Asphalt is durable, resilient and low-maintenance. The process of paving with asphalt is not difficult, but proper asphalt installation requires heavy equipment that most homeowners do not possess – specifically, a 3,000-pound twin drum roller for compacting soil. A properly installed asphalt driveway will last 30 to 40 years with little maintenance. So the question is: how to pave a driveway properly?
The primary steps for how to pave a driveway are straightforward – from removing the existing surface to grading and refinishing the driveway. However there are several key steps that will mean the difference between a smooth, long lasting driveway, and one filled with cracks and puddles.
1. Grade the Driveway Slope for Drainage
If you’re wondering how to pave a driveway, the first step is always that the property should be surveyed for underground cables, gas pipes and water lines to ensure no damage is done to these essential utilities. The base soil should be graded so that water runs off to the sides or bottom. This will ensure proper drainage and prevent a collapsed or heaved driveway. An optimal slope is 1/4 inch per foot. If your driveway is completely flat build a slight hill in the center of the driveway so water spills to the sides
If the subsoil is inferior, new soil will need to be installed before the asphalt paving can continue.
2. Create the Proper Base
The subsoil may be sprayed with a sterilizer to prevent weeds growing up through the crushed gravel and asphalt surface. The subsoil should then be compacted using a twin drum roller to prevent any future settling. Then cover the base soil with crushed rock. The composition of the rock should be coarse and jagged. A thicker layer of crushed rock is needed for clay-based soils, than for sandy soil. This base should be left to settle for one week to ensure a stronger, more naturally settled base.
3. Lay the Asphalt
When it comes to how to pave a driveway, the size of the aggregate used to create asphalt pavement ranges from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. Smaller aggregate is usually used for residential driveways because it gives a smoother appearance. If the aggregate is larger, however, the pavement is stronger. The ideal thickness is two to three inches. The asphalt should then be compacted using the heavy roller.
4. Treat the Edges
The best way to complete edges is with a concrete or paving stone border or curb. The asphalt is commonly formed at a 45-degree angle at the edges. To support vehicles that cross over the 45-degree asphalt edge, it’s advised that the crushed gravel extend 8 inches to 10 inches out from the driveway.
5. Sealing
Driveway sealing should not be undertaken for at least 9 months after the asphalt is installed. The asphalt needs time to cure and sealers prevent the curing process from taking place.
Now that you have the professional guidelines for how to pave a driveway, you may want a paving expert to advise you on your specific grading and soil conditions. To arrange a consultation, contact Basic Construction today at .
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