Asphalt Driveway Pro’s and Con’s

Originally published on : http://www.claremontasphalt.com.au/driveways/

A driveway (also called drive in UK English) is a type of private road for local access to one or a small group of structures, and is owned and maintained by an individual or group. Driveways rarely have traffic lights, but some that bear heavy traffic, especially those leading to commercial businesses and parks, do. Driveways may be decorative in ways that public roads cannot, because of their lighter traffic and the willingness of owners to invest in their construction. Driveways are not resurfaced, snow blown or otherwise maintained by governments. They are generally designed to conform to the architecture of connected houses or other buildings. Some of the materials that can be used for driveways include concrete, decorative brick, cobblestone, block paving, asphalt, gravel, decomposed granite, and surrounded with grass or other ground-cover  plants.

Driveways are commonly used as paths to private garages, carports, or houses. On large estates, a driveway may be the road that leads to the house from the public road, possibly with a gate in between. Some driveways divide to serve different homeowners. A driveway may also refer to a small apron of pavement in front of a garage with a curb cut in the sidewalk, sometimes too short to accommodate a car.

Often, either by choice or to conform with local regulations, cars are parked in driveways in order to leave streets clear for traffic. Moreover, some jurisdictions prohibit parking or leaving standing any motor vehicle upon any residential lawn area (defined as the property from the front of a residential house, condominium, or cooperative to the street line other than a driveway, walkway, concrete or blacktopped surface parking space).

Residential driveways are also used for such things as garage sales, automobile washing and repair, and recreation, notably (in North America) for basketball practice.

Another form of driveway is a ‘Run-Up’, or short piece of land used usually at the front of the property to park a vehicle on.

Which is cheaper concrete or asphalt driveway?

Ignoring any maintenance costs, asphalt is generally much cheaper to install than concrete. On average, the cost per square meter for asphalt will run between $20 to $40. Fluctuations in crude oil prices can cause fluctuations in asphalt prices but the price will remain around this range.

What does it cost to asphalt a driveway?

The average cost of a concrete driveway, by comparison, is almost $7,400. Other sources such as CostHelper estimate the cost to install an asphalt driveway to be between $2,300 and $10,300. Homeowners typically pay per square meter. The average cost per square meter is between $20 and $40.

How long do asphalt driveways last?

Asphalt driveways typically last 12 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the installation, the climate, the usage they get, and how well they have been maintained. Like most everything else, the better care you take of your asphalt driveway, the longer it will remain in service.

How thick should the asphalt be for a driveway?

In many cases a 100 mm thickness may be adequate, but 125 to 150 mm of full-depth asphalt will assure you of a stronger, stable driveway under a wider range of climate and loads. As an option, some contractors use 150 to 203 mm of compacted aggregate, or gravel, as a base for 75 mm of asphalt pavement.

Can you lay asphalt over concrete?

If the question is “CAN I lay asphalt over concrete?” then the answer is “Yes.” This is absolutely possible if elevations allow for it, and we’re happy to lay asphalt driveways over concrete if that’s what you want. It’s also the cheaper option, since heavy equipment is required to dig up an existing concrete slab.

How long does asphalt take to dry?

For a new asphalt driveway, you should wait one or two days to walk or drive on it (depending on how hot the weather is). For resurfaced driveways and parking lots, you should wait two to six hours (depending on the weather) before walking or driving on them.

How do you repair an asphalt driveway?

To repair and seal an asphalt driveway:

1. Edge the driveway and remove any grass or dirt.
2. Make sure it’s draining properly so rainwater doesn’t pool on the driveway.
3. Clean the surface and any cracks with pressure washer.
4. Use stiff broom to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
5. Allow surface to dry.

Asphalt Driveways
Another relatively easy option to install with lower costs compared to some of the other options named here. Asphalt tends to remain cheaper than concrete regardless of whether you go for basic asphalt or asphalt stamped into shapes like bricks or stones.

Another important property of asphalt is that you can almost immediately drive on it after it’s completely installed. It’s highly weather-resistant, too, expanding and contracting in the heat and cold without issue.

Compared to concrete, at least, asphalt does require a little more maintenance. Cracks and holes can easily be filled, but you have to do it a little more often.

