Asphalt is a common driveway material and it is often chosen for its robust and durable nature. Unlike many other driveway construction materials, asphalt is quick to install and can be used practically straight away. If you're considering installing an asphalt driveway, here are some of our top tips for laying asphalt and maintaining it.

Why you should choose asphalt as your new driveway material

There are many benefits to choosing asphalt for a driveway, here are a few of the many:

Can be used faster

Asphalt cures relatively fast meaning you can use your driveway much sooner than you could if you were to choose other types of materials such as concrete.

Extremely resistant

Highly flexible which makes them less prone to cracking. Cracks can form from slight earth movements and extreme temperature changes. Asphalt's flexibility makes them more resistant to unforgiving conditions such as these.

Affordable

One of the great things about asphalt is that it is cost-friendly and accessible to most budgets. If you don't want to spend a lot of money or you're looking to save a few dollars, it is a fantastic option.

Superior traction

Asphalt offers superior traction for driving on. It reduces noise and boasts non-slip properties.

Comfortable to walk on

Along with superior traction, asphalt is extremely comfortable to walk on. It's soft underfoot and provides grip for walking on barefoot.

Top tips for installing an asphalt driveway

When it comes to installing an asphalt driveway, here is what you need to know:

The subgrade material is an integral component of an asphalt driveway

The subgrade material is essentially the foundation of the asphalt, if this isn't done properly, it will affect the durability and structural stability of your asphalt driveway so it's important that it's done right.

Your subgrade must be:

• Free-draining to prevent water pooling. If this happens the top layer, your asphalt will inevitably shift out of place. The foundation needs to be sturdy at all times to support the asphalt even when it gets wet.

• In addition, your subbase material needs to be adequately compacted to provide strength and stability to the asphalt layer itself.

Your asphalt contractor should advise you of the installation process, and if they don't, they'll typically be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about it.

Different types of asphalt installation techniques

There are a couple of different ways you can install asphalt. They are as follows:

Installing fresh asphalt over an aggregate base

Installing your asphalt this way ensures you achieve a sturdy and long-lasting finish. If there is an existing driveway, this will be removed first to make way for the aggregate and then asphalt. The aggregate will be laid and then compacted before the asphalt goes down.

Laying asphalt over soil

When this installation technique is implemented, the area will be cleared to make way for the new driveway. The soil will be compacted, followed by a layer of gravel or roadbase to provide integrity to the surface.

Installing the asphalt over an old driveway

If you have an existing driveway that is structurally stable, you can have a new asphalt driveway Gold Coast installed over top of it. This can make the driveway thicker though so this will need to be considered.

The duration of installing a new asphalt driveway

The time it takes to install a new asphalt driveway can differ depending on the amount of work that needs to be done beforehand to prepare the site and how big the project is. On average, it typically takes around 1 to 3 days to complete. A new asphalt driveway can be driven on after approximately 24 hours.

Factors that can affect the installation process

Rain

If there has been rain in the days leading up to the installation or it is raining when your driveway is due to be laid, it may need to be rescheduled. Excessive water in the soil can make the surface unstable and unsuitable for applying asphalt.

The weather

We have temperate weather here in Australia but if it were to get too cold, the application may be more complex as it hardens quickly. Ideally, asphalt applications are best done when the weather is warm.

Top tips for maintaining an asphalt driveway

Luckily, asphalt driveways require little maintenance to keep them in good working order however, they do require some effort to prevent premature damage. Here are some simple ways to look after your asphalt driveway:

Clean up spills as soon as they occur

Some liquids and chemicals can have a corrosive effect on asphalt. They can actually dissolve the binding agents and cause the materials to break down. If you spill something on your asphalt, it's a good idea to clean it up straight away before it has a chance to seep down into the deeper layers of the asphalt. Spills such as petrol and diesel are two products that dissolve asphalt, not only that, they can leave behind unsightly stains. The longer they are left unattended, the harder they are to remove and the more likely they are going to cause damage to your asphalt.

Ensure you are not surpassing the weight capabilities of the asphalt

When in the planning process of having an asphalt driveway installed, the contractor will discuss what the main purposes of the driveway will be. This matters because if you are parking or driving heavy machinery on the asphalt, it will need to be thicker to accommodate this weight.

Keep the edges clean and tidy

Grass can grow over your driveway, so it is important to keep this maintained to prevent it from damaging the surface of the asphalt over time.

Give your driveway a sweep

Every so often, you should make the time to give your driveway a good sweep. This will remove any loose debris such as rocks from the surface and prevent them from getting embedded if they are driven over.

Looking for an experienced asphalt professional in South East Queensland?

If you're looking for an asphalt professional to install a new asphalt driveway at your home or business, look no further than the highly skilled team at Colossal Allies Asphalt. With more than 30 years experience, we have the necessary skills and expertise to install asphalt to the absolute highest standards.