3 Ways To Improve The Quality Of Your New Asphalt Driveway
If you are planning on installing a new driveway this summer, there are a few steps you need to take in order to ensure that your new asphalt driveway is properly installed and works correctly.
Way #1: Install the Asphalt on a Warm Day
First, you are going to want to choose the right day to put down your new driveway. The best time to install the driveway is on a warm day when it is dry outside. If it is wet outside, even if it is warm, the wetness can interfere with the ability of the asphalt to cure properly, which can lead to your driveway not lasting as long as it should.
Additionally, the temperatures outside need to be warm enough for the asphalt to cure properly. If the temperatures are too cold, the asphalt will not cure properly. If the temperatures are too hot, the asphalt may also not cure properly and could more easily get damaged while curing.
Way #2: Make the Driveway Thick
Second, many people make the mistake of putting down a driveway that is only a few inches thick. An asphalt driveway that is only a few inches thick is more likely to develop cracks and break down quickly.
If you want a driveway that is going to last for decades and not just a few years, you are going to want to lay down a driveway that is at least five to six inches thick. A thick driveway is stronger and will be able to support more weight and more wear without breaking down. The exact thickness of your driveway depends upon where you live and the climate there.
A thick driveway will need to be put down in layers. Putting down the driveway in layers will strengthen the driveway and will help ensure that it is properly compacted.
Way #3: Think About Drainage
Finally, you need to make sure that you think about the drainage when you plan your asphalt driveway. If you want your driveway to last, you need to make sure that you divert water away from your driveway. You can help with drainage by sloping the driveway, so water flows to the edges of the driveway. You can also install a French drain system to direct the water in an appropriate direction.
If you are planning on putting down a new driveway this summer, install the driveway on a warm, dry day. Make sure the driveway is nice and thick and be sure to plan for the drainage.
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