There’s a lot going on under your driveway’s surface
Understanding the definition of a driveway helps you recognize its parts, including the apron where your driveway meets the street and the end slopes bridging elevation changes.
Your driveway relies on crushed stone aggregate beneath the surface to create a stable base that prevents premature cracking and damage to asphalt or concrete.
Compaction removes trapped air from soil and paving materials, giving you a structurally stable surface that lasts longer and resists damage from vehicles and weather.
Hiring a local asphalt driveway company provides expert guidance on driveway materials, proper installation techniques, and long-term maintenance to keep your entrance looking great.
Your driveway may seem like a big concrete slab, but believe it or not, it has a lot of components. Don’t take your driveway for “granite”—familiarize yourself with all the driveway terminology you need to understand how complex all the parts of your driveway actually are. Doing so will help you understand when to repair or replace your driveway and appreciate how deceptively simple it is.
You might be surprised to find out that there are names for pretty much every part of your driveway, from the road to the house and from the ground to the surface. A lot goes into a quality driveway, so here’s the driveway terminology you should know in case anything ever goes wrong.
Asphalt is a paving material created from aggregate minerals cemented together with asphalt cement. This type of material sets over crushed stone, slag, gravel, brick, paving blocks, or Portland cement concrete.
This will allow the asphalt to bond to the pre-existing surface for more desired results and a longer life for the paved area.
Aggregate is crushed stone used as a sub-base for concrete, cement, or asphalt driveways. The stone provides the necessary surface area for the top material to adhere to and forms a stable base for driveway materials.
The process involves compressing soil and paving materials to reduce or remove air voids. This process creates a more structurally stable surface when compacted and aids in preventing premature damage to the completed paved surface.
Compaction requires large industrial equipment, which can place tremendous amounts of pressure to release trapped air.
Not to be confused with concrete, cement is a mixture created using various chemicals and Portland lime. This material is usually purchased in a dry form and mixed with water.
When the cement is spread out and allowed to dry, it creates a hard material with a strong density level.
Concrete is a paving and construction material created by mixing cement, sand, and crushed stone with water. When hardened, concrete driveways will not break down under the pressures of driving or walking over the surface.
Pavers are small, artificial blocks of stone, clay, or cement that form the driveway’s surface. They are placed in an interlocking pattern to increase strength and durability and increase visual appeal.
The driveway apron is the section of the driveway that meets the street. This section can comprise the same material as the driveway itself or, for some added charm, if you have a cement or concrete driveway, pavers or paver mats work just fine.
The curb cut is the section of your driveway where the curb ends and apron access begins.
Also called the curb return, these sections are located on either side of the driveway apron and cover the elevation change between the curb and the driveway surface.
An elongated tube or basin built into a driveway that diverts water away from a structure. Trench drains often sit in front of garage doors and other entrances.
Archie did a good job cleaning up the driveway before he laid down the sealer. It looks good. He was gracious and even helped me bring up my groceries. His rate was comparable to another company who came out to give me a quote and he talked to me personally rather than just text me a quote...
Pro Seal Roofing & PavingD1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCFirst of all, the gentleman I dealt with (Cam?) was very responsive to my many questions and concerns throughout the project, which is a huge plus to me. From the first time I met him for the estimate all the way til the completion of the job, he and his crew were professional and respectful....
All Star Paving and SealingWe had a 20+ year old landscape lighting system that needed replacement. Midwest Lightscapes worked with us to design a much improved lighting system, lighting the exterior of the house and the back yard. Installation of the 45 light system took one and one-half days, and went very smoothly....
Midwest LightscapesWorking with Peter and his crew was a breeze. They were exceptionally polite and did a neat job to repair and seal our driveway. I will definitely talk to them first for additional work.
Central PavingWe hired Jim to replace our hardwood floors with new hardwood. He and his helper Jerry did a fantastic job. Their work ethic is impeccable!! We would highly recommend McColl Floors!
The preformed a really good job the staff is incredible never been so happy with my home, A brand new driveway is like a face lift!!
Pristine PavingCalled Mark on a Thursday morning. Not really knowing if he could help me or not. I was having driveway, flooding issues due to a clogged channel drain and I was trying to figure out what direction to take. Heavy rains had come on Monday and again on Thursday leading to flooding in my garage...
Mark Rodgers ConstructionHad already met with 2 other contractors before Blue Ring, and Blue Ring's price quote for the work was better than either of the other 2, and the came out the next morning and cleaned up a very large fallen tree branch from a storm that was blocking my driveway. Work was completed in...
Blue Ring Residential Services, LLCHIRED TO CLEAR SNOW FROM MY DRIVEWAY. HUGE SNOW STORM COMES, THEY DON'T SHOW. MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS TO ''SNOW EMERGENCY'' NUMBER PROVIDED WERE IGNORED. UNRELIABLE, UNPROFESSIONAL. ALMOST TWO DAYS SINCE SNOW STOPPED, STILL NO WORD. THEY DID SHOW UP A COUPLE OF TIMES LAST WINTER, BUT VERY...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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