THE SMART HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS

Transcription

1 THE SMART HOMEOWNERS GUIDE

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PROS & CONS OF CHOOSING ASPHALT FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY INSTALLING AN ASPHALT DRIVEWAY THE INSTALLATION PROCESS PROPER ASPHALT MAINTENANCE SEALCOATING VS. A NEW DRIVEWAY HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ASPHALT CONTRACTOR TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ASPHALT CONTRACTOR WHERE TO BUY ASPHALT CONCLUSION

3 The overall look of your driveway creates an impression of your property and your unique lifestyle. A welcoming front drive offers a focal point for both passersby and guests as they approach your home. And, of course, an attractive driveway will add curb appeal to your house, making your investment in your driveway even more valuable. Because of this, it's in your best interest to carefully plan out the construction and maintenance of your front driveway. As one of the most commonly utilized surfacing materials for residential driveways, asphalt is an excellent choice. In addition to its sleek appearance, Asphalt offers durability and longevity. In fact, a well-maintained asphalt driveway can serve your home for decades, with very little maintenance required. To ensure that your driveway is both beautiful and functional, though, it's very important that you take the time to educate yourself on the characteristics of asphalt as a driveway surfacing material, the process of installing the driveway and how you will need to go about properly caring for it. With so many considerations to be made, it's not unusual for homeowners, like yourself, to find themselves at a loss with regards to where to begin. In order to help you navigate your way through your project with confidence, we've created this helpful guide to choosing and installing asphalt driveways. By familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of asphalt, as well as the construction and upkeep of your home's front drive, you'll maximize the integrity and value of your property.

4 PROS & CONS OF CHOOSING ASPHALT FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY PROS - The reason that asphalt is such a popular choice for residential driveways is that it offers numerous advantages, such as: Appearance - The rich, black color of asphalt makes a driveway look striking, without detracting from the beauty of the remainder of the property. For those who wish to modify the hue of their drive, however, there are options. The overall appearance can be influenced by pigmenting, or the use of tints added as a sealant. Cost - Asphalt is an extremely affordable option for surfacing a driveway. Although fluctuations in crude oil prices can alter the cost of asphalt from time to time, it is generally always far less expensive than other common materials, like concrete. Durability - Those living in colder climates will benefit greatly from choosing asphalt for their residential drives. This is because asphalt is quite resistant to cracking associated with extreme temperatures. It is also less susceptible to damages brought on by the use of rock salt or other ice melting products. Because of this, asphalt will remain tough, strong, reliable and attractive for many years. Low Maintenance - Despite the fact that asphalt driveways should be sealed regularly, they generally require very little maintenance, otherwise. In the event that a section of the drive does become cracked or chipped, making repairs is very simple and affordable. CONS - While no surfacing material is perfect, the good news is that asphalt does not have very many drawbacks. Heat - When temperatures are very high, the tar in asphalt can become soft and tacky. Fortunately, extreme heat is not a common occurrence in New Jersey. Sealing - Asphalt driveways must be sealed every 3-5 years. While this can seem like a burden doing so will extend the life of the driveway. For the majority of homeowners, the benefits of asphalt tend to far outweigh any drawbacks. It's always a good idea, though, to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have with a trusted professional, before moving forward with the installation. Once you've made your final decision, it's time to start making plans for the construction process. HERE 4

5 INSTALLING AN ASPHALT DRIVEWAY In order for the installation of your new asphalt driveway to be a success, you must develop a clear plan for how you would like your driveway to look, who you would like to handle the job and what exactly the process will entail. Be sure that you consider all aspects of the project before moving forward with driveway construction. VISUALIZING THE LOOK Although, above all else, your home's driveway needs to be functional, it its also important that it offers visual appeal. You want to come home each day to a front driveway that you can be proud of, and one that will improve the overall aesthetic of your property. When you're installing a new driveway, you have a lot of options. This is your chance to decide exactly how you want your drive to look. If your home is set back away from the road, you may want to construct a long, winding asphalt driveway. Other homeowners may prefer a circular drive, or just a traditional, simple path leading from the street to the garage. Whichever decision you make will impact the cost, difficulty and time it takes to complete the job. Some homeowners feel concern that the rich black of asphalt will not compliment the look of their home, or their landscape. Black, however, can be incorporated into any property in a way that is striking and elegant. By edging your driveway with brick, crushed stone or other materials that match other elements of your property, you can tie the entire look together. You may also consider installing stone pillars with entryway lighting at the end of your driveway, to further enhance the appearance of your home. HERE 5

