Category: Asphalt Paving

Are you tired of the bumps and potholes that form on your gravel driveway? Looking for a way to make it easier to drive up and down your driveway with less maintenance required? Look no further because upgrading your gravel driveway to asphalt is the right solution.

While gravel driveways present a more natural appearance and are a more affordable option, they also have a number of drawbacks that should be taken into account.

In this article, we’ll look at the four top reasons asphalt driveways offer superior performance and better value, and explain why it might be time to make the switch.

Gravel Needs to Be Frequently Replenished

Gravel driveways are a popular option for many people because they are relatively low-cost and easy to install. However, they also require regular maintenance in order to look good and remain safe.

One of the key aspects of maintaining a gravel driveway is constantly replenishing it with new material. Gravel can be easily displaced by traffic or weather conditions such as rain or snow. This displacement causes ruts, cracks, and other irregularities that can become dangerous if left unchecked.

Gravel is also constantly replenished to prevent weeds from taking hold which can make the driveway appear unkempt. In no way is this maintenance convenient.

On the other hand, asphalt is a firm, solid material that can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance before it needs to be replaced.

Gravel is Not Ideal For Snow Removal

Gravel and snow don’t get along very well. Gravel driveways are not ideal for snow removal because of the way the stones shift when exposed to extreme temperatures, making it difficult to plow or shovel a gravel driveway.

The shifting stones can also cause a bumpy surface which is hard and uncomfortable to walk on in winter conditions.

As gravel absorbs moisture from snow and ice, it becomes heavy and compacted, so any kind of snow removal equipment will struggle to remove it efficiently. Frozen or wet gravel can create an uneven surface that makes driving hazardous if you don’t have a four-wheel drive.

In comparison, an asphalt surface is much more resilient to snowplows scraping it than gravel. It can be easily cleaned and treated with salt when necessary, as it is designed to tolerate freezing temperatures and subsequent thawing.

Gravel Lacks Aesthetic Appeal

While gravel can come in many aesthetically pleasing colours and textures, even the most premium gravel has an unfinished and unprofessional appearance.

Gravel driveways often aren’t visually appealing because they are made up of small, loose stones that can easily be scattered by the wind or driven over, leaving an uneven and unsightly surface. The size and colour of the gravel used in a driveway may be inconsistent, resulting in a patchy look.

In contrast, asphalt driveways provide a consistently clean appearance due to their smoothness and resistance to wear.

Gravel Is Noisy

The high noise level produced by gravel driveways is a distinct disadvantage that is often overlooked. This noise is created by car tires rolling over the small stones which make up the surface of the driveway.

The sound can become especially loud when vehicles with low-profile tires travel on them. This is especially true when there is heavy rain, which causes puddles to form on the rocks and creates splashing noises when vehicles pass over them.

In order to reduce noise levels on a gravel driveway, homeowners can consider installing either smaller or smoother stones. Adding a thin layer of sand over the top of the surface will also help keep rocks in place and lessen sound due to shifting gravel particles.

However, for those seeking a home driveway that simply functions as intended without requiring a lot of maintenance, these measures may quickly start to feel like a burden.

Professional Asphalt Paving Services in Calgary

Switching from a gravel to an asphalt driveway is a decision worth making. Asphalt offers superior durability, cost savings over time, and improved safety. Plus, it significantly boosts curb appeal. It’s no wonder why so many homeowners are making the switch nowadays.

If you are looking for high-quality asphalt pavement services, Holloway Paving is the company to call. In business for more than 20 years, they have built a reputation for producing high-quality work for a wide range of clients.

For a free quote on any of their services, contact them today!

Asphalt pavement is a vital part of our transportation infrastructure, providing a smooth and safe surface for vehicles to travel on. Its affordability and durability make it the material of choice for many roadway and parking lot projects.

The structure of asphalt pavement is designed to support the weight of traffic and withstand the forces of nature, while also providing drainage and flexibility to minimize cracking and potholes. Knowing how the layers of its structure work together makes proper design and construction possible to ensure a long-lasting asphalt pavement.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different layers that make up asphalt pavement to better understand their characteristics.

