Paving a residential driveway can last more than twenty years when done properly, which is why it’s so important to choose the right contractor and keep an eye on the progress of the work. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
In addition to climatic conditions and the techniques used by the contractor, the durability of asphalt paving or repair depends on a number of factors, which are outlined below.
A solid foundation for paving
Before having the asphalt driveway of your new home redone by a contractor, or acquiring some basic knowledge is imperative to ensure that the job is done right. The two main causes of asphalt deformation or tearing are lack of compaction and insufficient sub-base thickness. In the case of a new driveway, it must first be excavated to make way for a layer of crushed stone of adequate thickness. A geotextile membrane will be laid under the granular backfill if the soil is very loamy (clayey). If you’re a new homeowner, it’s best to wait 6 to 12 months before paving your driveway, to allow the soil to settle naturally. In the case of driveway repairs, a simple replacement of the asphalt layer may be considered if the contractor deems the existing foundation to be adequate. In both cases, whether the foundation is rebuilt or retained, the warranty period must be the same…
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