Quality paving is about more than simply laying asphalt – or another material – on the ground and smoothing it out.
No matter the size of the project – be it a custom golf cart path around a cottage or a standard driveway – the foundation of a well-done paving job is the same. To get a great driveway, you need to think about more than just the asphalt. Full consideration needs to be given to water, plants, and hard surfaces that aren’t part of the driveway, as well as the material that lies underneath the asphalt.
Experienced professionals like those at Ital Paving know that a properly done driveway is one where the grading allows for proper water drainage. Each driveway is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits all solution to grading.
“You have to grade the driveway to ensure the water flows away from the garage or home,” says Niki Pickett of Ital Paving. “This will avoid flooding of your interior or pools of water which will begin to degrade the asphalt over time.”
Another thing to consider when grading is where the water goes when it is pushed away from your home. You don’t want the water to start pooling on stone pathways or patios as it could shorten their lifespans.
Preferably you have a good-sized lawn or large garden which would allow the collection of excess driveway water. However, you also don’t want to drown your plants or flowers.
“Water also needs to be drained away from the edge of the pavement,” says Niki. “The pavement should be sloped so the water runs off to the side. Good drainage will increase your driveway’s life.”
Experience counts
Your driveway will last a long time, so you should deal with a company that will be around to stand behind their work. Be wary of pop-up companies who don’t have a strong history in the business or pretend to be local. Some of these businesses may ask for a deposit on asphalt, but Niki warns this shouldn’t be the case.
Asphalt doesn’t need to be purchased far in advance, she explains, so it doesn’t need to be prepaid.
“It’s hot asphalt,” she says. “We pick it up in the morning on the day that we’re coming to pave your driveway.”
Ital Paving has been in business for over 38 years, completing projects both big and small across Central Ontario. They offer free quotes and know the various challenges of paving in Muskoka, Simcoe, Georgian Bay, and the surrounding areas.
“We understand the area because we live and work here all year round,” says Niki. “We can visit your property and provide the best advice on what you need to have a durable, smooth and attractive driveway.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