Composition of Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt pavement is generally made up of four main layers, namely subgrade, subbase, base, and surfacing course. Each layer has different materials and properties that contribute to the overall strength and flexibility of asphalt pavement.

Subgrade

Typically composed of native soil or stabilized material, the subgrade provides a foundation for the pavement structure. It must be compacted and free of soft spots to provide a stable base for the other layers.

While some soils contain clay materials that are classified as unstable, they can be stabilized by mixing with lime, cement, or similar additives before compaction. Recycled materials like crushed concrete, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), or a combination, can also be used in the subgrade layer.

When you have a solid subgrade layer, it will resist deformation from the weight of traffic and minimize cracking in the pavement, which reduces construction costs.

Subbase

Added on top of the subgrade, the subbase layer provides additional support and stability to the pavement. Common materials used are granular fill, crushed rock, lean concrete, and manufactured aggregate.

The particles in the subbase material are usually larger than those in the subgrade to allow better drainage. It also prevents smaller particles from being pushed up into the asphalt pavement during compaction.

While it’s not always necessary to have a subbase, a well-designed one will increase the overall lifespan of your asphalt pavement by distributing traffic loads and minimizing settlements. It can also be used as a stand-alone pavement in certain applications.

Base

The base layer is the main support for the asphalt pavement and can be made up of unstabilized or stabilized aggregates. Its thickness ranges from 4 to 6 inches, depending on the soil bearing capacity and traffic loads.

The base material is spread and compacted to achieve a high density for strength and durability. It must be able to resist the shearing force of traffic while also providing drainage to prevent water from saturating the base and subgrade layers.

Surface

As the topmost layer of the asphalt pavement, the surface must be able to withstand the wear and tear of traffic. It is usually made up of a hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture, which is a combination of asphalt binder, filler, and aggregate.

The surface layer is generally divided into two sub-layers, namely the binder course and the wearing course. The binder course serves to bind the various materials together to provide structure to the HMA, while the wearing course ensures a smooth and wear-resistant surface for traffic.

A good surface layer can resist the effects of weather and aging, minimize tire noise, provide skid resistance, and improve drainage to provide a long-lasting driving surface.

Know what asphalt pavement looks like

Asphalt pavement is a complex structure made up of different layers, each with its own materials and properties that contribute to the strength and flexibility of the overall structure. A well-designed and constructed asphalt pavement will have a solid subgrade layer to provide a stable foundation, a subbase layer for additional support, and a base layer made up of high-density aggregates. The surface layer should be smooth and wear-resistant, with good skid resistance and drainage.

Every single year, millions of tons of asphalt pavement are removed from roads and parking lots across the country.

In fact, asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Asphalt is a very durable material, and with proper maintenance, asphalt pavement can last for decades. But even well-maintained asphalt will eventually need to be removed and replaced. When that happens, asphalt recycling is a great way to reduce waste and save money.

But what is asphalt recycling and how does it work?

What is asphalt pavement?

Asphalt pavement is a mixture of two key ingredients: asphalt binder or bitumen and crushed aggregate (stone, sand, or gravel). The asphalt binder is a sticky black substance that helps glue and bind the aggregate together.

The finished product we see on roads and parking lots is typically about 90 to 95 percent aggregate and 5 to 10 percent asphalt binder.

What is asphalt recycling?

Asphalt recycling is the process of taking old asphalt and crushing it down into smaller pieces. The crushed material can then be used as a base for new asphalt pavement. It’s a closed-loop system: old asphalt is removed, crushed, and used to make new pavement.

According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, more than 87 million tons of asphalt were recycled into new mixes in 2020. Using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) saves $3.3 billion every year and reduces the need for mining new materials.

How is asphalt recycled?

There are many methods for recycling asphalt, such as hot-in-place or cold-in-place recycling (CIPR) and full-depth recycling (FDR). But generally, asphalt recycling involves these steps:

• The top layer of old asphalt is removed with a milling machine in a process called asphalt milling.
• Pieces of crushed old asphalt, called chunks or millings, are mixed with some water and additives in an asphalt recycler.
• For hot recycling, the recycler heats and combines the mixture to create recycled asphalt pavement. On the other hand, cold-mix asphalt is kept cold during the mixing process.
• The new mix is then placed back down on the road as new pavement. Often, recycled asphalt pavement is used as a base or subbase layer for new construction projects.
• Some of the asphalt that’s removed during milling can also be used as a base for new asphalt.

