Having Your Driveway Paved? Follow These Dos And Don'ts
Asphalt driveways are smooth, long-lasting, and attractive. However, the process of having your driveway paved can be a bit intricate, particularly if you have never done this before. Working with an asphalt paving company will go a long way towards simplifying the process. However, you will also want to adhere to these dos and don'ts.
Do: Discuss site preparation with the paving contractor.
Most asphalt paving contractors will clear and prepare the site before pouring the pavement. However, there are companies that don't do this part — they only pave. Reach out to the company you're thinking about hiring, and confirm whether they do site preparation. If they do not, you will first have to have the area cleared and flattened in preparation for the asphalt.
Don't: Plan on having asphalt poured over gravel.
Because asphalt does contain some stone pieces, homeowners sometimes assume it can be poured right over a gravel driveway. But pouring asphalt over an existing gravel driveway usually results in poor adhesion to the surface. Your asphalt paving contractor will generally want to remove the existing gravel and put down their own base. So, if you have a gravel driveway already, make sure your paving contractors know this and can make plans for the removal.
Do: Prepare the land around your driveway.
Your paving contractors will bring lots of equipment and, in most cases, a sizable crew. They'll need lots of space around the driveway to work. So, before your paving contractors arrive, prepare the area around the future driveway. Move any vehicles, lawn care equipment, patio furniture, and the like. If your driveway is close to a neighbor's land, ask them if they can clear some space, too.
Don't: Plan on sealcoating the driveway immediately.
Sealcoating does help asphalt driveways last longer, but you should not have a driveway sealcoated immediately after it is poured. In fact, most paving companies like to wait at least a year to let the asphalt cure before sealcoating it for the first time. Whether you plan on having professionals sealcoat your driveway or you wish to do this yourself, don't plan on doing it too soon.
Having your driveway paved will be very rewarding once you're able to drive and park on its smooth surface. Follow the tips above, and get in touch with your local paving company if you have any other questions or concerns about the work.
Contact an asphalt driveway paving contractor to learn more.