A driveway is likely to develop cracks over time. Cracks may be caused by a poorly installed base that absorbs water and expands in freezing temperatures; they may also be caused by salt used to melt ice, root growth under the pavement, and pressure from heavy vehicles. One thing you can do to protect your asphalt driveway is to have it seal-coated. If you hire an Asphalt Paving Service Bellingham WA to seal your driveway, you can expect them to go through the following steps.
The first step is to thoroughly clean the driveway. Professional asphalt pavers use a high-pressure power blower to completely blow out dirt, rocks, debris and standing water from not only the surface of the driveway but from any cracks in the pavement as well. It is important that cracks be completely clean so that they can be repaired.
Next, the paving company will repair any existing cracks by filling them with a sealant. One type of sealant is an asphalt-based sealant that is applied alone or over a base of finely crushed gravel. Another type of sealant is made of rubber and applied with heat that helps to bond it to the edges of the crack. Rubber has the advantage of being expandable and long-lasting.
Once all the cracks are filled, the process of seal-coating can begin. Asphalt pavers will apply a seal-coating emulsion over the entire surface of the driveway. The emulsion may include rubber or latex and sand to provide better protection. The emulsion is continually mixed while it is applied so that the quality is consistent over all parts of the driveway.
After it has been applied, the sealant needs to dry for 24 hours; thus, it’s very important to avoid driving or even walking on the driveway for at least that period of time. In a humid climate, you may need to wait longer.
Once the process is complete, your asphalt driveway will look smooth, clean, and even, like a brand new driveway. If you’re looking for an Asphalt Paving Service Bellingham WA, contact Asphalt Industries for more information or for an estimate.
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