Why Your Asphalt Driveway Could Become Damaged
Do you love the look of a paved asphalt driveway, and are looking to bring it to your home? If so, it is important to be aware of what could damage the driveway over the years once the paving is complete. You do not want that beautiful asphalt to become an eyesore, which is why you'll want to avoid these potential problems.
Temperature Fluctuation
You most likely see a variety of temperatures all year round, which means any paving material is going to be more likely to crack. Asphalt can change along with the outdoor temperature.
During the winter months, cold temperatures can cause an asphalt driveway to shrink. During the summer, the asphalt can expand from the heat. This could cause asphalt to eventually become brittle and worn over the years. It will cause the surface to eventually become uneven with cracks and dips.
You'll want to deal with cracks right after you notice they have formed, Consider filling them yourself, or having a residential paving contractor come to your home to do it for you. Filling the cracks is what will prevent the water from finding its way into your asphalt and freezing, which will cause even more damage.
Drainage Problems
You may eventually notice pooling water on the surface of your asphalt driveway. This is caused by the ground underneath the driveway settling. It will eventually cause the surface to crumble as the ground beneath it sinks deeper, and it can even form potholes in some situations. The damage will continue to get worse, so do not expect it to settle and remain as is.
You'll need to have potholes filled as soon as they form, which improves the look and is better for the vehicles that drive over them.
Improper Installation
Thinking about tackling the installation yourself? You can actually cause problems due to a poor installation. They won't be noticeable at first, but after a couple of weeks, you could run into one of several problems.
For example, the ground underneath the asphalt may not have been compacted enough, causing the ground to shift and form cracks in the asphalt. The asphalt layer could also be too thin, or the quality of the installation could leave dimples or dips. These problems only become worse as time goes on.
You are better off having the driveway professionally installed by a paving contractor, which will ensure all the proper steps are followed for a driveway that will look great for years to come.