Blacktop or asphalt installation over concrete can be very successful. But, consider an alternative - concrete overlays. You can do this yourself or have a contractor make your driveway truly unique with stamped and colored concrete.
Asphalt driveways can remain in great shape for decades. The right base and proper asphalt sealing are the keys.
Asphalt sealing will be successful only if you prepare the driveway first. Cleaning and patching asphalt cracks are the first steps. High quality asphalt sealers are the finishing touch.
Gravel driveways have a new update. Tar and chip driveways give the look of a beautiful gravel driveway with the strength of a blacktop base to hold the colorful stones.
Asphalt driveways need to be sealed. Make sure that you know when and how often asphalt sealing is needed. Asphalt sealers are important to the length of life of your driveway.
If you want to make sure your blacktop driveway lasts for 20 or more years, then you might want to get some great information from the many blacktop product associations that exist. Often these are state level and many states have one.
Blacktop is a great material to use if you want a blacktop driveway. But not all contractors are equal. Some do great work at installing blacktop, while others do a poor job. To get a great job done on your blacktop driveway, you better know the right questions to ask.
Asphalt driveways are only as good as the base beneath them. You need to know how thick the gravel base should be for the traffic your driveway will handle. The width of the base is very important also. Asphalt thickness is determined by a good base.
Pothole repair of your asphalt driveway is easily accomplished with preparation and the right materials. Cold mix patching compound is the material your need. Be sure that the pothole is prepped correctly and know when asphalt sealer should be applied.
Have you been bothered by your inability to successfully patch your blacktop and asphalt cracks and holes? Quite possibly you have not been using the right materials. It has just been within the past few years that high performance asphalt repair materials have finally started to appear at the residential level. Prior to this time, you had to have some expensive equipment and tools to deliver and install permanent patching materials.
Finding high quality asphalt repair patch can be just around the corner: in an old-fashioned supply store or at the four manufacturers listed below. Cold patch blacktop now seals better than before, or try an asphalt crack sealer compound with rubber for a slightly more expensive, but high-performance job.
If you want to have long term success with patching holes and cracks in your blacktop or asphalt surfaces, here are some very important asphalt patching specifications.
Tar and chip driveways are attractive, cost less and require little maintenance. Get a contractor to do the installation for you. Installation during the hot, dry summer is the best weather for the asphalt and chips to adhere, and a standard air blower removes debris without removing the chips. Here are more do's and don'ts of installing and maintaining a tar and chip driveway.
For a proper installation of your tar and chip driveway paving, check out this inexpensive literature from the National Asphalt Pavement Association and the Asphalt Institute.
Concrete driveways tend to be very white. Blacktop or asphalt driveways tend to be very black. Is there an alternative? You bet there is - it is called a tar and chip driveway. If you have access to colored rough gravel in your area, you can have a low cost colorful driveway that looks like a country road. Browns, grays, pale greens are all possible. In fact, if you are fortunate to have a resourceful gravel supply company you can even blend colors. My own tar and chip driveway is a mixture of light and dark brown stone chips.
Tar and chip driveways are similar to blacktop but have some different features. The blacktop can repair its own small cracks and the gravel provides great traction. The look can be unique with the color of gravel you pick.
Two of the most common driveway surfaces in the USA are blacktop and concrete. Concrete is often considered to be more durable than asphalt or blacktop. As such, it often carries a higher price tag. If you don't want to spend the extra money, knowing how to take care of blacktop is essential.
Blacktop and asphalt sealing is incredibly important for maintaining a good driving surface. With three basic types of sealers to choose from, which should you use? Follow these tips for an excellent sealing job.
Blacktop sealers can be made by just about anybody - but don't buy from just anyone. Here is a list of manufacturers and members of the Pavement Coating Technology Center who are dedicated to making high-quality sealers.
Asphalt driveways will lose their flexibility if not properly sealed. Flexibility helps asphalt driveways to resist cracking. Asphalt sealers need to be applied within the first year and then whenever the blacktop begins to wear.
Thick blacktop finish is not the answer to crack prevention. Cracks can be stopped before blacktop is applied. You need a well compacted dirt base and the right amount of gravel.
A top-notch asphalt paving job requires attention to certain conditions like drainage, sub-grade and base. Your blacktop driveway should have positive drainage, a strong sub-grade soil and a gravel base ranging from 6-10 inches thick. These tips increase the quality of a blacktop and asphalt paving job and its maintenance over time.
To create a smooth finished surface with durability, certain types of asphalt paving materials should be considered for the best results. Following up with asphalt sealer at the right time further protects pavement.