6 INSTALLING AN ASPHALT DRIVEWAY (cont.) Contractor vs. Do-It-Yourself The next thing to consider is whether you can handle the project yourself, of if you'd be better served by hiring a reputable contractor to install your asphalt driveway. Unless you are an industry expert, you will most assuredly need the help of a professional. From start to finish, the process of constructing a residential driveway is extremely complicated. If you are hoping that your front drive will be attractive and long-lasting, every step must be completed with the utmost skill and precision. Any mistake or misstep could result in disaster. Imagine excavating the area where you plan to install your driveway, only to find that you have hit underground sewage lines, or other utility accesses. The damage caused by this could leave your household highly inconvenienced, and could cost you a pretty penny. An expert will be able to carefully evaluate the location to avoid problems like these. In addition to needing all of the right skills and experience, the installation of an asphalt driveway requires very specific materials and equipment. A typical homeowner would need to rent all of the necessary machinery and other tools, as well as overcome the learning curve of actually making use of the equipment. This could prove to be very challenging and time consuming, not to mention expensive. Obtaining the right materials for the project can also be a burden for homeowners. You'll need crushed stone as a base for the driveway, in order to promote healthy drainage, as well as the asphalt itself. Getting these would require you to pay for bulk delivery to your location, whereas a contractor will handle this task for you. Ultimately, choosing to work with a professional is always in your best HERE 6 interest, as it will guarantee that your driveway will be well constructed, while causing minimal stress to you.

7 THE INSTALLATION PROCESS So what can you expect from your contractor during the installation of your new asphalt driveway? First of all, your professional will need to clear the existing surface of your driveway. This may involve breaking up old concrete, or scraping away loose gravel from the surface. Once this step has been completed, the construction team will work to grade the slope of your driveway. Taking the time to grade the surface of the drive will help to prevent collapse or heaving, and will also help to achieve the necessary drainage. To accomplish this, the surface should be graded in such a way that water either runs off the sides of the drive, or to the bottom. After the slope of the driveway has been graded, the base soil will need to be compacted. In order to do this, your contractor will likely use machinery such as a 3,000 pound twin drum roller. This will ensure that the soil is firmly compacted for the stability of your new driveway. The base soil should then be covered with a thick layer of crushed stone. This step is crucial for proper drainage. For best results, the crushed stone should be somewhat coarse, and have jagged edges. As a rule, properties with a clay-based soil will need an 8- inch layer for crushed stone, whereas properties with a sandier soil will be fine with a 4-inch layer of stone. Once applied, the crushed stone should be packed into the sub-soil, and allowed to settle. The longer the stone is able to settle, the firmer and stronger the base of your new driveway will be. Next, the asphalt will be applied to the surface of your drive. Asphalt may be composed of aggregate in sizes ranging from 1/2 inch to 3/4 of an inch. Generally speaking, smaller aggregate is utilized for residential driveways, as it tends to offer a smoother appearance. Larger aggregate, though, creates a stronger pavement, and may help to stabilize surfaces where large vehicles, like RVs, are parked. Usually the asphalt should be applied in a layer thickness of 2-3 inches. After the asphalt is applied, it should be compacted with a heavy roller and treated. The asphalt should be formed at a 45- degree angle to the edges of the driveway. You should then wait at least hours before driving on the surface. HERE 7

