must be installed.

Disadvantages of asphalt paving:

• More harmful impact on the environment compared to gravel or concrete;
• The need for periodic renewal of the fabric.

Asphalt paving process

Asphalt is laid in several stages, first it is necessary to carry out work on preparation of the base.

Since any coating must be at the same level as the surrounding surface, it is necessary to dig a “trench” for laying the materials used.

• Mark the territory of future work.
• Remove the top layer and loose soil.
• Thoroughly seal the bottom of the resulting “bath”.
• Pour sand on the bottom and evenly distribute the layer thickness of a few centimeters.
• Thicken the sand layer.
• Over the sand to lay a layer of geotextiles, which will not allow subsequent materials to fall into the ground.
• Place a cushion of gravel – you need to pour a few layers of gravel with different fractions. First of all, a large crushed stone is poured, then the middle and at the last moment the smallest.

The resulting base is poured in bitumen mortar to ensure reliable bonding of materials.
After the preparatory work is completed, the process of laying the asphalt surface begins.

Asphalt is represented in several types of strength, if a small load on the surface can be used a smaller grade of strength. In case the asphalt will be subjected to constant heavy loads, it is better to use asphalt concrete.

For asphalt paving you will need a concrete mixer, a device for heating the material, a level and a roller for compaction of layers. For the works, it is better to involve professionals with special equipment, then the works will be done quickly and with high quality.