What are the benefits of using recycled asphalt?

Most asphalt pavements are removed because they’ve reached the end of their useful life, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be used again. Here are the top benefits of using recycled asphalt:

• It reduces the need for mining new materials: Every ton of RAP used in new asphalt pavement saves a lot on virgin asphalt binder, which means that we can use less new material.
• It cuts down on emissions: The production of asphalt pavement generates a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling old asphalt pavement reduces those emissions by up to 25 percent.
• It’s cheaper than using new materials: It costs less to produce new asphalt pavement from RAP than it does to use virgin materials. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that using RAP can save up to $10 per ton.

Recycled asphalt is good RAP

Recycled asphalt is a popular choice for many reasons: it’s environmentally friendly, cheaper than virgin asphalt, and as strong and durable as new asphalt. Asphalt recycling not only saves money but also reduces waste and helps to sustain our environment. Virgin asphalt material may be requested or required for specific projects but in most cases, asphalt mix containing RAP is generally used for parking lots, driveways, pathways and more.

Holloway Paving uses both RAP and virgin materials.  We also haul all excavated, old asphalt to a recycling facility for all of the reasons stated above.  Let’s do our part for the environment and keep your budget while updating your asphalt pavement.  Call us today for a free quote (403) 975-3030

Asphalt is one of the most widely used construction materials. It’s found on highways and byways, in driveways and parking lots, in playgrounds and recreational areas – even on airport runways.

However, it is also one of the most vulnerable materials to damage from weather, wear and tear, and poor maintenance. Cracks, potholes, and other surface damage can quickly turn a smooth asphalt surface into an unsightly and dangerous mess.

To keep your asphalt surfaces in good condition and extend their lifespan significantly, here are some asphalt maintenance tips that you should keep in mind.

1. Perform routine inspections

Regularly inspecting your asphalt surfaces is the best way to catch problems early on. It’s best to do this at least once a month, but more often if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions where surfaces are exposed to sunlight, rain, hot and cold temperatures, and snow.

During your inspection, look for any cracks, holes, or other surface damage. If you find any, make a note of their location and size so you can repair them as soon as possible.

2. Clean and remove debris regularly

Debris such as leaves, sticks, and garbage can accumulate on your asphalt surfaces over time. This can not only make your property look unkempt, but it can also speed up the deterioration of your asphalt.

To keep your surfaces clean, sweep them regularly with a broom or leaf blower. You should also remove any gum or other sticky substances as soon as you see them. These can be difficult to remove once they’ve hardened, so it’s best to take care of them right away.

3. Sealcoat your asphalt surfaces

Sealcoating is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your asphalt by as much as 30 years.

The process involves applying a special coating to the surface of your asphalt. This coating helps protect the asphalt from damage caused by weather, sunlight, and other elements like oil and gas spills, which can cause cracking and other forms of deterioration.

Ideally, it should be done every two to three years, or more often if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.

4. Fill in cracks and potholes right away

When you find cracks or potholes in your asphalt surfaces, it’s important to fill them in as soon as they appear. This will help prevent the damage from spreading and becoming worse.

Small cracks can quickly turn into larger ones, so it’s important to nip them in the bud before they get out of hand. Potholes are also a tripping hazard and can cause damage to vehicles, so it’s best to fill them in as soon as they form.

There are various materials you can use to fill in cracks and potholes, such as cold-mix asphalt, asphalt emulsion, or concrete. But for more serious damage such as large cracks or deep potholes, it’s best to hire a professional paving company like Holloway Paving to make the repairs.

5. Resolve drainage problems immediately

If you have any drainage problems on your property, it’s important to fix it immediately to avoid damage to your asphalt surfaces. Standing water can quickly cause surface damage that leads to the formation of cracks and potholes.

It’s best to hire a professional to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. This may involve installing a drainage system like catch basins or French drains, or regrading the land around your property to ensure proper drainage.