8 PROPER ASPHALT MAINTENANCE Your newly installed asphalt driveway will require some TLC and maintenance, both while it's still new, and over the course of its entire lifetime. As with anything else, the better you care for your driveway, the longer it will last. When you consider that the actual cost of a driveway is measured by the length of its life, maintenance is an extremely important part of keeping your costs as low as possible, and maximizing the overall value of your original investment. The first 14 days of your asphalt driveway's life are crucial. As mentioned previously, you should allow at least 1-2 days before driving on the surface, but you should also wait up to 14 days before leaving parked vehicles on the driveway. Keep in mind that asphalt has a curing process that spans between days. Your driveway will be at its most vulnerable during this period, so you should avoid parking on it when temperatures are high, you should not turn your steering wheel while the vehicle is parked and you should place pieces of plywood beneath tires of campers, boats, or other vehicles that are parked for extended periods of time. You should also be aware that if you have your driveway installed during the fall, curing will stop during the winter, and resume during spring, so take necessary precautions to protect it. After the curing process has been finalized, you will be able to use your driveway normally, but there are a few tips that you should follow in order to keep your asphalt driveway in the best shape possible. First, work to avoid oil and gasoline spills, as asphalt is an oil-based material and can cause deterioration. Should any cracks appear, you should address them promptly by either filling them in yourself with the various products available on the market, or by seeking professional assistance. Above all else, you must stay on top of sealcoating your asphalt driveway. It's best to first sealcoat your front drive within the first nine months of its installation. After this, your driveway should be sealcoated once every three years. A quality seal coat can increase both the life and the overall appearance of the driveway, as it will lock in the existing oils, which works to keep the asphalt flexible. This is important, as it reduces the risk of cracking. A high-quality seal coat must be used to receive the maximum benefit. Unfortunately, many seal coat products that are on the market tend to sit on the shelves for a long time, reducing their quality and performance. For better results, buy your seal coat directly from a supplier, or hire a contractor to do the job for you. HERE 8

9 SEALCOATING VS. A NEW DRIVEWAY In some cases, a homeowner may already have an asphalt driveway, but the surface is not in the greatest shape. At this point you need to decide whether or not you can simply sealcoat the driveway, or if you should totally replace it. The problem, of course, is trying to figure out when sealcoating will actually do the trick. The first step to making your choice involves a close visual inspection of the driveway. Do you see areas where the pavement has become rutted or severely broken, or are there places where the surface seems to resemble the hide of an alligator? If so, it's definitely time that you started making plans for new asphalt. Once you've hit this point, the spot can't really be crack filled any longer. The reason behind this is that crack filling a driveway that is so damaged will basically turn the patch into a continuous sheet of rubber from the crack-filling product. Once the weather heats up, you may find that the tires of your vehicles may adhere to these spots, causing the pavement to literally be pulled out of the driveway. If there is ever any doubt in your mind with regards to the condition of your driveway, it's always smart to hire a professional contractor to assess it. This will enable you to make a more educated decision about sealcoating the driveway, or going forward with the process of upgrading to a new asphalt drive. Regardless of what you choose to do, though, a contractor should always handle the job for you. We've already highlighted the reasoning behind why working with a professional is necessary when installing a new driveway, but sealcoating should also be left to the experts. It's true that sealcoating materials are available for consumer projects, but it requires a lot more knowledge, skill and effort that your typical, run-of-the-mill "Do It Yourself" home project. For starters, many of the products that are on the shelves are typically not of the best quality. These sealcoating mixtures have been specially formulated so as to withstand remaining on a store shelf for a prolonged period of time, which will reduce the integrity of the product. A professional will utilize topgrade sealers with all of the appropriate additives so that it will enhance your driveway instead of create further problems. In addition to this, the actual process of sealcoating an asphalt driveway is quite laborious and challenging. From clearing the driveway, to properly trimming it and spreading the sealer, you may find that it's too much for you to handle on your own. Especially in cases where a driveway is particularly porous, the process of spreading the sealcoating product can be very hard, and make it difficult to create an evenly layered coat on the surface. A professional will have all of the experience, tools and equipment necessary to combat these problems and will be able to handle the job much more quickly than a novice. Now that you have a better understanding of why a professional contractor is necessary in both the HERE installation and maintenance of your asphalt driveway, it's time to discuss how to go about selecting the best contractor for the job. 9

10 CHOOSING THE BEST ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Because the look and functionality of your driveway make such a big impact on the overall value of your property, it's imperative that you take the time to consider your options and select the best asphalt contractor that is available for hire in your area. As you begin your search for a professional, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options that you have. How can you possibly tell which contractors will provide you with excellent work at fair rates? Here are a few of the things that you should look for in a contractor, some important questions to ask your prospective contractors and red flags that you should be aware of before hiring. For obvious reasons, you want to select an asphalt contractor that you feel comfortable with, and who you feel that you can really trust. After all, installing a driveway can be an expensive investment that will make a big difference on the impression that your home gives off. HERE 10

