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Smooth Paving
The appearance of your driveway and landscape
paints an idea about who lives within those walls. The more
you plan ahead, the greater the picture will be. Before
designing and installing your pavement projects and repairs,
there are few things to consider. First you must decide
what material to use; asphalt, concrete, gravel, etc. Once
you have selected a material, you must then decide whether
this is a do-it-yourself project or will you need a paving
contractor. Once you, or a contractor, have installed or
repaired your pavement, you must then learn how to maintain
it.
Before selecting a pavement material for
a new site, you must take both aesthetics and personal needs
into account. Think not only about what you want your pavement
to look like, but also about how you plan to use your new
pavement. It is fun to think of patterns, but smart to think
of practicality. For example, if you are installing a driveway,
using concrete or asphalt will give you the versatility
and durability needed. Concrete is also wonderful for people
using wheel chairs or walkers. Brick and stone are commonly
used to create walk ways, walls and other landscape designs.
Make sure that before you install materials such as brick
and stone that you are taking into consideration how well
your ground drains. It is extremely important to know about
the removal and disposal of water from your pavement because
access drainage may cause such materials to descend into
the soil.
Once you have selected an appealing and
practical material, and the pattern of your liking, you
must decide if this is a job for you or for a paving contractor.
Some of the easiest pavement projects include fixing cracks,
filling holes, creating stepping stones and laying brick.
Anyone with a little guidance and direction can handle these
jobs. On the other hand, installing driveways where surface
drainage and pipes need to be carefully examined, often
a skilled contractor will get the job done quicker and more
efficiently. When deciding on who should install your pavement,
ask yourself two questions. Do you feel more comfortable
saving yourself immediate money by installing the pavement
yourself with the chances of improper installation and costs
creeping up on you later? Or would you rather get the job
done right the first time and worry about maintaining your
pavement as opposed to worrying about re-installing it?
If designed and built correctly, the last
thing you will need to know is how to maintain your pavement.
Concrete typically needs the least amount of maintenance.
Asphalt usually needs the most. Cracks and holes should
be filled immediately with asphalt. Both concrete and asphalt
fall victims to grease and oils. Make sure to use pressure
nozzle hoses and scrubbers to clear away grease and oils.
In addition, asphalt will need to be coated with a sealant
every 2-3 years.
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