Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Driveway Construction With Asphalt Paving Phoenix Contractors

By Essie Osborn


When constructing parking and driveways, you need to choose the right material such as asphalt. The material you use should be able to withstand heavy traffic and the effects of environmental changes. If you settle on asphaltic hot mix, you can consult asphalt paving Phoenix contractors to start designing and laying down the structure.

To get a durable and long lasting asphaltic pavement, you need to ensure the contractor does everything right from the laying of foundation or the base to the application of blacktop. Asphaltic driveways and parking lot are made using crushed stones and aggregate, which form the sub base as well as sand and asphalt cement. With a properly installed asphaltic paving surface, it can last for about 25 years or more.

However, it requires proper maintenance to prolong the life expectancy of the surface. Once you have installed the blacktop, you will find that it is more flexible when new. This is because it retains most of the light hydrocarbon oils. However, as it starts to age, the oils dry up and the surface becomes brittle.

The fillers also minimize water damage. Any cracks regardless of their nature should be addressed immediately they are seen. Different repair methods are used to restore cracks depending on the type of cracking, the causing factor, and extend of the cracks. Cracks in driveways may occur due to insufficiently compacted sub base layer.

Cracks, when left unattended, they continue to widen and deepen. Soon you will have to deal with a serious problem. Cracks allow water to penetrate underneath pavements. That water may freeze during winter and continue enlarging the cracks. The freeze-thaw cycle is considered potential risk for pavements.

If cracks have developed extensively, you need to use other methods like crack filling and patching or overlays. Regular inspection of parking lots and driveways is needed in order to identify sessions that are showing cracking and other forms of defects such as upheavals and depression. The presence of cracks may indicate that the base is unstable or the underneath soils are shifting.

When you are hiring a contractor, you need to get several quotes for comparison of workmanship and the pricing. A local paving contractor should give you proper quotation that meets all the guidelines including things like the depth of asphaltic material to be applied, the construction specification of the sub grade layer, and the expected performance of the laid down structure. In addition, you need only deal with bonded and insured contractors in order to protect yourself from liabilities and any subpar performance from the contractor.

Frozen water enlarges and widens those cracks and when warmer months arrive, the frozen water melts down leaving voids. The empty spaces are filled with materials from above forming potholes. Repairing cracks in time ensures that your pavements do not suffer from water damage. Properly maintained driveways and parking lots will cost you less in repairs and maintenance in the long term.




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