If you're preparing for residential paving services to install a new asphalt driveway, you may be wondering how to treat the surface in the days following the work. By taking the right precautions, you'll have a durable, attractive driveway for years to come. Here's some advice to keep your new driveway in excellent condition after installation.
Do: Wait before driving on it. Avoid driving or walking on the surface for 24 to 48 hours after the work. Doing so before the asphalt has time to fully dry risks tire marks and footprints that create cosmetic issues and tripping hazards. Wait longer, such as 72 hours, if you schedule residential paving services during hot weather since the malleable material needs extra time to cure. Drive slowly on the asphalt for the next few months. Tell everyone in your family who drives or has a car to go slowly over your newly paved driveway. Speedy driving increases the risk of scuff marks, tire marks, and indentations on sections that have not cured as fast as others, such as those in shaded areas. Additionally, avoid driving on the edges to prevent chunks of the paving material from cracking and breaking off. Don’t: Park in the same spot every day. Refrain from parking in the same place on a daily basis. Doing so risks depressions that allow water to pool and seep into surface cracks. Water that infiltrates the driveway undergoes freeze/thaw cycles that cause further cracking and sub-base damage, resulting in potholes. Encourage family members to park in different spots, too. If overnight street parking is allowed in your neighborhood, use that to your advantage. Let chemical spills linger. Clean up gasoline, motor oil, and other chemical spills on your new driveway as soon as you see them. Chemicals break down the binder in asphalt, causing it to split and crumble. First, put on thick gloves to avoid touching the chemicals, and use paper towels to absorb as much of the fluid as possible. Then, create a soapy mixture with water and liquid dish detergent, and gently clean the paved surface with a soft brush. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.
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Due to its natural flexibility and sleek black appearance, asphalt is the ideal material for constructing driveways. While it’s durable, the material is bound to develop some cracks over the years. Eventually, driveway resurfacing might be required. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, here’s what you should know.
A Guide to Driveway Resurfacing What is resurfacing? When an asphalt driveway is damaged, you can patch, resurface, or replace it. Resurfacing--covering the existing driveway with a new layer of asphalt--is often recommended when there are cracks and holes throughout the surface but the subgrade is still mostly intact. This allows you to restore the look of the pavement without paying the full cost for a brand new installation. Why can’t you just patch the cracks?In many instances, when asphalt cracks are larger than a quarter-inch wide, patching is not that effective. Water is still able to penetrate the surface, and in the winter, this puts the pavement at risk of the freeze-thaw effect, which will only increase the width and depth of the damage. Resurfacing saves you time and effort by completely covering all cracks and gaps leading to the subgrade. When is resurfacing not effective?If the cracks in your pavement are several inches deep, it’s probably too late to resurface. In these instances, the foundation is already shot and will need to be rebuilt before new asphalt can be poured. Also, if the driveway is buckling or wavy in spots, resurfacing won’t be effective in the long run. What’s the difference between sealcoating and resurfacing?Approximately six months after your driveway is installed, it should be sealed with a protective coating to safeguard against oxidization, chemical spills, and moisture absorption. This maintenance is then repeated every two to three years to prevent the asphalt from drying out and becoming stiff and brittle. Unlike resurfacing, it doesn’t stop cracks in the surface from growing and spreading. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. A well-maintained driveway keeps your car tires safe and enhances the overall look of your property. However, with storms and time, there can be some damage to the asphalt. Eventually, this damage can lead to crumbling or cracking of the driveway itself. When this happens, driveway resurfacing can help ensure that your driveway is returned to its best possible state.
What Can Cause a Driveway to Crumble? Water and weather are the two primary culprits behind crumbling driveways. When it snows, melting snow can slip between small cracks or crevices and then freeze. When the water freezes, it expands, which can create larger cracks. Additionally, over time, water runoff or stormwater can cause erosion and crack. Additionally, extreme weight or machinery that damages the ground can cause driveway issues. How Can a Contractor Repair the Damage? Depending on the extent of the damage, there are a few ways that driveway resurfacing can help. First, they will clean the driveway thoroughly. This helps ensure that no debris is caught in cracks, and the contractor can see the damage that needs to be fixed. Next, they will fill any cracks or other areas of damage, such as potholes. This process involves using asphalt filler for small cracks and patching material for larger areas or dips. After everything is filled, they will once again clean your driveway. This will give the contractors a smooth surface to work with for the final step. Finally, they will apply a sealant to the entire area. The sealant locks everything into place and ensures that the cracks and other patch areas will be protected from more damage. Once your driveway has been sealed, you will need to keep vehicles off it for at least 24 hours. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt paving is attractive and affordable and is used for many parking lots. Unfortunately, when the surface isn’t properly maintained, it’s prone to cracks. Here’s how to ensure your parking doesn’t have this problem.
