Running into issues with a crumbling driveway or planning a brand-new installation brings up a lot of questions. Valley Asphalt Company has heard just about every concern a homeowner can have over the years. People want to know what they are getting into before committing to a project, and they should. Valley Asphalt Company provides Asphalt Contractor services for homes in Anaheim, California, and we have the straight scoop on the most common asphalt questions we get right here in the local area.
How long should a new asphalt driveway actually last?
If an asphalt driveway is installed right and you take care of it, you can easily expect twenty to thirty years out of a residential asphalt driveway. But that comes with a major catch. Southern California sunshine can be brutal on petroleum-based binders. Without routine maintenance like sealcoating every few years, that lifespan drops fast. Neglect a driveway in the Anaheim Hills area where the ground shifts on native clay and shale, and you might see major cracking in less than a decade.
How long do I have to wait before driving on it?
Most fresh asphalt needs at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours before you even think about parking a vehicle on it. During our hot summer months, that curing process can take a bit longer because the ambient heat keeps the binder soft. Valley Asphalt Company always tells property owners to keep heavy trucks and delivery vans off the new surface for a full week. If you park a heavy vehicle on fresh hot-mix too soon, you will leave permanent tire depressions that are nearly impossible to buff out.
Why does my asphalt get so soft when summer temperatures peak?
Asphalt is made using petroleum binder, which means it reacts to thermal changes. When a summer heatwave hits Orange County, surface temperatures on dark pavement easily soar past the air temperature. It is normal for your driveway to feel pliable during a ninety-degree afternoon. Once the sun goes down and things cool off, the asphalt mix hardens right back up. If it is actually gouging or bubbling up under your feet, though, you might have an inferior mix or poor base compaction.
Can you pave right over my old cracked driveway?
Sometimes yes, but often no. If the underlying base is solid and the cracks are minor surface fissures, an asphalt overlay can save you some money. But if you have alligator cracking, severe sinking, or tree roots pushing up from underneath, throwing a new layer on top is just hiding a ticking time bomb. The old damage will punch right through the new pavement within a single season. Valley Asphalt Company will always cut out bad sections and fix the sub-base before laying down fresh material.
What causes those annoying white or gray patches on my pavement?
Those spots usually point to efflorescence, that white powdery substance, or lime leeching from the sub-base materials, which is common given the local soil composition around here. Sometimes it is just residual dust or curing agents washing out after a rare rain shower. It does not usually mean your driveway is failing structurally, but it can look messy. A thorough pressure wash and a fresh coat of seal typically makes those ugly patches disappear completely.
How much disruption should I expect during the installation process?
Plan on losing access to your driveway for about three to five days total from start to finish. That window covers tearing out the old surface, grading and compacting the base rock, laying the hot mix, and letting it cure safely. Your street parking might get crowded, and you will hear heavy machinery rumbling around. Valley Asphalt Company always coordinates with homeowners beforehand so nobody gets trapped inside their own garage with nowhere to go. For homes and businesses in Anaheim, Valley Asphalt Company provides Asphalt Contractor services.