11 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR It's important to look for a contractor who is experienced, who takes pride in their work, who is respectful of their customer's property, needs, and wishes and who is fair and reasonable in terms of pricing. Although many contractors will claim that these characteristics are true of their business, the fastest and best way to find out the truth about a prospect is by asking them a few smart questions. Question #1: What level of industry experience does your company have? Although a newer contracting company may be very eager for your business or even offer a lower estimate, it's probably not in your best interest to work with one. The more years that a contractor has been in business, the more reliable you can expect them to be. Those with years of industry experience will know the most about selecting highquality materials, and will be able to work with more speed and precision than someone who is just getting started out in the field. Question #2: How does your appraisal process work? Before getting an estimate from a prospective contractor, it's a good idea to find out how their appraisal process actually works. First of all, will they provide you with a free estimate, or is there a fee involved? Next, you should ask whether or not a representative will actually come out and evaluate your property before work, or if they will simply provide you with a generalized proposal over the phone. The less that your contractor knows about your specific needs, the more likely it is that changes will end up being made to the estimate before the job is over. For this reason, it's wise to inquire as to whether the proposal is a fixed cost, or if it's just an estimate. Unless the proposal details exactly what the costs are for, and is clear on a price, you will be assuming the risk that the work could cost more than you initially expect. HERE 11

12 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Question #3: Can you provide me with references from past or current customers? These days, it's very easy for customers to go online and read reviews about a particular business. Unfortunately, these reviews are not always accurate, as businesses can plant fake reviews in their favor, or competitors can try to bring a similar company's ratings down. The best way to confirm whether or not previous services rendered have been satisfactory is to ask for several references from past or current customers. By speaking with other homeowners who are in the same position as you, you can get a better feel for what the contractor is like, and if they are the right fit for your needs. Question #4: May I see pictures of your past work? In addition to talking to previous customers, it's also in your best interest to take a look at photos of the contractor's prior work. Do the completed driveways look neat and attractive? Does it seem as though the contractor will be able to bring your vision for your home's driveway to life? HERE 12

13 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Question #5: Do you carry the proper insurance? You should never make the decision to work with an asphalt contractor that isn't insured for general liability, worker's compensation or autos. Businesses are required to remain up-to-date on these types of policies as it's in the best interest of both the company itself, and its customers. If something were to happen to your property or to one of the contractor's employees while on-the-job, it's important that you are protected against any damages or lawsuits. A reputable business will be happy to supply you with copies of a certificate of insurance, or will allow you to speak with their insurance provider to confirm that they hold valid, current policies. Question #6: What type of warranty do you offer? Find out whether or not your contractor offers a warranty on your new asphalt driveway, and what the warranty actually covers. Some contractors will only cover the materials involved, whereas others also provide a warranty on labor. The best asphalt contractors will take pride in their work and will be confident enough to back up their work with a warranty for several years. HERE 13

14 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Question #7: When will work begin, and how long will it last? As a homeowner, you are entitled to know what to expect in terms of when your asphalt contractor will actually begin work on your driveway. This will enable you to make any necessary prior arrangements to prepare for the construction of your new driveway. During periods of inclement weather, your contractor may be required to put your project on hold. Although asphalt can be applied in very cold weather, once temperatures dip below degrees, it becomes much more difficult to get proper compaction. This is due to the fact that asphalt cools very quickly, meaning that its aggregate compounds are unable to adequately fill air voids in the mixture. Because of this, a contractor who is willing to work in cold weather may charge you more for the construction of your driveway. In addition to finding out when your contractor can begin work, it's a good idea to request a detailed schedule that will inform you of when their crew will be working at your property, and how long the process will take. Question #8: What inconveniences, if any, might occur? Before you allow your asphalt contractor to begin work on your driveway, you should definitely take the time to discuss any inconvenience that the construction might impose upon you or your neighbors. For example, will you or another household member be required to be at home throughout the construction process, or is your contractor willing and able to do work while you are not present? This could mean planning to take some time off of work, or to try to schedule the paving of your driveway for a weekend, which may result in higher labor costs. Will any equipment or machinery need to be stored on your property during the construction process? Is there any potential for property damages, and how will the contractor work to prevent problems like these? You should also ask about the level of noise that the application of your asphalt driveway will create. Especially in cases where construction will occur early in the morning, it's in your best interest to notify your neighbors of the expected noise level to avoid complaints. HERE 14

