Asphalt Driveway Central Coast
Asphalt Driveway Central Coast
Are you considering having an asphalt driveway installed on the Central Coast – Perhaps at your home or workplace? Or perhaps your existing driveway is in need of repair? You may be wondering about the replacement process. Installing a new asphalt driveway should only be done by trained professionals because it involves specialised equipment and techniques that a homeowner may not have access to. The steps involved in constructing a new asphalt driveway are as follows:
Excavation and Removal
In most circumstances, a new asphalt driveway cannot be constructed on top of existing asphalt, concrete, or grass. The first step to constructing an asphalt driveway is to completely remove the old bitumen driveway. Once the surface has been excavated, the slope should be graded for proper water run-off. Water causes extensive damage to an asphalt driveway over time. Allowing water to pool up may cause premature potholes or cracks which will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt driveway. Drains may have to be installed to assist in proper water drainage. A trained asphalt professional can evaluate where drains are needed.
Sub-base Preparation
Without a proper sub-base, any asphalt on top may settle and crack over time, leading to unnecessary driveway repairs. The depth of the sub-base will depend on the type of soil/subgrade present. A clay type soil will require more depth, while a sandy soil would only require about 100mm. The sub-base will be fully compacted with industrial machinery and left to compact organically for several days prior to continuing work.
Installation of Timber Edging
In order to get a smooth finish on the asphalt pour, timber will be placed around the edges of the driveway. This will keep the asphalt driveway level as it is being poured and finished.
Adding an Emulsion Binder
An emulsion binder is poured on top of the sub-base to add strength and durability to the bitumen driveway. The binder is typically composed of gravel with sand or stones that have been mixed with oil. Without the binder, you may be paying for driveway repairs sooner than later. This step cannot be skipped in an asphalt driveway installed.
Installation of New Asphalt Surface
Finally, the top layer of asphalt will be poured. The top layer of asphalt is composed of small gravel, sand, and oil mixed together. The asphalt must be applied while it is hot, and it should be compacted before it cools down.
Replacing an Asphalt Driveway Cost Estimate
The cost of replacing your asphalt driveway will vary depending on its length and width. Asphalt driveway jobs are priced per square foot. The cost of replacing an asphalt driveway will also vary based on geography. High cost of living areas will see higher costs than the low cost of living areas. The average price per square meter for asphalt on the Central Coast ranges between $80 to $150.
You can save money off your asphalt driveway cost by preparing the work site in advance. Clearing any trees or brush that will be in the way of the asphalt contractors will save on labour costs. You could potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by prepping the work zone yourself.