6. Maintain asphalt surfaces during winter

During the winter season, it’s important to take extra care of your asphalt surfaces to prevent damage from the cold weather. Snow and ice can quickly cause surface damage that leads to cracks and potholes, so it’s important to clear them away as soon as possible.

To protect your asphalt surfaces during winter, have a professional apply a sealcoat before the season starts to create a barrier against many elements.

Proper Asphalt Maintenance and Repairs in Calgary

Asphalt maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your surfaces and ensuring the safety of your property. With the tips above, you can keep your surfaces in good condition longer and save on costly repairs.

For all your asphalt maintenance and repair needs in Calgary, trust only the experts at Holloway Paving. As the number 1 paving company in Calgary and Southern Alberta, we offer a wide range of services, from asphalt maintenance and repair to concrete construction.

For a free quote, book your consultation with us today.

As discussed in our previous blog post, potholes are a type of asphalt failure that can be caused by a variety of issues from poor construction, an eroded base, freeze, and thaw cycles to name a few.  Once a pothole is developed, it’s important to call an asphalt paving professional to identify the root causes and provide a solution.

Ways to Fix a Pothole

There are several methods that can be used to fill potholes and repair them.  Here are the most common fixes, starting with short-term to long-term: pothole patch, skin patch, and cut-out patch.

Pothole Patch

For pothole patching, our crew shovels or uses equipment to place asphalt mix into the pothole. The asphalt is then compacted using a roller or tamper, and this process is repeated when necessary. This solution can be short-term and usually does not address root causes. 

Holloway Paving performs pothole repairs with hot-mix asphalt.  Cold-mix asphalt is usually a temporary fix during the winter months until a more permanent fix can be made.

Skin Patch

Skin Patching involves placing a layer of new asphalt over suitable, unbroken asphalt that has settled over time due to improper placement or base failure. Skin patches are best applied over sunken asphalt that has not crumbled but has a divot or a “bird bath” in the asphalt surface. 

The advantage of skin patching is that the process is fairly fast and has less traffic disruption when compared to options that involve excavation.

Cut-out and Patch

Dig-out and patching involves saw-cutting a large square around the pothole and with equipment, completely removing the asphalt layers surrounding the hole. The pothole is then repaired, the aggregate base re-graded and compacted to stabilize the area.  Then new asphalt is laid and compacted to make the surface smooth again. This is the best solution because it addresses root causes and provides the structure necessary to support the asphalt.

Contact The Experts At Holloway Paving

It is normally necessary to hire a paving expert to properly fix potholes because they can get complex. If you are experiencing any type of asphalt pavement failure, from potholes to cracks, you may reach out to us by calling (403) 975-3030 or by sending us an email at info@hollowaypaving.ca for a free quote today!

From parking lots, driveways, roadways and pathways; asphalt is everywhere. If you are a homeowner, property manager, or even a driver, chances are you’ve seen and experienced asphalt failures like potholes, ruts or snake-like ripples.

Here is a list of the most common asphalt pavement failures. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be able to identify potential problems early on and take the necessary steps to prevent them from getting worse.

1. Cracking

One of the most common asphalt pavement issues is cracking. Cracks can occur for various reasons, including overloading, poor drainage and environmental factors. They can also be caused by settlement or movement of the underlying soil.

If left unrepaired, cracks allow water beneath the asphalt surface and cause the base structure to lose compaction (usually gravel). In time, the cracks will get bigger and cause more problems.

You can prevent cracking by seal coating your asphalt every few years. The seal coat will create a barrier to environmental factors. Cracks that measure between 1/4 inch to 1 inch are repairable and should be addressed immediately by an asphalt professional.

2. Potholes

Potholes are another common problem that can be particularly damaging to vehicles. Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement and then freezes, which expands and weakens the asphalt. They can also be caused by a weak or failing asphalt base, deterioration on the surface or poor asphalt mix.

Avoid the risk of forming potholes by patching any cracks or divots that form as soon as possible and having your driveway or parking lot seal-coated every few years. For asphalt depressions, pooling areas of water and persistent areas, an asphalt professional should provide a full assessment to identify root causes.

