MANEL PAVING & SEALING, CORP. |
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For all your residential and commercial paving |
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DO’S & DON’TS |
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DO’S SEAL THE DRIVEWAY. We suggest sealing the driveway the same year it is installed. However, if your driveway is installed in late fall then it is fine to wait until spring. The temperature should be at least 50-55 degrees with no chance of rain. Sealing not only fills in all the voids in the pavement and keeps all the stones in place, but also prevents water from entering the sub-base (which can cause instability problems.) We suggest however, waiting approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the asphalt to cure. Asphalt contains oils which evaporate as the driveway hardens. By applying the sealer too soon these oils will take longer to evaporate, and slows down the asphalt from hardening. FILL SIDES WITH SOIL. Exposed edges are extremely vulnerable to damage. A heavy vehicle driving close to an unsupported edge can, on a hot day, crack a fresh edge. We suggest filling sides with soil to about one inch from the top, then if something heavy passes over the edge there will be less likelihood of problems. The topsoil should be a sandy loam variety. Heavy clay soil, when it dries, cracks and will have a tendency to pull the asphalt away from the edge. Also, to help insure edge strength, all of our exposed edges are tamped on a 45 degree angle. MAINTAIN A WEED KILLING PROGRAM. Once a year you should apply a weed killer to the edges to prevent some of the heartier weeds from working their way up through the asphalt. These can be purchased at any garden store. DON’TS WATCH WHAT YOU PARK ON THE NEW DRIVEWAY. Such things as a motorcycle or bicycle kickstand, ladders, floor jacks and pointed chair legs can cause indentations in fresh pavement. Please limit use until drive has substantial time to cure (as much as a year in some cases.) BE CAUTIOUS OF OIL AND GAS LEAKS. Gas and oil will dissolve the tar that holds the asphalt together and cause your driveway to crumble. Please have all gas and oil leaks repaired on your vehicle before placing the car on the new driveway or, in the meantime, place a piece of cardboard under the vehicle. CHANGE PARKING SPOT. If at all possible, park your car in a different area, this is to prevent a possible rut from forming. If you must leave a vehicle, motorcycle, kick stands or campers (especially a heavy one) parked in one spot for several weeks; put plywood pieces under the wheels to help displace the weight. STAY OFF YOUR DRIVEWAY for at least 6 to 7 days. TURN YOUR WHEELS CAREFULLY when the car is in motion. This can be a problem especially if you have a turnaround. People have a habit of turning their wheels when the car is parked, a combination of the hot sun along with the weight of the car will cause the asphalt to scuff. DON’T OVER SEAL. Sealing your driveway should only be done every two to three years. Over sealing will result in sealer build-up that will appear as though the driveway is cracking, when actually it is the sealer layer |
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Phone: (585) 647-1025 Fax: (585) 254-1207 E-mail: cmanel1452@manelpaving.com |