If you have plans for a new driveway, your first decision is going to be regarding what material to use. Gravel is a good all-purpose surface with a very rustic look, but it needs to heave additional gravel applied on a fairly regular basis and it is very difficult to remove snow from. Concrete is sturdy and can take a lot of abuse, but with our climate, it’s going to be subject to cracking from ground heave, will show signs of any repairs that are required, shows stains from automobile leaks and drips, and can suffer deterioration from road salt. Asphalt Burnsville, MN is also subject to the effects of our harsh winters, but it can be repaired more easily than concrete and the repairs will not be as obvious. It doesn’t show stains and road salt has no real effect on it. The only thing that concerns some individuals about laying down an asphalt driveway is the fact that its cost may tend to fluctuate a bit along with the price of oil, as it is a petroleum-based product. The truth is that an asphalt drive is still usually less expensive to install than concrete.
Getting a proper initial installation of your asphalt driveway is the real key to its ease of care and longevity. It needs to be done by experienced professionals who know how to put down a good solid layer of base material with no gaps or weak spots. Once the asphalt has been applied, it will need a good initial sealing. This should be at least two coats of commercial-grade sealant, with the first coat being done with a squeegee and the second coat sprayed on to get into all the nooks and crannies. This sealing should be done every three years or so, depending on use and although some home owners do the job themselves, it may be best to let the professionals handle this chore.
Asphalt Burnsville, MN that has not been installed correctly is subject to damage from water seeping underneath where the base was not put down properly or where there were gaps in the process. This can easily lead to cracks which can turn into potholes if not filled in time, and may even lead to the need for patching or overlaying. If you are having these difficulties with your driveway, the experts at Asphalt Driveway Company Inc. can help return it to like-new.