Monday, December 18, 2017

What Is Involved In Asphalt Maintenance Central Alabama

By Carl Roberts


When you are considering asphalt maintenance for your driveway, there are four main areas considered. Over time, asphalt will become dry and brittle and thus develop cracks. The asphalt will wear away as more cracks form. After that, there will be water penetration which further worsens the situation. Water makes base materials to move, causing the surface to crack. When considering asphalt maintenance Central Alabama residents ought to be conversant with what it involves.

Patch repairs deal with isolated areas. Through the use of backhoe as well as saw cutting, there is removal of the pavement. The other option is to use grinding machines. After asphalt gets removed, it gets replaced with new ones. The method that is used for the removal is what determines amount that gets removed. The depth removed needs to be equal to 1.5 times the original thickness. There might be the need to replace base-rock so as to match areas in the surrounding.

Overlay is affordable and is used to give the surface a new image. When dealing with overlay, many factors are considered. For once, thickness will need maximum 2.5 inches and 1.5 inches on the lower side. Secondly, there needs to be a smooth transition. In considering where to have existing pavement ground, overlay section is not to be ground down to the level of existing structure. This weakens strength of overlay.

In doing seal coating, this is normally an essential part of extending life of asphalt and should not be assumed. Sealant coating is usually a mixture of mineral fibers, water and emulsified asphalt. Admixtures are also part of it. The coating does seal top layer and consequently will prevent any water penetration. Top layers also get protected from any exposure to sunlight and oxidation.

The best time to have the driveway maintained is during summer because heat from sunlight will cause sealant used to dry much faster. The maintenance can also be done in early fall because the driveway will be protected during winter. Sunny days are the best for drying of sealant. Other than that, the surface should be left to dry for 24 hours. As a result, proper weather forecast is needed.

Coal tar and acrylic are the most popular options used as sealant materials. Coal tar has been used for the longest time and is weather resistant. In addition, it has long-lasting sheen added to it. It is supposed to get applied after every three years or earlier if there is an aesthetic need.

Acrylic sealers are a relatively new option. They are very durable and offer a greater barrier between things that cause damage and the asphalt. Some of the things that bring about damage are gasoline and oil. The acrylic sealers are a very environmentally friendly option, only that they are costlier. The other advantage is that they are only applied after every six years.

When driveways are well groomed, vehicles will not be able to damage them easily. It also adds to appeal of property. Driveways are supposed to be maintained on a regular basis. This will ensure they stay in top condition.




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