When your driveway needs a facelift, it’s time to invest in driveway paving. But what does this involve?
The best SC Driveway Paving Charleston materials are durable and attractive. There are several options to choose from. Interlocking concrete paving stones are popular and very affordable, while bluestone has a beautiful hue and authentic brick pavers are more expensive but last longer.
A driveway’s sub-base is the layer underneath your chosen surface. It is made from either unbound granular material or concrete and helps to spread the load that is put on the surface of your driveway. The benefit of this is that it reduces the chances of the driveway becoming distorted or sinking over time.
This is because the load is spread across a wider area. It also means that the surface of your driveway will last longer and won’t be damaged as easily. The use of a sub-base isn’t always necessary, but it is highly recommended and is a good idea for most types of paving or surface.
Before constructing any pavement, it is essential to check the subgrade soil’s ability to support the proposed pavement thickness. Ideally, the subgrade should be smooth and firm. A quick test can be performed by squeezing the soil between your fingers. If it crumbles, this indicates that the soil is too dry and needs to be re-watered. If it forms a hard ball and leaves moisture on your hand, the soil is the correct consistency.
If the existing subgrade is an aggregate base course, it should be bladed, shaped and compacted to achieve proper dimensions and conformance with the plan specifications. In addition, the existing subgrade should be graded to remove low spots and high spots and stabilized with an appropriate binder.
It is also important to lay a geotextile driveway fabric on the sub-base prior to construction. This prevents the sub-base aggregates from migrating back into the soil under hydrostatic and seismic stress, and it helps to retain moisture, improve drainage and control weed growth.
The use of a sub-base is also recommended if you are using a more expensive paving option such as pavers. Pavers offer more flexibility in terms of colours, patterns and textures than concrete slabs, but they still rely on a strong sub-base to ensure their longevity.
Pavement
The pavement is the last layer in the overall driveway construction. It’s the surface you drive on, and it’s generally made of either asphalt or concrete. Once the soil sub-grade is ready to go, and the base has been laid, it’s time for the final layer. Pavement is usually an asphalt mix, but it can also be a concrete mix or another material such as cobblestones. The type of material used will depend on the overall look you want and your budget.
Gravel driveways are often the most economical option, but they can become soft and damage easily. They’re also not as safe to use as paved surfaces during inclement weather or when there’s heavy traffic. Concrete is more expensive, but it’s more durable and long-lasting than gravel. Pavement is a bit more complex to install, but it’s a great choice for high-traffic areas that require durability and an aesthetic look.
In general, the cost to pave a driveway will be determined by its square footage. This includes the cost of the paving materials themselves, as well as any other necessary excavation and grading that may be needed to prepare the site. The type of material chosen and the installation method will also determine how much it costs to pave a driveway.
Before the final layer of pavement is put down, it’s important to ensure that the underlying layers are properly installed and compacted. This will reduce the vertical compressive stress placed on the soil sub-grade and protect it from surface water.
To do this, the contractor will use a machine called a roller to ensure that the underlying layer is evenly and uniformly compacted. Then, a tack coat is applied to the surface, which is an asphalt emulsion diluted with water. The tack coat helps the binder bond with the underlying layer and set quickly.
Once the tack coat is in place, the final layer of pavement can be applied. It is usually an asphalt mix that’s spread very thin. Once it’s dry, a seal coat is then applied to help keep the surface protected from dirt, moisture, and UV rays.
Sealer
The final step in a professional driveway paving job is applying the seal coat. It takes three to ten days for the seal coat to cure before it is safe for traffic. During this time, it is important that the driveway remain dry. This is why it is recommended to hire a professional to perform the application of the seal coat.
A professional has the appropriate specialized tools for a faster and more effective application of a seal coat. These tools may include a pressurized sprayer that is best suited for applying the sealant to large areas and for quickly filling cracks and crevices. Professionals also have extensive knowledge of a product manufacturer’s individual instructions for applying their brand of sealcoat.
When you are shopping for a contractor to perform your asphalt sealing, make sure that they use the highest quality products available. A high quality sealer will last longer and will be backed by a generous warranty. In addition, the professional will know what type of sealer is best suited for your driveway or parking lot. This information is particularly important if you are considering the purchase of an environmentally friendly asphalt sealer that is less damaging to the environment than coal tar or acrylic polymer.
It is wise to purchase one more container of sealer than you estimate that you will need, especially for larger jobs. This allows you to keep a spare for touch-ups and is also a good insurance policy in case you run out during the project. Also, be sure to protect surrounding surfaces from spillage by covering them with plastic sheeting and having a drop cloth on hand in case of drips.
An asphalt driveway requires regular maintenance to prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Proper maintenance includes repairing any cracks and holes, cleaning the surface, and applying seal coat. Sealing shields the paving from the sun’s UV rays, which deteriorate the binder and expose the aggregate. In addition, it prevents water and ice from seeping into the paving and melting it, which can cause it to spall and crumble. It is a good idea to have your driveway or parking lot sealed every three years.
Installation
Once the subgrade is prepared and a screen or weed barrier has been installed (if desired), the next step is to put down a layer of paver base. This is a 6-inch layer of washed, crushed stone that should be spread and compacted to form a smooth, even surface. This is where a pro comes in handy. For a driveway this size, it’s best to hire a professional paving contractor with experience working with permeable pavers.
After the paver base is laid, it should be leveled and compacted with a hand tamper. This helps keep the pavers in place and prevents them from shifting over time. Next, a layer of coarse sand should be laid over the top. This is the material that holds the pavers in place. It’s important to screed the sand in small sections, about 50-100 square feet each. This makes the sand smooth and ensures that it is evenly distributed.
The last step is to lay down the pavers. Make sure to use a pattern that fits your needs and design preferences. You can choose from a wide variety of paver shapes, colors and patterns to achieve the look you want. It’s also a good idea to lay the pavers closely together so that the joints are small and neat. Then, once all the pavers are in place, a final layer of sand should be spread over the entire surface to lock them in and help them stay firm.
It’s important to remember that driveway paving can be expensive. It’s usually more cost-effective to hire a professional paving company than to try and save money by doing the project yourself. Additionally, if the job is done poorly, it can lead to low spots in your driveway that need to be re-done later on. This is why many homeowners opt to hire a professional instead of trying to save money by doing it themselves.
