Asphalt is famous for residential and commercial driveways, parking lots, roads, etc. However, there are a few things that you should know about it before you decide to install it on your property.

A properly maintained asphalt surface will last for years. Regular sweeping, crack filling, and seal coating can help your asphalt maintain its quality.

Cost

Asphalt paving is one of the most popular and commonly used types. It is a durable material that can last for decades with proper maintenance.

It can also be a great choice if you are looking for an environmentally friendly material that does not release unwanted substances into the environment. It is a recycled product that can be reused repeatedly, which helps cut down on landfill space.

The paving cost depends on the amount of work required and the specific services involved in the project. Usually, the initial prices are higher than seal coating, but it will be worth it in the long run as asphalt driveways can last up to 15 to 20 years.

The asphalt paving Seattle begins by grading the area and laying a base down. It is a combination of aggregates and a binder that makes the asphalt surface solid and resilient. It also promotes water drainage and prevents water from sitting on the surface of the finished pavement.

Appearance

The appearance of your pavement is an essential factor to consider. It can boost the curb appeal of your property and increase your resale value if you sell your business.

Paving can be designed to look elegant and stylish. For example, you can color or stamp it to add an attractive design element.

Another way to give your asphalt a high-end design is to use a specialty seal coat. This coating prevents weather damage, limits oxidation, and enhances the overall beauty of your pavement.

It’s also easy to maintain and requires less care than other paving options. You can power wash the surface to remove stains and lingering debris.

Asphalt paving can create various roadways, driveways, parking lots, and other outdoor spaces. The dark color of asphalt makes it a good choice for these projects, as it stands out against surrounding landscaping and other concrete buildings.

Maintenance

Whether you have a driveway or a parking lot, asphalt pavements need regular maintenance to remain in good condition. It is essential because asphalt is not an indestructible material, and it is prone to damage from the sun, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles.

The key to maintaining your asphalt pavement is to catch minor problems early on so that they can be repaired before they become more prominent. It is much more cost-effective than waiting until issues develop into major repairs or replacements.

If you notice a crack in your asphalt, you should have it sealed right away. It will help prevent water from penetrating the surface, which could lead to oxidation and more severe problems.

Also, watching for potholes and depressions in your asphalt would be best. Potholes form when water penetrates the pavement and erodes the base. Depressions are areas of the pavement surface with a lower elevation than the rest of the character.

Durability

The durability of asphalt paving is an essential factor to consider when choosing a surfacing solution. The quality of the paving material directly impacts how long it lasts and how well it holds up to repeated use.

Good pavements can last for years but require proper construction and maintenance to keep them functioning at their best. During design, engineers pay special attention to traffic flow and the subsoil and pavement thicknesses that can handle the loads from vehicles and trucks.

Durability is also a function of in-place density, which can be increased through proper field compaction. In 2016, the Asphalt Institute (AI) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) created a workshop that teaches state highway agencies how to improve their paved surfaces through increases in in-place density.

Fatigue-related failure is one of the most common forms of damage in asphalt pavements. It is mainly due to the viscoelastic nature of the asphalt binder, which allows heavy loads to deform it into ruts.