How to Prevent Cracks in an Asphalt Parking Lot Many cracks in asphalt parking lots are due to poor drainage. Without proper water direction, puddles will form on the asphalt after it rains. The liquid can then seep under the asphalt and react with the material and ultraviolet light from the sun. This reaction, known as oxidation, weakens the asphalt and makes it more prone to cracking. Schedule an inspection from an asphalt paving company to ensure your lot has proper drainage. Regularly check your parking lot for oil or gasoline stains. Like water, oil and gasoline can seep under the asphalt and make it more vulnerable to cracks. Scrub any stains using a firm-bristled brush, along with bleach, baking soda, or trisodium phosphate. Also, about once a week, sweep your parking lot to remove any sticks, leaves, or other debris that could hinder drainage and increase the risk of cracks. Within a year after your parking lot is installed, schedule professional sealcoating to protect the asphalt from water, gasoline, oil, and ultraviolet rays. Have the lot resealed every two years. How Asphalt Cracks Are Repaired As soon as you notice a crack in your asphalt parking lot, call for repairs so that it doesn’t get bigger. The repair specialist will remove any vegetation or dirt from the crack using a trowel or similar tool, rinse it with a pressure-washer or hose, and wait for it to dry. Next, they’ll fill the crack with asphalt, make it smooth and level so that it blends in with the rest of the parking lot, and let it dry for 24 hours. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt is a popular paving option thanks to its durability, versatility, and clean appearance. Yet over time, exposure to the elements can cause asphalt paving to experience wear and tear. Fortunately, knowing what to look for can help you better care for your investment.
5 Potential Issues With Asphalt Paving 1. Potholes Potholes are holes that develop on the surface of the asphalt when moisture that has seeped underneath repeatedly freezes and thaws. Having sealcoating applied every three to five years and scheduling asphalt repair as soon as you notice issues will help prevent potholes from forming. 2. Depressions Depressions often develop before potholes and are a sign of moisture intrusion. These divots in the pavement are most noticeable after precipitation, as water will accumulate in them, forming puddles. A weakened foundation may cause the issue, but minor depressions can typically be remedied with surface patches. 3. Crescent-Shaped Cracking Also referred to as slippage cracking, crescent-shaped cracks may spread across your pavement if low-quality bonding materials were applied beneath the uppermost surface. If the issue is widespread, the asphalt will likely need to be removed and replaced. 4. Raveling Raveling occurs when the stone base of the paved area pulls apart from the asphalt. Typically, the surface will take on an uneven, rough texture. Raveling is often the result of paving during poor weather conditions, as extreme temperatures or moisture can prevent the asphalt from solidifying properly. 5. Alligator Cracking This particular issue gets its name from its appearance, which resembles reptile skin. The small, widespread cracks occur when the surface is exposed to loads that are too heavy for it to bear. Alligator cracking can also occur if the lot has improper drainage or the surface is too thin. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Alligator cracking is a common type of deterioration that can appear on asphalt surfaces. It is often spotted in parking lots and gets its name from its striking resemblance to the scales of a reptile. While alligator cracking can sometimes seem minor compared to larger, deeper cracks, this network of smaller hairline fractures can eventually require significant repairs from a commercial paving contractor. If you've noticed alligator cracks in your parking lot, here's what to know about repairing and preventing them.
What Should You Do if You See Alligator Cracking? The long-term solution needed to repair your asphalt surface's alligator cracks will depend on several factors. However, the problem needs to be addressed immediately to prevent more damage from occurring in the meantime. The first step you should take is to block the cracked area from traffic since the weight of vehicles could cause the damage to worsen significantly. Once the area is safe from further damage, you'll need a commercial paving contractor to evaluate the sub-base beneath the cracked surface. They may apply a temporary filler or sealant to prevent additional decay before they perform more intensive work. Depending on the level of damage discovered and what your budget allows, the professionals will likely need to either remove and replace parts of the sub-base or the entire sub-base before re-paving the surface. What Can You Do to Prevent the Cracks From Returning? The only way to prevent alligator cracking from returning to your asphalt surface is to ensure that the sub-base is free of damage and built to withstand the pressure placed on it. Speak at length with your commercial paving contractor about precisely how the area is used. Share specific information about how much traffic and moisture it typically sees and which types of vehicles drive over it on a regular basis. They'll adjust the thickness and use the right mixture to ensure the sub-base is prepared to handle the level of stress it will be under. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. If you’ve decided to sell your home, you want to increase its value. A quick and efficient way to do this is to improve the look of your driveway with asphalt paving. Here’s some more information on how this home improvement project can help.
