Asphalt driveways usually have a life span of 20 years if well-maintained. However, if your area has been impacted by extreme weather or if the asphalt has been made to bear more weight than expected, this could accelerate cracking, fading, buckling, and drainage issues. If your driveway looks like it's reaching its expiration date, invest in residential paving to protect your car from undercarriage damage. The guide below explains this process and what time of year you should request it.

What Does Residential Paving Involve?

After using heavy machinery to break up and remove the existing asphalt, contractors will grade the land to ensure proper drainage. This means making sure rainwater slopes away from the driveway so that it doesn't get into cracks, expand when it freezes, and create potholes. 

They will then install a subbase that provides stability and protection against frost. This layer will also be graded and compacted. After fixing any soft areas, the team will add a binder layer followed by a new asphalt surface. Contractors will smooth the transition between your new driveway and any older, connecting materials. Lastly, they'll compact and flatten the final product by driving a roller truck over it.

Homeowners should wait at least 24 hours before attempting to drive on this surface—more if it is warm out since hot air tends to be humid, which can slow the drying process.

When Is the Best Time of Year for It?

The different materials that the contractor will pour onto your driveway will cool slower or more quickly, depending on the temperature. Ideally, this project should occur when it is about 70 degrees outside, which means the spring or the fall for the Midwest. However, contractors can adjust the mixture to accommodate lower temperatures, and summer is doable so long as you can allow for extra drying time. 

You can often put off asphalt paving for a few years if you invest in maintenance, such as crack filling or asphalt repair, as soon as you notice a problem. In this case, don't wait for better weather since extreme temperature fluctuations will cause cracks to expand into potholes and exacerbate other damage.

Since asphalt paving is popular in the spring and fall, talk to a contractor in the winter about scheduling an appointment several months out to ensure your residence has priority. 

If you're interested in residential paving, turn to Brooks Construction in Collinsville, IL. With over 70 years of combined experience, this asphalt contractor fills and seals pavement to boost your curb appeal and protect your vehicle. This time also prides itself on remaining within the specified schedule and budget. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. Seniors, teachers, and veterans can receive special discounts. Call (877) 740-1633 for a consultation.