Are you seeking for ways to protect or extend the value of your property investment? Asphalt, also known as blacktop, surface maintenance is a key contributor to property value. An even, smooth, and safe driveway or parking area is also a preventive form towards liability at your property.

The aesthetic appeal of blacktop surfaces is high and is specifically recommended for northeastern regions of the United States. This type of durable surface requires proper care in order to sustain heavy vehicle traffic and severe weather conditions, such as snowstorms.

Our experts in asphalt maintenance and blacktop installation have shared their knowledge on the subject below, we hope you learn and enjoy!

Before we get started, we want to thank you and congratulate you for taking the time to educate yourself with the asphalt pros.

Drainage

When installing a new paved surface, very often business and homeowners tend to overlook the significance of drainage systems. The integrity of your driveway or parking lot surface is compromised without proper drainage.

When water penetrates the surface the base destabilizes, even though blacktop is highly durable. This may result in issues such as surface crackling, potholes, basement flooding and landscape damage.

If you’re asking, “How do I ensure proper drainage on my asphalt surface installation?” below we have listed a few options you should consider:

• French Drains
• Catch Basin
• Advanced Stormwater Drainage
• Trench Drains
• Surface Drains
• Linear Drains

Whether you’re planning to install or currently have a blacktop parking or driveway area, you should seek a professional to evaluate how effective is drainage on your surface. Ask the asphalt maintenance professionals which type of drainage alternative is best for you.

Sealcoating

Before you install your new blacktop surface, consider sealcoating as one of your main priorities for the durability of your investment. If you have an already installed asphalt surface on your property, keep in mind that sealcoating should be done every few years. This varies on the area you live and utility you give it. The higher the vehicle traffic and more severe the weather is, the more often you should get this asphalt maintenance service done. As a result, you will potentially be avoiding serious damage on the surface of your property.

We can’t reinforce enough the significance of asphalt maintenance for your parking lot or driveway surface. Therefore, consider the natural elements and car pollutants that the surface is exposed to. The benefits of sealcoating your blacktop surface exceeds the aesthetic appeal it adds. If done properly it also positively affects the experience of your guests or patrons who visit your property. Maintain and increase property value with this considerations.

Prevent cracks, limit the risk of erosions, and make your surface last longer with proper asphalt maintenance services, such as sealcoating. We recommend that you always seek professional help. Although you may DIY, it will provide you with a more effective job and give you peace of mind. Lastly, ask a professional for recommendation of when is the best time of the year to seal an asphalt surface in your area.

Plowing

Blacktop parking lot and driveway installations are very common in the Northern part of the United States. It is a preferred choice due to the benefits it offers in winter conditions. It’s durable nature, enables property owners to retain value and with proper asphalt maintenance extend the life of their investment.

Unlike concrete surfaces, when a snowstorm hits and the accumulation of snow is heavy, blacktop surfaces are technically immune to the damages of deicer agent solutions, such as salt. Although this is the case, it is still important to plow and remove the accumulated snow on your asphalt routinely. For example, asphalt offers better grip for driving and walking than most surfaces, even when the surface is wet.

Plowing snow away from your blacktop driveway or parking lot prevents accidents and ensures a durable surface. Proper asphalt maintenance includes plowing as a priority for properties exposed to winter conditions, such as those in Westchester and Putnam County, NY.

It is important that you know snow plowing and removal is a process a home and business owner can attempt; but to reduce liability risks and protect yourself seek a professional service. It is always recommended for any asphalt maintenance process. 

Striping

For aesthetic maintenance of your asphalt driveway or parking lot, consider clear delineation of driving areas and parking spaces. Your local laws, homeowner associations, or commercial codes may require striping as a routine process.

Proper striping allows you driveway or parking area to look fresh and beautiful. You also benefit from creating a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians on your property. Depending on codes and requirements in your area; the most commonly used colors for striping on blacktop surfaces are white, yellow, and blue. Each color corresponds to a different use, therefore, it is important that you research your local laws.

Lastly, now that you’ve learned all about asphalt maintenance, make sure you plan for any of the services mentioned. Consider all natural elements that can affect the implementation of any of these blacktop maintenance procedures.

Are you considering Asphalt Maintenance?

We invite you to learn more about asphalt, drainage, sealcoating, plowing, and striping on our home care educational blog. If you’re looking for professional help with these services in Westchester or Putnam County, NY, look no further. Our pros are ready, contact us for a FREE evaluation!

Read our satisfied customer reviews! Our state-of-the-art construction and asphalt maintenance services speak for themselves.

Do you value your property investment? Do you value the comfort and safety of your guests and family at your home? If it’s the case for you, then, you agree that you prefer a durable driveway surface. The clean aesthetics and safety offerings of a new driveway installation should be able to last. The question is “How do we ensure a new driveway surface installation is durable?”

We invite you to learn more about how to guarantee a smart investment on your property. By keeping the following tips top of mind, you can ensure the best driveway installation option available to you based on your location and priorities.

Durable Driveway Surface Options

There is a lot of speculation about the differences between various driveway surface solutions; such as asphalt, gravel, concrete, and stone. The keys for you to consider when selecting the most durable surface option is weather conditions, safety, and aesthetic priorities. The value of your investment is set based on durability in this case.

