Construction Renovation Articles

How Often Do You Need Asphalt Paving Services?

Exterior
July 13th, 2023
construction articles

Asphalt paving services are crucial in maintaining the integrity and functionality of our everyday surfaces, such as driveways, parking lots, and roads. These surfaces endure constant exposure to various elements and heavy usage, necessitating regular maintenance. Yet, the question of how often one truly needs asphalt paving services remains a mystery for many. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of when and how often you should consider asphalt paving services to protect your investment and ensure the longevity and safety of your surfaces.

What Is the Asphalt Life Expectancy?

Understanding the variables that might impact the quality of the pavement is necessary before we can predict the lifespan of asphalt. Most asphalt mixes must be made with cement, stone, sand, and gravel. Asphalt is made from carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Recycled resources, including rubber tires, glass, plastic trash, roof shingles, and motor oil, are used by some asphalt manufacturing enterprises. These goods could aid in enhancing the condition of the asphalt and extending its lifespan. 

Factors Affecting Life Span

Some elements influence the durability of the pavement in addition to the composition of the asphalt material. While some may be managed before, during, and after the application, others are uncontrollable. 

Environmental Elements

The state of the underlying soil, rainfall, and weather at the time of application are all environmental aspects that asphalt paving professionals know and value. While the odd downpour does not significantly impact, the materials' composition can be harmed if water is not adequately drained away from the asphalt surface. 

Heavy Traffic 

Traffic may create a vicious cycle, but cars driving over asphalt can damage the surface. Commercial sites frequently have busy intersections with both heavy-duty trucks and cars. The pavement's lifespan decreases as movement and traffic increase.

Structure of the Pavement

Structure of Pavement

Asphalt's quality and durability can be affected by the materials and construction techniques used to make it. As an illustration, porous asphalt is frequently utilized in parking lots due to its reliable drainage. Application on some soils might shorten their lifespan, and porous material is not meant for high-traffic locations. 

Temperature 

Asphalt would last the longest in an ideal climate with steady warm temperatures and the least precipitation. Both hot and cold extremes impact the asphalt by generating cracks, enabling water to collect within the pavement, and developing air spaces. Potholes develop as a result of these circumstances, which cause the asphalt composition to be destroyed. 

Maintenance

However, if you want the pavement to survive for many years, it is impossible just to lay down asphalt and forget about it. This robust surface needs frequent monitoring and care to stop even the slightest break from obliterating a vast surface area. 

How to Expand Life Span?

There are essential aspects to consider when investing in asphalt paving for your business property to ensure the quality lasts for many years. Regular inspections and upkeep of the property are crucial since traffic alters the structural makeup of the asphalt. 

Installation

Careful attention to the soil beneath, appropriate edging, and observation of the present weather pattern is necessary for effective installation. The thickness of the asphalt also influences the lifetime. 

Materials

It is vital to utilize providers aware of the procedure since the materials used to make the mixture can affect how long asphalt will last. The materials utilized must correctly bond together since asphalt is applied in layers. Asphalt that cannot last very long can be made with poor-quality materials or too much overmixing.

Fixing Cracks

Asphalt driveway cracks are not only ugly but also extremely hazardous. Cracks can severely impair the structural integrity of your driveway, causing additional degradation of your driveway and the possibility of accidents or injuries. As these cracks may be readily fixed with a sealer, it is ideal to address them when they are still hairline fractures. You should notice any damaged spots along your asphalt driveway during visual inspections. Large cracks must be cleaned before filling with material and sealed, just like holes or depressions.

Seal Coating

Seal Coating

Maintaining your driveway's aesthetic attractiveness with seal coating is crucial. Seal coating can help to delay the degradation process since driveways in seasonal climates might be vulnerable to rain, snow, freeze and thaw cycles, and the intense sun. This guarantees the most extended potential lifespan for your asphalt.

Get rid of standing water

Standing water is a byproduct of gardening, snowmelt, or rainfall. Standing water is one of the worst offenders regarding the correct upkeep of your asphalt driveway, which may harm its health. If left unattended, standing water can cause potholes and cracks that significantly increase the cost of repairs. 

Poor Drainage

Your driveway's health depends on proper drainage. Have a sound drainage strategy as part of the installation procedure to stop standing water from wreaking havoc. You may prevent low areas and water from gathering at the driveway's margins by grading the driveway away from the house. The quality of your asphalt will be further preserved by good sub-drainage, assuring the base of your driveway does not shift or sink. If you are looking for a paving company, contact Stenco Constructions for asphalt paving that will last years. We have provided top-notch service to commercial and residential areas. Book a free consultation with us right away.

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