15 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Question #9: Does your company offer maintenance services? Once work on your new asphalt driveway has been completed, you'll need to take measures to properly care for and maintain it. Without doing so, your driveway's life will be significantly reduced, lessening the value of your investment and creating problems down the line. Although very experienced do-ityourselfers may feel that they have the ability to adequately sealcoat their drives at regular intervals, this may not always be the best idea. Sealcoating requires a great deal of skill and precision, and the right sealcoat products must be utilized in order to ensure that you reap the benefits of the process. Many "off the shelf" products are not of the highest quality, so it's usually better to hire a professional who can handle your driveway maintenance for you. This is especially true in cases where a warranty on your driveway is contingent on routine maintenance. HERE 15

16 TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PROSPECTIVE ASPHALT CONTRACTOR Question #10: Where do you obtain your asphalt from? Too many homeowners make the mistake of believing that the type of asphalt used by their contractors, and the manufacturer from which they obtain it is irrelevant. They trust their asphalt professionals to make use of the highest quality paving materials, but this may not always be the case. You want to purchase your asphalt from a manufacturer who produces their own aggregates as opposed to a supplier who purchases their aggregates from someone else. This helps to ensure that you will receive a more consistent product. The best contractors will have working relationships with asphalt plants that produce excellent paving and surfacing materials. Above all else, it's always important to go with your "gut" instincts when hiring an asphalt contractor. Asking these 10 questions will help you to get a better feel for your prospects, and the more that you interview, the more accurately you will be able to read their answers, and feel confident about which contractor is a true professional and who will meet your specific needs. As a rule, it's a good idea to speak to at least between 2-4 different contractors to ensure that you receive excellent service, a quality driveway and a fair price. Always be wary of contractors who appear to be either unwilling or unable to answer the questions that you have for them. Pay attention to how confidently your prospects address your inquiries. Do they speak with authority, or do they tend to "beat around the bush" and never quite provide you with a straight answer? This should send up a red flag that the company is not fully qualified to handle your project. If there is every any doubt in your mind with regards to the reliability of a prospective contractor, you may find it helpful to solicit the advice of a local asphalt manufacturer. Because asphalt plants often work closely with contractors, they will have a working knowledge of the reputation of various companies, and what their skill sets are. By talking to an asphalt manufacturer, you can find out how skilled your prospects are, how true they are to their word, how efficiently they operate and the quality of their work. HERE 16

17 WHERE TO PURCHASE ASPHALT IN NEW JERSEY As a leading producer of asphalt in northern New Jersey, Braen Stone is proud to offer the highest quality asphalt for pickup or for bulk delivery throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York. Because we manufacture our own asphalt with aggregates produced in our own quarries, you can expect that your driveway will be paved with top-quality materials. We produce asphalt mixes in our plant that are specifically designed for surfacing driveways, and offer excellent sealers to enhance the strength of your drive and extend its lifespan. Purchasing asphalt directly from a producer/supplier comes with numerous advantages. By making the decision to go this route, you will enjoy benefits, such as: Quality: In order for your driveway to look great, remain in good shape and live out its full expected lifespan, you must begin with the highest quality asphalt possible. Consistency: It's in your best interest to work with a contractor who always purchases asphalt from the same asphalt plant for each project. A contractor who picks and chooses an asphalt supplier is probably only looking at the cost of the materials as opposed to the quality. Utilizing asphalt from the same manufacturer will ensure that the materials used are of the same consistent quality. Price: As you are choosing to purchase from a reliable producer who uses their own aggregates, ensuring quality and consistency, you will reap long term benefits. Over time you will not see your driveway suffer from defects that other manufacturers asphalt may suffer from, saving you money in both repair and maintenance.

18 FINAL THOUGHTS ON ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS When properly installed and cared for, an asphalt driveway can do wonders for your home's property value. By working with a professional contractor and purchasing materials from a reliable producer like Braen Stone, you can rest assured that your driveway will serve its purpose and hold its value well into the future.