3. Raveling

Raveling is when the surface of the asphalt begins to break down and crumble. It’s usually caused by poor quality asphalt, inadequate compaction during construction, or water damage. Raveling can also be accelerated by traffic, particularly heavy trucks.

Raveling can be prevented by using a sealer. However, if you do experience ravelling, you’ll need to have the damaged areas repaired as soon as possible to avoid more severe asphalt failures.

4. Edge Damage

Last but not least, edge damage is a common issue caused by a lack of support at the asphalt edges. This damage can be due to erosion, an improperly compacted base or no base at all. Edge cracking can be accelerated by heavy traffic or regular traffic driving over the edge of the pavement, which can cause cracking, travelling, and eventual failure.

Edge cracking can be treated by crack filling, but if the problem persists, you should contact an asphalt professional to assess the root causes and reconstruct the asphalt base.

Final Thoughts

If you want to keep your asphalt pavement in good condition for years to come, it’s important to be on the lookout for common problems. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be able to take action quickly and prevent minor issues from turning into major ones.

If you have any experience with common asphalt pavement issues, you may reach out to Holloway Paving for the solution. From potholes to cracks, they know how to fix it all! Holloway Paving is a full-service asphalt paving company serving Calgary and the surrounding areas. Contact Holloway Paving today for a free quote!

Asphalt is one of the most commonly used materials in road construction. It has a long lifespan and is relatively cheap to produce, which is why it is a popular choice for builders. However, there are ways to extend the asphalt’s lifespan and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Here we’ll take a look at five ways to achieve this. Let’s go!

1. Preventing Water Damage

Water damage is one of the leading causes of asphalt deterioration. When water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, it can cause the formation of potholes and other depressions.

In addition, water can also wash away the gravel and other materials that make up the asphalt surface, leaving a weak and uneven foundation. Thus, it is vital to take steps to prevent water damage to extend the lifespan of your asphalt.

One way to prevent water damage is to seal any cracks or gaps in the asphalt surface. By sealing these openings, you can help keep water from seeping into the asphalt and causing damage.

You should also regularly check the drainage around your property and ensure that any rainwater is directed away from the asphalt surface. By taking these simple steps, you can help prevent water damage and keep your asphalt looking new for years to come.

2. Patch any cracks or holes as soon as you notice them

Another way to keep your asphalt in good condition is to repair any cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them. Left unchecked, these can grow and become larger problems that are much more difficult (and expensive) to fix.

To repair cracks or potholes, it is best to contact an asphalt maintenance professional like Holloway Paving.

3. Sealcoat your asphalt every few years

The sealcoat is a protective layer that helps shield the asphalt from damage caused by weathering, UV rays, and other environmental factors.

A sealcoat also makes it easier to clean the asphalt and prevent staining. It is best to apply a sealcoat every two to three years, depending on the asphalt’s traffic.

4. Quickly remove snow and ice in the winter

Asphalt is durable but can be susceptible to damage from harsh winter weather conditions. Maintaining your asphalt during the winter months is important in extending its lifespan.

Snow and ice can accumulate on the surface of the asphalt, causing it to crack and develop potholes. To prevent this damage, it is crucial to remove snow and ice regularly.

5. Clean up any spills or stains immediately

Asphalt requires some care to ensure it remains in good condition. To keep your asphalt’s appearance in top shape, be sure to remove dirt and grime regularly.  It is also important to monitor for spills or stains from oil products that may cause deep staining.  Be sure to tend to these immediately.

Final words

By following these simple tips, the life of your asphalt can be extended and look its best for years to come.

If your asphalt needs professional maintenance, resurfacing or replacement, contact Holloway Paving at (403) 975-3030 for a free estimate.

No matter what kind of asphalt paving you’re installing, proper drainage is key to keeping it looking its best and ensuring it lasts as long as possible. In fact, it’s safe to say that proper drainage is the most important factor in asphalt longevity. Here are our top five reasons why water drainage is so important for asphalt pavements.

