Asphalt driveways Sydney are popular due to their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear from weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, heat, etc. Along with this information about asphalt driveways, homeowners need to know more facts before they make any decision to put in an asphalt driveway on their property. Below are 8 factors that will help you learn about the pros and cons of having an asphalt driveway installed on your property:
Is your driveway exposed to sunlight?
An asphalt driveway needs sunlight for it to cure properly and stick together after it has been laid down over the ground. If you build an asphalt driveway under trees or near shadows, then you could run into problems where cracks form because the material did not harden correctly.
Is your house built on a hillside?
If your home is built on a hillside, then you have a greater risk of fracturing the asphalt layer when there is too much rainfall. When water runs down a sloping surface, the force can get significantly stronger and over time this could erode the layers beneath your driveway.
What type of soil do you have?
Different soils have different properties that determine how well they hold together. Sandy soils are typically easier to drive on because they absorb energy from cars and trucks and it prevents cracking. Soil with gravel is also helpful in absorbing impact and locking together to prevent further erosion. On the other hand, clay-based soils will not absorb shock as effectively and may damage your home if too much traffic goes over the top of it. If you have clay-based soil, then it would be best to build your asphalt driveway on a slope so rainwater drains away instead of pooling up.
How many cars will use the driveway?
The more people that are using your driveway, the faster it is going to fracture and degrade over time. A standard asphalt driveway can typically support about 500 vehicles before it starts cracking or reaching its lifespan.
Do you live in an area with heavy precipitation?
If you live near a body of water like an ocean or river, then there tend to be higher rates of rainfall in your area which means heavier loads put on the asphalt. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, then you should be prepared to have your driveway replaced more frequently than other homeowners.
Who is going to maintain the driveway?Â
If you are unable or unwilling to do basic upkeep around the house, then there is a higher chance that major problems will arise with your asphalt driveway because regular wear and tear get neglected. Maintaining your driveway includes simple tasks like sweeping up leaves or debris that can fall into cracks on the surface. It also means sealing over any fissures that appear on the pavement before water seeps through them and causes further damage.
Are there any utilities under this site?
Utility lines are fixed underground which means you have to hire a contractor to fix any problems that occur under the surface. If you build an asphalt driveway over top of these, then it will become a major problem if gas or water main starts leaking underneath because you won’t know about it until after the damage has been done.
Does your local municipality have restrictions on new driveways?Â
Certain zoning regulations restrict homeowners from building driveways in common areas like front lawns or flower beds. You may need permission from your neighbours before commencing construction on your driveway. In most cases, however, municipalities are fine with homeowners replacing their old asphalt driveways with new ones so long as they are built according to regulations for private property.
