A properly installed and maintained driveway provides safe access to a home. It also is an attractive entrance. Working with asphalt in St. Paul, MN can be challenging because of the hot summer temperatures and sub-zero winter temperatures. It’s important for a homeowner to hire a company that is experienced in working under these conditions. They should also be able to handle all phases of the construction from designing the driveway and obtaining the proper permits. Once the driveway is complete, it also has to pass a local inspection. The contractor should also provide a maintenance plan to maximize the life of the driveway.
Installing a driveway is the same process as building a small road. It has to be excavated to the proper depth so that the driveway is flush with the lawn when it is complete. Improper drainage is the biggest enemy to the driveway. If it does not flow away from the asphalt in St. Paul, MN, then it will freeze in the winter and cause frost heaves. Therefore the first layer of a driveway is coarse gravel. This provides the proper drainage. A coarse layer of asphalt is then placed over the gravel. Depending upon the site conditions, the contractor may recommend one or two layers of high-grade asphalt.
It’s important that the contractor seal the asphalt so that the hot summer sun doesn’t dry it out. If a customer skips this step, they may start to notice the driveway is developing a gray sheen. This is a sign that the driveway is oxidizing or rusting. There may be time to have a contractor apply hot rubberized sealant. If the homeowner ignores they gray tinge, they the driveway may develop cracks. If these aren’t filled water will seep into the asphalt and cause it to deteriorate. It is best to have a professional fill these cracks. They will use a flexible filler that can expand and contract under all weather conditions.
Customers to learn more about the services available from a professional driveway contractor. The Asphalt Driveway Company has been in business since 1951 and is the largest driveway contractor in the region.