Asphalt

The best option to protect your property investment, should provide aesthetic, safety, and lifespan benefits. An asphalt driveway surface will require professional assistance and some maintenance, such as sealcoating, every two to three years, but provides all the benefits mentioned. It’s an absolute stable and solid option at affordable rates for property owners

This is the preferred option for winter conditions as it is easy to plow snow and has excellent traction benefits. This makes it a very safe and durable option, the challenge will be to ensure you hire the best professional for the job. The best asphalt driveway installers, usually tend to provide the best materials and added options that will protect your investment.

Sloped and curved driveway designs may pose a challenge for this type of surface in case of heavy rainfall. This is remedied with the installation of professional drainage systems that steer stormwater into safe zones, away from any building or home structures.

Concrete

Among the most durable options on the market is a concrete driveway surface. Although it provides a hard and stable surface, that is highly dependant on professional installation, high upfront costs, maintenance, and weather conditions. This surface is without a doubt strong, but heavy use and winter freeze-thaw cycles will make it prone to severe crackling and potholes. 

Once again durability is dependent on the conditions and use. A driveway with cracks and potholes is unattractive and unsafe, therefore bringing down the value of your investment long-term. Concrete is a surface you can apply on your own; but it is recommended to have a professional ensure the proper application. Although concrete may be easy to plow snow, the repair costs of cracks and potholes will result in large amounts due to the heavy lifting and tools required.

Gravel

When searching for the cheapest driveway surface option, gravel or aggregate may be the way to go for you. In this case, since you are searching for something durable, you need a surface that you won’t have to resurface and it’s always safe for your guests and family. Although gravel is easy to apply and budget into your plans, it is not your best option when seeking a well finished driveway that will last without heavy maintenance and is sustainable under every weather condition.

Perhaps, if you are someone who likes to do things yourself and live in a hot region year round this is feasible. We don’t recommended gravel for areas that go through harsh winter conditions, such as heavy rain, ice, and snow; drainage must be extremely well designed and snow plowing will substantially damage the integrity of the surface. This type of surface makes it hard to develop value for your property investment and certain Home Owners’ Association (HOA) laws or requirements may not allow it in your area.

Stone

Another highly durable driveway option is stone. Although it includes high up front and maintenance costs, this option does offer durability and great aesthetic benefits. The value of your investment is highly dependent on its maintenance and professional installation.

For those living in areas where it snows, this may not be the best surface of choice; as it makes it difficult to plow and its unsafe due to its slippery nature. Just like other surfaces mentioned prior, we recommend effective stormwater drainage systems and waterproofing. As this prevents rainfall from penetrating your building structure.

This is a highly attractive option due to its aesthetic appeal and strong surface; but less attractive for larger driveway projects, as it may run up your budget. Therefore, our professionals recommend a combination with other durable driveway surface options when planning the design and installation.

Following, we have listed recommendations for U.S. Northeast conditions, such as those of Westchester and Putnam County in New York. Select a surface or combination of surfaces that:

• Maintains integrity during harsh winter conditions.
• Makes it easy to plow and remove snow.
• Provides long lasting aesthetic features and design options.
• Is flexible and offers a smooth drive.
• Provides maintenance options that enhance durability.
• Increases value of your property investment.

Driveway Size and Design

A durable driveway surface is dependent on size and design; which should relate to usability and weather conditions it will endure. Accessibility and lighting also fall into the design category. Therefore, you should seek a smart driveway design; that enables easy access on foot or vehicle and the protection to lighting installations.

The proper width and length of the driveway is correlated to the use and lifespan of it. For example, consider number and types of vehicles driving and parking on the driveway surface.

Learn more by reading our post on “Average Driveway Width & Parking Space Dimensions”. Keep in mind that your preferred driveway design affects the usability and driveway surface durability; curved, looped, or straight. You want to provide sufficient surface space for vehicles to turn and avoid driving over edges of the driveway or over landscape areas of your property.

Local Laws, Requirements and Codes

Based on where you live there may be specific HOA, commercial, or town requirements regarding new driveway installations. Reasons and regulation codes vary. Therefore, it is important that you are aware and do research when choosing to invest in your new durable driveway installation.

It is likely the codes and local laws are set in place to provide safety for the residents or visitors. Other concerns may involve stormwater runoff, but these can be overcome with effective stormwater drainage systems. Following local laws and regulations will ensure you’re investing in a job you won’t have to redo or be fined for.

Driveway and Landscape Drainage Systems

As previously mentioned, drainage systems on your driveway and landscape will help maintain the integrity of you driveway surface. Resulting in a durable option with sustainable features. By preventing water and residue runoff to delicate areas or hazardous locations, you’re increasing durability and value of your investment.

Installing a professional stormwater drainage system at your property increases safety for pedestrians. Also, avoiding the deterioration of your driveway surface and benefiting the sustainability and lifetime of your driveway surface investment.

The process of installing stormwater drainage systems is highly recommended to be done by experts in the field of excavation, waterproofing, and paving. These individuals will be your best choice, as they understand the importance of a clients peace of mind.

Hire A Professional Driveway Contractor

In conclusion, we recommend you always seek professional contractors that can deliver a durable driveway installation and are proven via positive reviews. Do your best to avoid any cookie-cutter approach. The best service is usually one that is inclusive and it’s looking for the benefit and comfort of the client.

At Limitless Golden Construction, our experts are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your new driveway installation. We currently serve commercial and residential property owners in Westchester and Putnam County, New York. Request a FREE inspection with one of our pros today.

Remember that you get what you pay for. We encourage you to make the best choice suitable to your needs and wants. A durable driveway installation is only possible with the selection of appropriate products and state-of-the-art techniques, so it is vital to rely on the pros!