Compared to concrete, it’s longevity is a little lower. While concrete will last 30 years with proper care, asphalt tends to live around 20 years instead.

Asphalt may not have the aesthetic appeal of concrete but if you have a larger driveway, it is one of the most cost-effective and quickly setting solutions out there.

ASPHALT DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS:

• Asphalt driveways shall be paved with at least 38 mm of plant mixed asphalt.
• Asphalt driveway aprons in the Village right of way (parkway) shall be paved with at least 38 mm of plant mixed asphalt.
• All asphalt shall be placed over at least 100 mm of graded and compacted gravel base material. No pea gravel allowed as a base material for driveways.
• Surface water drainage may not be directed onto adjacent properties.
• The radius of the driveway at the intersection with the curb shall not exceed 2.75 m.
• Any apron being replaced for addresses located on State or County roads require an IDOT or CCHD permit.
• Any municipal property (parkway, street, curbs, sidewalk, etc.) damaged during construction shall be repaired and is subject to a one year maintenance period.

ZONING REQUIREMENTS:

Measurements shall be noted on the submitted Site Plan (see diagrams at right and refer to notes below for example)
A. Width at lot line, for a minimum distance of 1.5 m.

• Maximum of 7.5 m is permitted.

1. Width at widest point.

• Maximum 9 m for a two-car garage or less
• Maximum 10 m for a three-car garage or greater
• Minimum width: 2.75 m

1. Side/Rear yard setback.

• 600 mm from interior side or interior rear lot line, except when a driveway is shared between 2 adjacent properties.

1. Length of drive shall be noted on the site plan

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Completed application and copy of signed contract. Apron work requires an IDOT or CCHD permit for addresses on State or County roads.
• Three copies of fully dimensioned plat of survey showing the proposed work and signed plat of survey accuracy affidavit form.
• This permit may require up to a 3 day plan review.
• The permit fee is $86.00. The permit is good for 90 days from date of issuance.

How To Choose A Good Asphalt Contractor By Tanisha Berg

Asphalt is one of the substances used for many pavement jobs, driveways, parking lots and roads. Usually, it has a durable substance and very affordable compared to other materials used, such as concrete materials. Maintenance jobs must be done in all surfaces, since it usually carries heavy loads that may be the reason of deterioration. This is the reason why you need to spend more money for the repairs.

Intense temperature, heavy rains, heavy loads, snow and other disastrous elements are only a few of the problems of an asphalt surface. However, with proper maintenance of the surfaces can lengthen the lifetime of most pavements. A regular maintenance includes cleaning, removing all stains and other disastrous substances should be added to the regular maintenance plans. If you consider to hire Los Angeles asphalt pavers, you have to review all the factors.

You should also need to be careful always with scams. Do not just quickly trust people knocking on your doors and claiming to be a good contractor in the business. Cheap options are not a better choice. Thus, references must be considered.

One of the factors that may lead you to choose a paver includes suggestions and recommendations from your trusted sources, third party comments and requested references. Keep in mind, not to base any of your decision to only one person. It is important to consider the level of quality of the paving materials used by the company. The contractor you choose must ensure longer materials used.

Choose a contractor that is well experienced and established in the business. Ask them about their years of experience and what type of paving they are specializing. This way, they will be able to show you their previous job sites the same with your future paving projects. A company that has been in the business for so long can easily fix some issues that may arise.

Choose a contractor with an insurance. When you choose a paving contractor, you always make sure to see their insurance papers. Of course, you are aiming to work with a contractor that is reputable and have a good standing in the industry and in the community.

A good contractor must have communication skills. You need to choose a pavement company that can provide the necessary information you needed. You may also look their websites. They must have enough information provided, so it would be easier for you to make a decision.

The contractors should also be well trained and possessed different levels of abilities in taking projects. A company should have skilled and well trained personnel. This is essential so they can provide the best quality and meet all your needs.

If you already have decided on which company to choose, then you do not have to worry something. You only need to consider and include necessary things in your entire maintenance plans to get a great value from them. Once you have created a concrete plan to maintain the quality of the asphalt surface, then you are also assured that you can save more money.


First seen on: http://globbers.blogspot.com/2014/09/how-to-choose-good-asphalt-contractor.html