When you call in a crew to take care of your driveway construction, you’re doing a lot more than installing a new driveway. Whether you’re in the middle of Auckland city or just barely on the borders of the district, a brand-new driveway can do massive things for your home’s value. It increases curb appeal, meets your practical demands, and makes life a whole lot easier in the process.
But to get to that driveway, it first needs to be laid. The driveway construction process might seem pretty straightforward from the outside, but there’s actually a lot that goes into that perfectly flat strip of asphalt or concrete at the entrance of your property.
In this blog post, we’re unpacking the whole process. Read on as we explore the different driveway materials you can choose from, your design options, and even navigate one or two challenges that might come up during the installation process.
Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which is Better?
Generally speaking, your driveway will be constructed from one of two materials: asphalt or concrete. Other options exist, such as pavers or resin-bound gravel, but asphalt and concrete are the most common choices because they stand the test of time so well. For Aucklanders, that kind of durability goes a long way, especially when you take our wild weather system into account.
So, how do the two materials measure up when it comes to driveway construction?
Asphalt
Asphalt – which is a mixture of rubbery bitumen and an ‘aggregate’ like sand or gravel – is prized for its flexibility. Your driveway is constantly exposed to the elements, and having a surface that can repeatedly expand and contract from temperature changes is a big win with Auckland’s four-season days. Asphalt is also well-known as an affordable option.
If installed properly, asphalt driveways will easily go the distance, but without a skilled team taking care of the work, you might notice weak spots or water pooling from Auckland’s frequent rainfall.
Concrete
On the other hand, concrete is a mixture of aggregates like sand or gravel and cement. When it hardens, it becomes incredibly durable, which is why concrete driveways are prized for being so easy to maintain. Repeatedly handling heavy loads like your vehicles, as well as any other foot traffic is no problem for a solid concrete driveway.
The driveway construction process is also vital here because poor mixing or curing can lead to cracks in the concrete. As pros, we take our time to get the ratio and cure right to avoid damage cropping up for you down the line.
Now that we’re clear on materials, let’s hop over to the process itself.
The 5 Steps of Driveway Construction
1: Excavation
It all starts with excavation. Once your driveway’s boundaries have been demarcated according to the agreed-upon plans, we remove the dirt to create a stable, even surface on which to pour your driveway.
Depending on the size and scope of your driveway, this might be done manually or with the help of a digger.
2: Base Preparation
Next, we prepare that newly excavated base. Installing a proper base layer is crucial here, as a shifting or loose base can cause your driveway’s surface to crack years before its time. In other words, rushing isn’t an option! We carefully lay the base – compacted aggregate, for example – and make sure everything is smooth before moving on.
H3: 3: Laying the Concrete or Asphalt
Once the base is ready, we mix and lay the recommended material for your driveway. If we’re laying asphalt, we’ll take the time to roll and compact the layers to make sure it’s as durable as possible. If concrete is the go-to, then it’s all about protecting that driveway while it cures to prevent any shrinkage or cracks.
4: Finishing the Edges
When it comes to your driveway’s construction, the edges are vital. Properly finished edges can look beautiful, but they also prevent your driveway from crumbling after repeated use, especially in high-traffic areas. If you like, we can also incorporate decorative touches here.
5: Sealing
Finally, we seal your driveway so that it can stand up to the elements. Applying the right sealant protects your newly-cured driveway from incoming water, the blazing sun, or stains from the various materials the world will throw at it. You’ll need to have this resealed every two to three years to keep it in tip-top shape, but your installation crew should be able to help with this.
As you can see, great driveways are great because of the unseen work that gets put into them.
As pros, we spend a lot of time taking the small things into account, like soil types, weather patterns, local council requirements, and hundreds of other tiny factors that ensure that the surface is smooth. A flat, free-draining driveway that will stand the test of time is the proud product of a professional driveway construction team.
Bring the best driveway construction team in Auckland to your property today.
Whether you’re installing a new driveway in your home or expanding your commercial setup, the team at Asphalt & Civil has got your back. Our range of equipment, expertise, and highly-trained crew members are on hand whenever you’re ready to begin.
Get in touch with us today for a free quote on your brand-new driveway, or talk to us about driveway maintenance for the one you already have.