Prevents Surface Wear and Tear

Despite seeming relatively harmless, water is actually one of asphalt’s worst enemies. With asphalt being a crude-oil product, water and asphalt simply don’t mix, just as oil and water don’t mix. Puddles will quickly form on asphalt pavements lacking proper drainage, which is why most professional asphalt contractors will grade any surface they pave to allow for proper drainage.

In addition to grading an asphalt pavement to improve drainage, routine maintenance is essential for protecting asphalt from water damage. Regular maintenance like crack sealing, patching, and asphalt seal coating will prevent water from seeping through the porous asphalt and causing potholes and other structural damage.

Avoids Potholes and Structural Damage

When it pools on the asphalt surface, water gradually breaks the bonds between the asphalt binder and slowly seeps into the layers under the asphalt, like the aggregate base and subbase. Over time, this water saturates the supporting materials until they eventually give way under load and potholes form.

These potholes, in turn, expose more of the bottom layers to the elements and make them further susceptible to water damage – leading to significant structural damage if left unchecked. So, it stands to reason that you would want to avoid water pooling on top of asphalt for extended periods, and the only way to avoid this is through proper drainage.

Drainage Prevents Freeze-Thaw Damage

Another reason why water drainage is so important for asphalt pavements is because water expands when freezing. What this means is that any water that seeps through the porous asphalt will expand once frozen, heaving the asphalt upward and causing cracks from the bottom up. Come spring, this frozen water will begin to melt and the cracks left behind become more evident, eventually turning into potholes and causing potential major issues down the line.

Protects the Layers Below the Asphalt

As we saw above, water can often find its way under an asphalt pavement’s surface, regardless of grading and surface drains. One of the main reasons for major water damage in asphalt pavements is poor subsurface drainage. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including by using a non-porous subgrade, installing drain tiles below the surface connected to a catch basin or storm pipe, and crowning the surface to direct water toward gutter systems at the sides.

Ideally, water would flow directly into a drain or gutter, but the important thing here is to get water off the pavement as quickly as possible regardless of the method used.  

Protects More than Just the Pavement

Proper asphalt pavement drainage directs water not only away from the pavement, but also from any surrounding buildings and structures. Water seeping through the asphalt pavement and eroding the subgrade beneath could potentially expose nearby foundations to water damage over time. However, proper asphalt pavement drainage prevents excessive water from accumulating around foundations and thus helps maintain their integrity.  

Asphalt Paving Services You Can Trust

Trusted for generations, Holloway Paving has been serving Calgary and the surrounding areas for over two decades. Renowned for our commitment to excellence, we take pride in offering asphalt paving services you can rely on, backed by the high standards set by our name and history. Reach out to us today at 403-975-3030 or contact us online for a free quote on any of our services.

Perhaps the most commonly used material in the world, concrete is an extremely versatile material that’s perfect for creating your dream patio. Whether you’re looking for durability, style, or practicality, you simply can’t go wrong with a concrete patio. To help you make a more informed decision when choosing a finish for your patio, we’ve outlined three of the best and most popular concrete finishes.  

Stamped Concrete Patios

Stamped concrete is concrete stamped to mimic everything from stone and brick, to wood, tile, slate, and more. Like regular concrete finishes, dyes and pigments can be added to stamped concrete to help create the desired effect. Unlike regular concrete surfaces, however, stamped concrete patios generally contain smaller aggregate to ensure it doesn’t get pushed too far below the surface during the stamping, leading to a more uniform consistency.

Once the concrete is smoothed out, large rubber stamps featuring molded textures are used to stamp your chosen pattern into your patio. Next, control joints are cut into the dry surface to allow for drainage, and the stamped concrete surface is sealed. The main advantage of stamped concrete patios is that they look absolutely stunning. Stamped concrete is an extremely versatile finish that works great on outdoor patios, around pools, and in outdoor kitchens. However, if you opt for a stamped concrete patio, be prepared for the extra maintenance and sealing stamped concrete requires, as smooth stamped concrete surfaces tend to wear quicker than textured surfaces.

