Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Construct Quality Pavements Through Asphalt Paving Phoenix Contractors

By Essie Osborn


When constructing parking and driveways, you need to choose the right material such as asphalt. The material you use should be able to withstand heavy traffic and the effects of environmental changes. If you settle on asphaltic hot mix, you can consult asphalt paving Phoenix contractors to start designing and laying down the structure.

To get a durable and long lasting asphaltic pavement, you need to ensure the contractor does everything right from the laying of foundation or the base to the application of blacktop. Asphaltic driveways and parking lot are made using crushed stones and aggregate, which form the sub base as well as sand and asphalt cement. With a properly installed asphaltic paving surface, it can last for about 25 years or more.

If aggregate is not compacted firmly, it will become unstable and weaken the structure. A contractor should use the right equipments and quality materials so that you get a durable finished pavement. When contractors are designing pavements, they should allow proper grading which drains water away from the surface.

Fine hairline cracks start developing as the outer layer changes in color. Initially, you have a jet-black color but as your pavement ages, it turns grayish. The development of fine hairline cracks should not be a big problem but they should be sealed. Although not a crack sealing procedure, applying a sealcoat may address the problem of fine hairline cracks.

Cracks, when left unattended, they continue to widen and deepen. Soon you will have to deal with a serious problem. Cracks allow water to penetrate underneath pavements. That water may freeze during winter and continue enlarging the cracks. The freeze-thaw cycle is considered potential risk for pavements.

Many cracks are noticed in spring season and you need to ensure they are repairs. Overlays or resurfacing is done if your pavements have developed depression and cracks. If large sections of driveways have small cracks that are visible, crack filling may not be appropriate because filling each individual crack is a big task. However, by using a resurfacing procedure, the cracks are sealed at once. This is a cost effective way of repairing small cracks.

When you are hiring a contractor, you need to get several quotes for comparison of workmanship and the pricing. A local paving contractor should give you proper quotation that meets all the guidelines including things like the depth of asphaltic material to be applied, the construction specification of the sub grade layer, and the expected performance of the laid down structure. In addition, you need only deal with bonded and insured contractors in order to protect yourself from liabilities and any subpar performance from the contractor.

Frozen water enlarges and widens those cracks and when warmer months arrive, the frozen water melts down leaving voids. The empty spaces are filled with materials from above forming potholes. Repairing cracks in time ensures that your pavements do not suffer from water damage. Properly maintained driveways and parking lots will cost you less in repairs and maintenance in the long term.




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