Using Asphalt for Your Residential Paving Projects

Asphalt is a popular material for residential projects. In addition to being extremely attractive due to its rich black color, the asphalt may also provide some other benefits that could make it a superior option to concrete for driveways, walkways, and other common residential paving projects.

Asphalt Paving Is an Efficient and Versatile Option to Choose

When preparing for a major paving project, a homeowner will understandably want to choose an option that will be as quick and efficient to install as possible. Asphalt excels in this regard due to the fact that it will rapidly harden as it cools. In contrast, concrete is a material that may need several weeks or longer in order to fully cure. Due to this rapid installation time, asphalt can be an ideal option when you are having paving work that needs to be done but also wants to be able to start using the pavement as soon as possible.

Installing Gutters and Other Drainage Enhancing Features Can Be Necessary

Drainage and runoff management are important factors to consider whenever you are preparing to undertake a paving project. Otherwise, the runoff could lead to damage occurring to the pavement by eroding the soil away from the base of the pavement or even soaking into the pavement itself. Luckily, there are a number of options that can make improving the runoff management for asphalt pavement. French drains are one option that will often be installed in the asphalt to help manage the rain that accumulates on it. Gutters on the sides of the pavement can further reduce the risk of erosion forming as it will allow the runoff to be directed towards nearby storm drains. Without the use of these gutters, there will be a much higher risk of the runoff washing away the soil from near the edges of the pavement, which could lead to it crumbling or collapsing due to a lack of support.

Asphalt Can Be Relatively Easy to Repair When It Suffers Damage

In the event that your asphalt surface suffers some damage, it can be repaired with relative ease. One of the most common repair techniques will involve applying a small amount of asphalt to the damaged areas so that they can be patched. This is among the quickest and most affordable repair options for these problems. Generally, this is an option that is well-suited to smaller and more isolated damages. For widespread problems, resurfacing the asphalt pavement may provide a more comprehensive and durable repair.