Property owners in Irving often look at a cracked driveway and wonder what a paving project involves. All Star Paving provides Asphalt Contractor services in Irving, TX, and we hear these questions almost every day. North Texas weather does not make things easy on blacktop, and property owners want honest facts instead of sales pitches. The most common questions property owners ask All Star Paving are answered below.
How long should a new asphalt driveway actually last around here?
You can usually expect 15 to 20 years or more out of a well-installed Asphalt Driveway, but that timeline depends heavily on the local environment in Irving. Irving has a combination of scorching summer heat and heavy clay soil that puts a lot of stress on pavement. If the base was graded properly and you keep up with sealcoating every few years, you will hit that upper mark easily. Skip the maintenance, and you will see cracking much sooner.
Why does the Texas heat matter so much to my asphalt?
Asphalt is a petroleum-based product, which means it softens up when those triple-digit July and August days arrive. Heavy delivery trucks or parked cars can leave ruts if the mix was not designed for high temperatures. On the other side, when winter brings sudden cold snaps, the material contracts. That constant expanding and contracting is what causes thermal cracking over time on asphalt surfaces in Irving, TX.
How soon can I drive on my new pavement?
All Star Paving always tells property owners to wait at least 48 to 72 hours before putting a standard passenger vehicle on fresh Asphalt Paving. If you have a heavy boat, an RV, or a large truck, give it a full week. The surface might look solid after a day, but the internal mix needs time to cool completely and cure under the Texas sun. Driving on fresh asphalt too soon creates permanent depressions.
Can you pave right over my old driveway, or do we have to start from scratch?
Sometimes an asphalt overlay works great, but other times it is a total waste of money. If your base is completely ruined or you have alligator cracking across the whole surface, slapping a new layer on top is just hiding a rotten foundation. All Star Paving must look at the subgrade drainage and structural integrity. If the base is stable, an overlay saves you cash. If it is failing, you need a full tear-out and reconstruction for your Asphalt Driveway in Irving.
What's the best way to handle the clay soil we have in Irving?
Black gumbo clay is notorious for shifting as it swells with moisture and shrinks during dry spells. That movement cracks pavement from underneath. The secret to beating it is a thick, compacted crushed stone base that distributes weight evenly and bridges small soil shifts. Without a proper base layer, even the best asphalt mix will fail within a couple of years. For homes and businesses in Irving, All Star Paving provides Asphalt Contractor services.