Monday, December 18, 2017

What Is Involved In Asphalt Maintenance Central Alabama

By Carl Roberts


When you are considering maintenance of asphalt, there are four main categories that it is divided into. Over some time, you are likely to experience asphalt becoming brittle and dry, something that leads to cracks. As asphalt wears out, the cracks become bigger. Water will then penetrate into it to further aggravate the situation. Water will cause the base material to move and thus the surface cracks. In consideration of asphalt maintenance Central Alabama residents must know processes involved.

Patch repairs deal with isolated areas. Through the use of backhoe as well as saw cutting, there is removal of the pavement. The other option is to use grinding machines. After asphalt gets removed, it gets replaced with new ones. The method that is used for the removal is what determines amount that gets removed. The depth removed needs to be equal to 1.5 times the original thickness. There might be the need to replace base-rock so as to match areas in the surrounding.

Overlay is affordable and provide brand new wearing surfaces. When dealing with overlays, there are many factors to consider. To begin with, overlay thickness will need to be 2.5 inches with the minimum being 1.5 inches. There will also need to be smooth transition. When considering where to grind existing pavement, the overlay section is not supposed to be ground down to the existing structures. Doing that will weaken overlay strength.

When it comes to seal coating, it is an important part of extension of life of asphalt and must never to overlooked. The seal coating is normally a mixture of emulsified asphalt, water, mineral fibers and other admixtures. The coating seals the top layer and thus prevents penetration of water into the pavement. The top layer will also be protected from exposure to the sun as well as oxidation.

Summer is the best time to have asphalt maintained because of the heat which makes sealants used to dry much faster. Maintenance can also be scheduled in early fall since it ensures the driveway will be ready by winter time. The sealants should be applied when it is sunny. Besides that, it should be left to dry for about 24 hours. The weather forecast must thus be critically considered when maintaining driveways.

Acrylic and coal tar are the sealants that are most used. Coal tar has been used for a very long time and is resistant to harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, it comes with a long lasting sheen. It is to be used after three years or even earlier in case there is aesthetic need.

Acrylic sealers are a more recent option. They are very durable and provide a barrier between materials that cause damage to asphalt and the asphalt. The main things that cause damage are oil and gasoline. Acrylic sealers are friendly to the environment but are costlier. In addition to that, they can work for over six years before needing replacement.

Well groomed driveways prevent vehicles from damage posed by large cracks. They also add to the curb appeal of property. The driveway needs to be maintained regularly.




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