Three Restoration Options for Your Residential Asphalt Driveway
Posted on: 20 April 2017
The popularity of asphalt driveways in homes can be attributed to the low cost of the building product. The construction material is also easy to install, and it cures quickly, allowing fast usability. The driveway will also provide long-term service, and the maintenance demands are minimal. On the other hand, asphalt is not infallible. The pavement can sustain damage and wear away due to regular or heavy usage. If you have noticed the deterioration of the feature in your home, consider using one of these outlined restoration options.
Repair and Rejuvenation
Asphalt pavements are prone to cracking because the material is hard. Fractures can develop due to the stress continually exerted on the structure. Also, in colder areas, freeze-thaw cycles will accelerate the development of wide cracks. In simple terms, the cycle occurs when water penetrates the hairline cracks formed by natural stress. When the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands.
The crack will widen, and the cycle will keep repeating itself. You should seal driveway fractures using commercial asphalt crack fillers and patches. If there is a pothole, you can use repair aggregate to fill the damaged area. You should also think about applying pavement rejuvenators on the entire structure. These are specialized products designed to restore the flexibility of your driveway and prevent further cracking.
Resurfacing
The visual appeal of asphalt pavements can decline significantly over the years. Often, multiple cracks will form on the entire surface, and the original black color will fade away, leaving a gray and scruffy-looking driveway. Patching and rejuvenation are not practical solutions for this type of damage because you will require a lot of crack fillers; therefore, you should consider resurfacing as your restoration option.
As implied, the resurfacing process involves giving your driveway a fresh and attractive external surface. The foundation of the pavement structure is not disturbed. Typically, the contractor will remove the outer layer of the asphalt and apply an entirely new layer of the material. You will have a new pavement without the high costs associated with construction.
Reconstruction
If the internal structure of the asphalt driveway is damaged, you cannot use the resurfacing procedure to restore your feature. The extensive damage will manifest on the surface fast, even if you attempt to conceal. If your driveway is severely broken down, you should consider removing the entire pavement and building it afresh. The reconstruction option will minimize the cost of frequent repairs, and the new structure will ensure long-term service.
Contact a professional contractor if you want to restore the performance and appearance of your asphalt driveway.
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