Do you have holes or cracks in your concrete driveway? It may be time to pencil in a new obligation on your to-do list. Asphalt is a necessary component of day-to-day American life, quite literally paving the way as we go to work and school. When your asphalt driveway starts to suffer from the wear and tear of time and the elements, it’s important to tackle these problems at the root so you don’t do excess damage to your car and, subsequently, your finances. Below is a simple list on the function of asphalt and concrete, how this material is used in the United States and what you can do to repair your driveway.
What Is Asphalt?
Let’s narrow down the basics. Asphalt is a material used to create our roads and sidewalks, considered one of the most durable and long-lasting foundations in the United States. It’s estimated there are over 3,500 asphalt mix production sites operating across the country, producing an impressive 350 million tons of pavement material every single year. While there are many different materials used to make asphalt, some of the most common include stone, gravel and a unique material called bitumen cement.
How Much Asphalt Is There?
This material covers the entire country. Estimates have shown 18 billion tons of asphalt pavement on American roads alone, which is nothing to say of sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. In fact, over 90% of U.S. parking lots are surfaced with asphalt. The year 2013 saw over 68 million tons of asphalt pavement reclaimed and reused, essential in an increasingly eco-friendly environment. You can count on asphalt contractors to not just fix your sunken driveways, but do so in a manner that supports the surrounding environment.
What Can Damage A Driveway?
One of the most common factors that contribute to a damaged concrete driveway is the weather. When the colder seasons hit, both snow and rain can ruin even the toughest foundations and contribute to the development of holes, uneven layering and cracks. Since driveways are used rather commonly, a vehicle’s tires can groove the already weakened asphalts and make the result even worse. While far less common, natural disasters like earthquakes can overturn a foundation and leave it in disarray.
Can I Customize Concrete?
Homeowners are always looking for smart ways to keep their property shining all days of the year. Thankfully, you can do more than just repair your concrete driveway — you can customize it to your liking with a plethora of different colors, textures and designs. While this can vary depending on the company you go to, colored concrete can be available in as many as 250 unique hues. If this sounds all fine and good, you may be on your way to crafting the driveway of your dreams.
How Do I Repair My Driveway?
A properly installed and maintained concrete driveway will have a very long and useful lifespan, lasting as long as 50 years if you’re careful! The average width for a one-car driveway is eight to nine feet on average, while a two-car driveway can go between 15 and 18 feet. It’s imperative that your finished pavement slopes at least one-fourth inch per foot to avoid putting excess stress on your vehicle’s tires when you pull in and out. If you’re noticing some cracks in your foundation or finding your car repair bills are higher than usual, you may want to consider contacting a concrete repair professional and get your driveway a check-up.