Blacktop and asphalt are reliable, durable, and widely used paving methods. They’re also safe, affordable to upkeep, and suitable for various jobs.
Blacktop has a lower weight load than asphalt and can bend more quickly, making it a good choice for residential roads, playgrounds, driveways, and parking lots. Using the right paving contractor is essential for long-lasting, high-quality blacktops.
Strength
Asphalt has excellent load-carrying ability. When properly constructed, it can support the weight of heavy vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trailers. It is much more forgiving than concrete, which can crack over time due to improper installation or incorrect mixture preparation.
An attractive, well-maintained driveway is a massive asset to any home or business. It enhances the curb appeal and adds to a property’s overall value. It also leaves a positive impression on visitors or prospective buyers.
Hiring a professional paving company like blacktop driveways Elkhart IN with a strong team of experts dedicated to providing high-quality service and the best customer experience possible, is essential. They should be knowledgeable, courteous, and willing to answer your questions. They should be able to complete the work promptly and ensure your driveway is a smooth ride for years to come. An unattractive or uneven driveway may give visitors or potential buyers the wrong impression and damage your property’s appearance.
Durability
A paved driveway is not invincible, but it can last long with the proper maintenance and care. One way to make a blacktop driveway more durable is by having it sealed every few years. This helps protect the surface from weather damage, oil stains, and other things that can cause it to degrade faster.
Asphalt is more flexible than concrete, making it less prone to cracking over time. In addition, unlike concrete, an asphalt driveway can withstand the repeated pounding of heavy vehicles without losing its structural integrity.
This is because the top layer of an asphalt installation — called the “wearing course,” “surface course,” or “topping” — uses aggregates that are much smaller than those used in the binder course. The result is a material that is tighter and smoother, more attractive, and better at shedding water than the more porous binder course.
Safety
Every construction job comes with risks, and asphalt paving is no exception. Workers in the field must operate several power tools and heavy equipment, which may be dangerous to them or those in their way. In addition, asphalt is a sticky substance that can cause burns if it contacts the skin. It is also often mixed with solvents that range in toxicity.
Asphalt contractors are trained to avoid these hazards and make the work area as safe as possible. They may install barriers and signs to keep passersby away from their machinery, and they should be sure to clear the work area of obstructions like overhead power lines, trees, or buried utilities.
Experts in paving also ensure that an asphalt surface is slightly sloped, allowing water to slide off easily rather than pooling and potentially freezing. This reduces the risk of water seeping into cracks and creating potholes or other infrastructure damage.
Aesthetics
A freshly paved asphalt driveway is a beautiful thing. Fresh blacktop looks slick when hot off the paver and can complement many landscaping schemes.
It’s also durable and does well in winter weather because it has more flexibility than concrete. Fewer cracks can form due to friction, freezing, and thawing. It’s also less likely to crumble if salt and ice are applied regularly.
Whether you have gravel, concrete, or blacktop on your property, the surface must be properly graded and sloped so water drains away from the building or structures. Excessive water can cause problems like flooding, potholes, and other maintenance issues.
Commercial paving contractors can help to ensure that your driveway, parking lot, or roadway is leveled correctly, sloped, and paved. This will prevent puddles, water runoff, and other hazards. This helps maintain the safety and appeal of your property and can contribute to the image visitors attach to your business.