Exposed Aggregate Patios

Using smaller, sometimes colored aggregate instead of the regular aggregate used in other types of concrete finishes, an exposed aggregate finish is great for areas that tend to get wet. To give exposed aggregate surfaces their unique appearance, concrete is mixed with the chosen aggregate, along with a special chemical that prevents the outer layer of the cement from curing completely. The concrete is then usually left overnight, before being washed and scrubbed with water to remove the uncured top layer of cement, revealing the decorative pattern underneath.

Bear in mind that when choosing an exposed aggregate patio, you really need to consider the size of the aggregate. The bigger the aggregate, the higher the chances of pointy edges that may be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Large aggregate could also make things like moving furniture harder, depending on the amount of aggregate exposed and cement removed. For best results, choose a smaller aggregate and consult with a professional concrete contractor before deciding on an exposed aggregate patio.

Broomed Concrete Patios

Commonly used on sidewalks and driveways, a broomed concrete finish can work just as well on an outdoor patio. As the name implies, broomed concrete involves dragging a specialized broom across the surface of wet concrete to add texture to it once it dries. Apart from this one extra step, the construction process for broomed concrete patios is very similar to slick troweled concrete.

Durable and cost-effective, broomed concrete patios are both visually appealing and provide better slip resistance. However, the ridged texture means that broomed concrete patios are somewhat harder to clean than other finishes, but their cost-effectiveness, durability, and slip resistance far outweigh this minor con. A broomed concrete finish is also an excellent choice to revamp an old, deteriorating patio, since all it requires is a thin overlay over the existing surface.

Which Concrete Finish Do You Like The Most?

A new concrete patio is no small investment, so you’ll want to make sure you get it done right on the first try. Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, Holloway Paving is Calgary’s most trusted paving and concrete construction company. If you’re in the Calgary area and considering a concrete patio, contact us today at 403-975-3030 or fill out our online contact form for a free quote on any of our services.

No matter whether in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting, a properly laid asphalt pavement is both functional and practical. What’s more, it improves a property’s curb appeal and increases its value when properly looked after. How much asphalt paving costs, however, is worth keeping in mind when planning your next driveway or parking lot. Let’s take a closer look at the different factors that affect asphalt paving costs.

Factors Affecting Asphalt Paving Costs

Size

Naturally, the size of the area to be paved will play a big part in how much asphalt paving costs. A commercial parking lot will understandably cost more to pave than a residential driveway, but the size of the pavement and even its shape and location can influence the final cost.

For instance, in a residential setting, if your garage is located behind your house or far from a public road, you may need a long driveway which would increase costs. In the same way, paving a narrow driveway will cost less than paving a wide, circular driveway.

Asphalt Type

The type and quality of asphalt will also affect the cost of asphalt paving. While some contractors may use lower-quality asphalt to cut costs, and you may even be tempted to choose the cheapest option available, it will ultimately end up costing you more in the long run. Lower quality asphalt means your pavement has a shorter lifespan and is more susceptible to damage such as cracks and potholes.

To ensure your asphalt pavement lasts as long as possible, always ask prospective contractors about the asphalt they use, and don’t skimp on the quality. Reputable Calgary asphalt paving contractors typically use a high-quality hot mix asphalt designed to last for years while withstanding the unique local climate.

Paving Project Considerations and Requirements

While something like paving a driveway may seem fairly straightforward to the average homeowner, there’s actually a lot that needs to be considered when undertaking an asphalt paving project. From essential considerations like building permits, drainage, and site preparation to extras like stamped concrete borders, paving stones, or custom finishes, no two projects are the same and there are plenty of additional considerations that may affect the final cost.

For instance, if the site you’re paving requires significant grading and drainage system construction, this could require extra labor and equipment, thus increasing costs. If you’re resurfacing an existing asphalt pavement, however, these costs can be saved provided no additional structural work needs to be done.

How Much Does Asphalt Paving in Calgary Cost?

While the above factors will influence how much your next asphalt paving project costs, the best way to find out how much asphalt paving in Calgary costs is to simply get a quotation. Serving the local community for over two decades, Holloway Paving is Calgary’s trusted paving company. Offering solutions for municipal, industrial, commercial, and residential customers, we take pride in our work and strive to deliver the best service possible. Call us today at 403-975-3030 or contact us online to request a free consultation on any of our Calgary paving services.