The fitting of a driveway or parking space can be a large financial investment; therefore, you should expect high quality from your contractor. By using the correct construction methods, a driveway should last around 20 years. There are many steps involved in the removal and installation a pavement structure, and each step is extremely important to the long-term success of the paving. If any step during the installation procedure is done short of what is required by standard practice, it will decrease the life and durability.
Step 1: Excavation
A paving structure is only as good as what is underneath it. Paving on top of soft ground or damaged paving will cause the new installation to crack and fail. The preparation stage distinguishes the success of the paving. All unusable material should be dug out and removed from the area. In most scenarios, paving over an existing driveway is not a clever idea as it will not allow to correct sub base concerns. If there is a considerable number of cracks, it will reflect upward and through the brand-new paving within a brief time.
Step 2: Grading and Bases
The correct installation of the base of the material the paving provides the foundation for durability of the overall structure. Grading the gravel base properly allows for simpler paving laying to occur later. When needed, the use of a laser level to ensure pitch, so water is channelled in the correct direction. The base of the area to be paved is then rolled with a roller to ensure compaction. This process is repeated around three times until the appropriate thickness is achieved.
Step 3: Installing the Tar
After the surface is correctly prepared, the installation of the tar should be an effortless process. In most cases, the tar is placed in two levels, or lifts for parking bays, and one lift for driveways. The first life is a stabilised base or stab base, this consists of larger stone with strength. The second lift or top coat has a finer stone and delivers a clean look.
Step 4: Compact and Finish
A crucial step in paving your driveway is the compacting process. Without correct compaction, the tar structure will not hold and last very long. Upon laying the tar, the surface is rolled with a drum roller for a smooth finish. A sure way to break off the sides of a paving structure is to “skim coat” it with a small layer over the surface alongside. Once the paving process is completed, your installed driveway will be attractive, durable and improve on your property’s value.
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