A driveway is an important part of any property. Your driveway is the direct route to get your vehicle safely from the street to your home or business. The proper driveway installation determines the longevity of your driveway. Even the most trustworthy of materials can fail. Great materials and a rushed installation can provide for driveway problems. If you know what to look for. With the asphalt and driveway installation tips below, you can be sure your asphalt and concrete driveway were installed properly.
Check Your Driveway
Ask questions and learn about the driveway installation process on the internet. It is a good idea to check on a few points before the work has started. Proper installation will forgo unnecessary future and costly repairs. With the great asphalt and driveway installation tips below, you can’t go wrong.
Satisfactory Subgrade
As with any type of construction, the foundation of your driveway is extremely important. The subgrade (the layer of soil underneath the driveway). This layer of soil must be uniform in grade and well compacted. Proper subgrade soil is a must for new and existing driveways. With proper and compacted subgrade material you can avoid driveway failure.
Proper compaction is a must for driveways. With material compaction, you will need certain equipment. This equipment needs to operated correctly for best results. A properly-installed base will provide for a great driveway installation.
Correct Concrete Mixture
The makeup of the concrete or asphalt used is also extremely important. Be sure that the mixture will hold up to 4,000 psi. This type of concrete mixture may be more costly than others. While more costly, it will pay for itself in the long run.
If your driveway was installed before you purchased the property, you can still make some driveway checks.
Proper Joint Placement
Find the paperwork that came with your property and locate the jointing plan that usually accompanies a driveway installation project. Proper installation includes control joints set about an inch deep every ten feet for the average driveway. These joints help head off any unsightly cracks from forming. Wherever the driveway meets an existing structure, install expansion joint material.
Grading
One of the biggest nemesis of any driveway is water that drains improperly. Standing or pooling water can lead not only to cracks and potholes. Water can cause the driveway to collapse. Take a hose and run a steady stream of water down the middle of the driveway. Notice which way the water runs naturally. If it runs down and off to the sides, the grading is good. If any sections collect the water as it runs, or if it pools that is not a good sign. For assistance with grading, review our informational service pages on residential grading and site work or commercial grading and site work.
Edges
The edges surrounding a driveway need to be installed correctly. Proper installation can avoid concrete cracking or crumbling. Each edge should slope at a 45-degree angle or bull nose finish. This finish provides for proper water flow.
Curing
One of the most neglected steps in the installation of driveways is one of the most important, curing. Make sure to give your new driveway time to cure.
Thickness
The thickness of the layer of asphalt or concrete on a driveway directly impacts how stable and strong it remains over the years. Residential driveways should be between two and four inches thick, with the latter more preferred for heavy traffic.
Contact Dirt Connections For Assistance With Driveways!
While correct driveway installation is most easily confirmed by being present while it happens, there are still plenty of ways to check on your own after the fact. Remember, if there is any aspect of your driveway that concerns you, be sure to call in a professional before it gets worse. Mountains of cash can be saved by simply heading things off before true tragedy strikes. For any additional questions on driveway installations using our residential asphalt paving or commercial asphalt paving services, please call or contact Dirt Connections online.
You now know what to look for, your asphalt and driveway installation tips above. Now you can be sure your asphalt and concrete driveway were installed properly.
