An asphalt driveway is one of the best ways to enhance your home's landscape. The driveway can also help increase the value of your home. Asphalt driveways are less prone to cracks, cheap to install and easy to maintain. Below is a guide to help you when installing an asphalt driveway in your home.  

Finding a suitable company

Carefully choose the company offering asphalt driveway services. You can ask for referrals from friends and developers who have used such services in the past. Do some research on the contractor's reputation. Seek testimonials from previous clients or look for positive online reviews. Contractors that are members of professional bodies are likely to provide high-quality work. The contractor's pricing should be within industry rates. Nonetheless, ask for a discount.  

Preparation

There are various ways of installing an asphalt driveway. You can install it on an existing driveway, soil or aggregate. As such, preparation works may include removing your current driveway or levelling the area meant for the works. A good driveway should have a slope that drains stormwater into the garden or to a drainage system. Improper levelling could lead stormwater straight into your garage. Consider having concrete edges to ensure a smooth finish once you pour the asphalt. 

Installing the asphalt driveway

After the base is complete, the contractor will pour hot asphalt onto the surface. He or she will then compact it with a heavy roller. You must give the asphalt time to harden. As such, the contractor may ask you to wait a few days before you can use the driveway. Avoid scuffing the surface as you might damage the asphalt. Ask the contractor to pour a thick layer of asphalt if you anticipate a lot of traffic on the driveway. The best time to install an asphalt driveway is during warm weather because the material will take longer to harden. In such a way, the contractor will have adequate time to level and compact the asphalt.  

Maintenance of asphalt driveways

Below are a few asphalt driveway maintenance tips: 

• Keep the driveway clean at all times.
• Seal cracks at the earliest stage; otherwise, they will expand, and your driveway will be a sore sight.
• Be careful when parking vehicles during hot weather as the asphalt will be weak.
• Apply an asphalt seal coat to protect the driveway from physical and environmental damage.

When installing an asphalt driveway, choose a suitable contractor, prepare the site, give the asphalt a few days to cure and practice the recommended maintenance tips.