How a New Driveway Can Improve the Value of Your Home As one of the first features a potential buyer will see, a neat, well-designed driveway makes an excellent first impression. This can have a positive impact on a buyer’s overall perception of the property, which can influence their thoughts as they examine the rest of the house. A new driveway will also be attractive to motivated buyers who are not interested in properties that require significant renovation. They may also be more willing to meet or even bid above the asking price when they know they’re getting fresh asphalt paving as part of the deal. Is Asphalt Paving Better Than Concrete? One of the biggest advantages of asphalt is its lower price tag. On average, it’s about half the cost of concrete. Asphalt is also more durable than concrete and can withstand cold temperatures much better. It rarely cracks or flakes, which means fewer repairs and a longer life span. In rare instances when repairs are necessary, they’re relatively easy to take care of because the driveway can simply be resurfaced. Repairing concrete, on the other hand, requires an entirely new surface to be laid before any cracks can be filled. Another advantage of asphalt paving is its dark color. Oil spills are rarely visible, which keeps the driveway looking like new for longer. This isn’t the case with concrete, which discolors quickly and is difficult to clean. Asphalt paving can be placed within a matter of days, whereas concrete can take up to a week to install. Furthermore, asphalt is usually ready to drive on within 48 hours of installation. Concrete typically needs about seven days to cure. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt paving is extremely durable and can withstand many weather conditions. However, that doesn't mean that your parking lot is impenetrable. Excessive rainfall, for instance, can do serious damage if the surface isn't properly maintained or repaired right away. Here's a closer look at how the moisture can harm your parking lot and how to protect the surface.
How Does Rain Affect an Asphalt Surface? Cracks in the surface of your parking lot allow rain to penetrate the asphalt paving. Once it does, it weakens the bond that holds the binder and the aggregate materials together, resulting in erosion and a gradual deterioration of the asphalt layers. If the rainfall occurs closer to the fall or winter months, there's also the possibility of freezing, which worsens the potential for damage. After water penetrates surface cracks, it will freeze and expand. When the ice melts, it will leave behind bigger cracks, dips, and potholes. How Can You Prevent Rain Damage? Sealcoat is a mixture of liquids and small particles applied to asphalt paving for protection. It essentially forms a seal, creating a layer that shields the surface from water, oil, and sun damage. When a parking lot is sealcoated properly, water has fewer opportunities to seep into the surface and wreak havoc. You can also prevent damage by keeping up with asphalt maintenance. Inspect the surface regularly and have all cracks repaired as soon as possible. Always practice caution when using sharp tools, shovels, or heavy machinery on your asphalt surface to avoid making cracks for water to enter. The parking lot should also have an effective drainage system in place. If the lot doesn't already have them, consider installing grates and catch basins or storm drains to carry excess water away from the asphalt. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Properly maintaining your asphalt paving will ensure a long-lasting driveway. While a proper foundation and professional installation are vital factors, additional maintenance is essential to make sure it won’t erode due to traffic and the elements. Here’s some advice on how to care for this surface.
Do: Seal cracks.Inspect the pavement frequently for cracks and potholes so that you can act quickly to prevent additional damage. Small fissures may appear harmless at first, but incoming precipitation and cold winter weather will cause the crack to expand. Dealing with small problems now can help you to avoid more expensive repairs down the road. Use sealcoating.Sealcoating will add a layer of protection to defend your pavement against rainfall, vehicle fluids, and harmful UV radiation. Apply it every three to five years to ensure sufficient protection. In addition to the added durability, the surface will also look newer. Don’t: Leave debris. Removing dirt, leaves, and other debris should be part of your year-round asphalt maintenance schedule, but it’s especially important in colder climates. Remains left behind during freezing weather will stick to the surface and lead to potentially harmful effects. Standing water is one of the worst offenders, and will create potholes and fissures if left untreated. Allow heavy equipment on the surface.Extra-large vehicles and equipment are a severe hazard for asphalt paving. Driveways littered with cracks and other issues are in for more damage once a heavy truck rolls onto the pavement. If you require large machinery for a home improvement project, ask your contractor to park on the street instead of your driveway. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. Asphalt is a durable material that’s frequently used for driveways, parking lots, and roads. However, if asphalt paving isn’t installed properly, it can develop cracks prematurely and cause the entire structure to deteriorate. Here are a few common types of asphalt cracks. 1. Block Cracks These are rectangular or square-shaped cracks in asphalt paving. They generally develop if the aggregate was too dry when it was first applied. Freezing temperatures can also lead to this problem because of the shrinkage in the asphalt. A thin layer of asphalt sealing can usually repair block cracks. 2. Edge Cracks Edge cracks appear at the perimeter of a parking lot or road. They typically result from poor drainage, weak asphalt, or strong frost heaves. It’s possible to reduce this issue by clearing debris at the edge of the asphalt paving and improving drainage. 3. Alligator Cracks Alligator cracks resemble the dry skin of alligators and can develop from harsh weather conditions, poor draining, or bad quality foundation materials. They typically cover a large area and can be repaired with a full patch-up. 4. Transverse Cracks These vertical cracks typically develop on busy roads or high-traffic parking lots. Freezing temperatures are the main culprit, as they cause the aggregate to shrink. Contractors generally pour joint sealing material into the cracks to repair them. If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving. |
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