The Importance of a Proper Base for your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are a common and popular choice for many homeowners. They are a good choice for many reasons. They are durable, easy to maintain, and offer a variety of design options. Asphalt driveways can also be installed quickly and easily, which makes them a great choice for those who do not have a lot of time or money to invest in a new driveway. However, in order to get the most out of your asphalt driveway, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed on a solid base.
The base of your asphalt driveway is what provides support and stability for the entire structure. Without a proper base, your asphalt driveway will eventually crack and crumble. A proper base should be made up of several layers of compacted 21A gravel and soil. These layers work together to provide a stable foundation for your asphalt driveway.
If you are installing an asphalt driveway yourself, it is important to make sure that you properly prepare the base before laying the asphalt. There are a few different ways that you can prepare the base for an asphalt driveway. The most important thing to remember is that the base needs to be compacted and level. You can do this by hand or with a machine. If you choose to do it by hand, you will need to use a tamper or a compactor. If you have access to a machine, you can use a roller compactor.
Once the base is compacted, you will need to add a layer of gravel. This should be about 3- 4 inches thick. The gravel will help with drainage and will also provide support for the asphalt. After the gravel is in place, you can then add a layer of sand. This should be about one inch thick. The sand will help to fill any voids in the gravel and will also provide a smoother surface for the asphalt.
Once the base is prepared, you are ready to lay the asphalt. If you are doing it yourself, it is important to make sure that you compact the asphalt as you go. This can be done with a roller or a tamper machine. It is also possible to hand-tamp the edges of the driveway for a firm edge. Once the asphalt is compacted, you will need to let it cure for no less than 48 hours. But for hot summer days, it is best to wait for three days before adding any traffic.
If you already have an asphalt driveway that is in need of repair, it is important to make sure that the base is still in good condition. If the base doesn’t have enough gravel, we install more to reach the correct level and thickness needed. If the base is not properly compacted or if there are any large cracks or holes, you have to first cut the damaged area and haul away the asphalt. Once it is done, you can then regrade the base and compact it. Once the base is repaired, you can then patch the hole in your driveway and lay new asphalt.
Taking the time to properly install or repair the base of your asphalt driveway is well worth it in the long run. A solid base will ensure that your driveway lasts for many years and looks great doing it. If you do not have experience working with asphalt, it is best to hire a professional to install your driveway. They will have the experience and knowledge necessary to properly prepare the base and lay the asphalt so that it will last for many years. Contact us today at Tejada’s Paving LLC. We would love to help you get started on your project.