How long should I stay off my new driveway?
48
hours is the standard time, however, if rain occurs or low night
temperatures (say below 50 degrees) it could be as little as 24 hours.
What is the maintenance on my new driveway?
Personally,
I recommend sealing your driveway the following year after paving.
Then, it should be sealed every other year thereafter. If it still
looks good, you could wait two years between coatings. Call our
associate Mt. Top Seal Coating for more details at 301-334-2831.
Why do I have bumps or bubbles coming up on my driveway? 1 2 3 4
If
this occurs more than likely it's a dandelion trying to grow through
your asphalt. We always take precautions to kill any grass or weeds
before paving, but on occasion a dandelion might be overlooked. Believe
it or not, they can grow through asphalt. If this happens apply a
killer on the plants and tamp the bubble back down with a tamper (a
flat board and hammer will work). You should never see it again.
Why did my driveway crack? 1 2
Some
cracks just can’t be explained! But for the most part,
it’s usually a sub-base problem. Blacktop doesn’t
have any bridging capabilities, therefore, if more weight is applied to
it than the sub-base can withstand, the blacktop will move along with
the sub-base and eventually crack. If the sub-base
doesn’t move, the blacktop should not crack.
How long will my driveway last?
Driveways
are like cars in that due to the multiple factors affecting their
longevity, it is hard to predict how long one will last. For the most
part, however, you can expect 12-15 years’ life expectancy on
a new driveway. Sealcoating every few years will help extend the life
of your driveway. | Why is my blacktop scuffing when I turn my power steering? 1 2
Power
steering scuff marks is the number one problem in the Northeast United
States. The asphalt binder (black tar) used to make the
asphalt is only so flexible as far as temperature change, i.e, high
temperature to low temperature. Because of the extreme cold
and possibility of low, frigid temperatures in the winter, we must use
an asphalt binder that can withstand below zero temperatures without
cracking and becoming brittle. Therefore, it can only expand
to withstand a high end temperature of about 140 degrees before it
starts to become soft or pliable. When the sun heats up your pavement
on an 80 plus degree day, the surface temperature of your driveway can
reach 140 degrees plus, making it more susceptible to scuff
marks.
How can I prevent scuff marks from occurring?
Never
sit still and turn your power steering. Try to remember to
turn your steering while your car is moving and that should prevent a
scuff from occurring.
What should I do if I do get a power steering scuff.
Really,
I have never seen a power steering scuff ever damage a driveway to
early failure. The scuff marks are unsightly and look worse
than they actually are. However, if you do experience a bad
one, you can take an 8” x 8” flat hand tamper and
tamp the scuffed area. This method should be utilized on a hot day when
the ashault is most pliable.
If I seal my driveway, will that help prevent power steering scuff marks?
Unfortunately, no. |
