Property owners in Virginia-Highland often stare at a cracked, sunken driveway and wonder what is involved in a full Asphalt Pavement replacement. This situation is very common. Majestic Asphalt Company hears the same questions every single week from homeowners in Atlanta, GA who are trying to figure out how to handle their Pavement without getting burned.
How long should a new Asphalt Driveway actually last in Atlanta?
If an Asphalt Driveway is laid right on top of properly compacted red clay and gets basic maintenance, you are looking at 15 to 20 years or more. That red clay we have all over North Georgia is actually a very stable base once it is packed down tight, but the soil holds moisture. If a contractor tries to cut corners on the grading or base layer, your edges will crumble in 5 years. Property owners in Atlanta, GA get what they pay for with Paving work.
Why does my Asphalt get soft during the middle of an Atlanta summer?
High temperatures meet local weather conditions during a typical Atlanta summer. When the Asphalt surface hits 140 degrees in July, the liquid binder holding all those rocks together softens up. Majestic Asphalt Company advises property owners not to park heavy delivery trucks on an Asphalt Driveway during the peak heat of the afternoon, and definitely keep kickstands and car jacks on a piece of plywood. Once things cool down at night, the Asphalt hardens back up.
Do I need a complete tear-out, or can I just pave right over the old stuff?
The answer depends entirely on what is underneath the surface. If your current Asphalt Driveway has minor cracking and the base is still solid, an overlay works great and saves you some cash. But if you have alligator cracking across the whole surface or water pooling near your garage door, you need a full-depth Asphalt Pavement removal. Slapping new Asphalt over a broken-down base is just buying a new headache.
How long do I have to keep my cars off a fresh Asphalt Driveway?
Keep vehicle traffic off an Asphalt Driveway for at least a full week. Foot traffic is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours, but car tires can scuff, rut, or punch holes in fresh Asphalt while it is still curing. Even after a week, avoid sharp steering wheel turns while your car is parked completely still because that tears up new Asphalt surfaces fast. Majestic Asphalt Company makes sure every client understands these curing guidelines.
Why are there standing puddles of water on my Asphalt Driveway after a heavy rain?
Water pooling usually points to a grading issue on the property. Asphalt Pavement needs at least a one-quarter inch drop per foot to drain properly. If your yard shifts or the sub-base settles unevenly during one of our torrential downpours in Atlanta, GA, low spots form. Small birdbaths that dry up within a day are not the end of the world, but standing water that lingers for days will break down the binder and create potholes in the Asphalt.
When is the absolute best time of year to schedule an Asphalt Paving project?
Spring and fall are prime time in our area for any Asphalt Paving project. The moderate temperatures let the Asphalt cool and cure at a steady rate without baking under a brutal sun or freezing overnight. Winter brings too much moisture and cold air that messes with compaction, and mid-summer heat makes the material too sticky to handle cleanly. For homes and businesses in Atlanta, Majestic Asphalt Company is here for all your Paving needs.