When it comes to your driveway, hiring a contractor who understands all of the available options and installation processes is paramount for optimal results. The more knowledge they possess, the better results you will see. Find the best Asphalt Paving in Oceanside.
Make sure your contractor has experience and examples of their work to show. Also, ensure they carry liability insurance and are licensed in your area to operate.
Installation
Homeowners looking to install asphalt, concrete, or paver driveway surfaces should hire a reputable contractor who possesses experience with those materials. A reputable installer should take temperature and moisture levels into consideration when setting an installation date to ensure the soil can support the structure and absorb rainwater efficiently.
Before beginning construction, contractors will survey the site to assess dimensions and create an accurate plan to scale for sharing with the installation department. Should any homeowner express reservations or concerns during this phase, the surveyor will be on hand to address them directly before passing along this knowledge to the installation department.
Installation begins by excavating and creating a subbase on which to build. Grading and replacing some soil with gravel are the next steps; additionally, a netlike geotextile may be required to stabilize soil, while drain tiles (4-in. perforated pipe) may also be installed to drain away excess water from subbase areas.
Once a sub-base has been prepared, form boards are placed and held into place with stakes before pouring a concrete footing that sets. If the homeowner plans on adding brick rowlock edgings for their driveway border, this step must be repeated until they meet up flush with the edge of their footing.
Repairs
Concrete is a strong material for construction purposes, yet heavy vehicle traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, and changes to ground stability can significantly deteriorate its condition over time. Cracked and potholed driveways are telltale signs that require attention; otherwise, they could compromise the structural integrity of your driveway or become trip hazards for anyone using it.
Asphalt driveways can be particularly susceptible to moisture problems that lead to soft spots forming. These spots must be addressed immediately, especially before winter arrives, to prevent damage to snow removal equipment.
Crack filling may provide temporary relief, but for long-term durability, a complete replacement should usually be undertaken. Resurfacing offers a more cost-effective solution and, as an added benefit, gives your driveway a fresh new look.
Driveway sealing can protect pavement against moisture and UV rays while also adding an extra layer of protection from stains on its surface. This service typically costs from $1-3 per square foot on average; stenciled patterns or brushed finishes require extra work as they need to match the existing texture of the driveway.
Maintenance
Your driveway is a significant investment and should be treated as such. Regular maintenance and repair will extend its lifespan, while an unsightly or damaged driveway not only decreases safety but can also cause vehicle damage, decrease curb appeal, and increase the risk of basement flooding.
Maintaining your driveway requires only simple maintenance techniques to keep it looking new and functioning efficiently. Recognizing problem areas quickly will reduce any further damage. Should cracks, holes, or other issues appear on concrete or asphalt driveways, use a masonry chisel to remove loose materials, brush out any debris, apply crack filler/patching compound as soon as it dries, and seal it all with sealers to complete this task.
Ensure the expansion joints in your driveway are appropriately sealed to protect them from potential issues that could cause significant and expensive damage, such as water draining through. When these large seams go uncovered, water may seep into them and either erode surface material or freeze and expand, potentially causing extensive and expensive damage.
Regular sweeping helps minimize dirt build-up that discolors concrete or asphalt surfaces. Weeds are killed as soon as they appear, and property managers are notified when rain occurs to identify areas with standing water that could worsen existing damages.
Resurfacing
At times, more is required of you than filling cracks or potholes in your driveway. When its entire surface shows signs of wear and tear, resurfacing could provide the best way to extend its lifespan while giving your surface a fresh new look.
Contractors can resurface concrete or asphalt surfaces with power washing. This ensures any new material added will stick, such as dirt, mildew, or weeds that might come up after adding layers. Once this process is completed, contractors mix up their resurfacer of choice and pour it onto the driveway by hand or with special tools, spreading it out over its entirety as desired for patterns, textures, or color effects.
Homeowners looking to do it themselves should watch tutorial videos and read product instructions to get an idea of what the experience might entail. When hiring professionals, make sure to compare estimates before choosing an organization with an excellent reputation in your area.
As part of any driveway resurfacing project, water runoff from surrounding landscape areas must drain properly into drains on either side. Any standing water may hasten material deterioration by pooling on or underneath the surface and increasing erosion rates. A comprehensive survey should be performed in order to assess if landscape factors could contribute to drainage issues as well.