Paving, also known as hydro-sealing, can be an expensive but vital addition to your driveway. From making it smoother and sturdier to preventing any stones from dislodging and leaving your driveway rutted, here’s everything you need to know about paving.
The Benefits of Paving Adelaide
To improve the curb appeal of your property and increase your home’s overall value, paving your driveway is a worthwhile investment. Here are some of the benefits of paving your driveway:
Paving makes it easier for cars to move around and reduces getting stuck in snow or ice.
Paving adds colour and texture to your driveway, making it more appealing to passersby.
Paving can help reduce noise levels from tires on the pavement.
Paving can help protect your driveway from excess water damage during heavy rainstorms.
Types of Paving
Looking to pave your driveway but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. There are a few different types of paving materials, and confusion about which one is right for your needs.
Stone Paving:
The most common type of paving is simply loose stones set in a particular pattern with a gravel or asphalt sub-base. This type of paving is typically used as a walkway or driveway surface, as it’s quite durable and easy to clean.
Concrete Paving:
Concrete Paving Adelaide is similar to stone paving in that it uses small stones or debris as the main substrate, but the concrete is also injected with an epoxy resin mix so that the resulting product is very strong and durable. Concrete pavers can be used for both driveways and walkways and are popular for their esthetic appeal and strength and durability.
History of Paving
Paving is one of the oldest methods of road construction, dating back to Assyrian times. Cypress logs were driven in leaden barrels along the ground surface, leaving a smooth and impervious road. The Romans took this technique further by forming a wooden mosaic using small stones embedded in a mortar-like substance. This allowed for even weight distribution and prevented the build up of mud and snow that could cause potholes.
The first asphalt pavement was created in the 1860s by heating bitumen and shale until they were liquefied. Petrol schists were also mixed with black volcanic ash to make an asphalt used on railway tracks from 1885 to 1915.
There are now many different types of paving products available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Asphalt concrete is the most common type used today because it is durable, flexible, and has good heat insulation properties. However, it can be difficult to repair or replace if damaged, it can be expensive to lay down, and there is a risk of water infiltration through the system if it freezes.
Making it Safer to Walk or Drive on a New Paving Surface
When you replace your driveway surface, it’s important to make sure that the new asphalt is as safe as possible for pedestrians and drivers. Here are things to keep in mind when paving your driveway:
1) Make sure the new surface is firm and has no ruts or bumps. A lumpy or bumpy driveway can be troublesome for pedestrians and drivers, who may not be able to manage the surface safely.
2) Use permeable paving material if you have a wet area adjacent to your driveway. Permeable paving will allow water and other moisture to seep through the material, helping to prevent puddles and future stain problems.
3) Make sure your paving material is ADA-compliant. Many paving materials are not ADA-compliant, so make sure that your product includes adequate markings for accessibility.
4) Check the slope of your driveway before you start paving. Generally, a gradual slope is best for pedestrians and drivers. However, if you have an especially steep slope, you may need to install sloped footings beneath your driveway instead of a conventional paved surface.
Conclusion
Paving Adelaide is a great way to make your driveway look nicer and more professional, but there are some important things you need to know before you start. Ensure to read up on the different types of paving available, choose the right one for your driveway, and follow all the proper installation guidelines. Your driveway will last for many years and look great if you do everything correctly.
