A driveway is a real estate investment and has an incredibly large footprint at the front of your property, so it is important to get it right to make a strong impression. When constructing a brand-new driveway, do not underestimate the importance of planning.
The hardest part is getting started. From carefully selecting the best materials to considering the style and maintenance of the driveway there are plenty of factors to consider. To help you with the crucial planning stage, we’ve put together a list of top considerations when laying an asphalt driveway, especially in semi-rural areas surrounding Perth.
Why an Asphalt Driveway?
Are you committed to supporting environmentally friendly methods of laying a driveway? Choose asphalt! Asphalt requires about 20% less energy during production and construction than other types of materials. We have found this material to be an eco-friendly solution which positively affects the aesthetics of our clients; properties and the performance of their driveway.
Asphalt is smooth and flexible, which reduces the resistance from vehicle tires and ultimately improves fuel efficiency. Lower consumption means fewer emissions and less impact on the environment. In addition, older asphalt material can be reused and recycled and because of its longevity, fewer tools and vehicles will be needed to repair it.
Thanks to its highly durable material composition, asphalt is also able to bend and shape itself in extreme temperatures, making it cheap to maintain.
Asphalt driveways are often a cost-effective, attractive option for many Australian properties.
Below are 5 considerations for planning and laying an asphalt driveway for maximum performance and durability.
1. Access and Size of your Driveway
One of the key factors when planning a driveway is road access. You should aim for a safe and easy entry to and exit from your property. When you obtain planning permissions the council will also oversight the design of the driveway and approve it to their standards.
You may have to remove trees if necessary, as a first step. The next step will be to build the foundation by excavating the driveway to the required depth. Hiring asphalt companies to assist with this can be a considerable help in ensuring it is done correctly.
The width of the driveway is also an essential consideration; It’s important to think about what type of vehicles or machinery will need to use the driveway at any one time. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do you need to allow two cars to pass each other?
- Will tractors and trucks be using the driveway often?
- What foundations (such as large trees, fences, and rocks) will limit the width of your driveway?
- Will the width need to change throughout the length of the driveway to accommodate parking, overtaking, or a place for vehicles to turn around?
In most cases, professional asphalt driveway laying companies like NK Asphalt can happily assist you with determining the size of your driveway based on your property’s layout and your personal needs as part of their service.
2. Layout of the Driveway
If you are starting from scratch, you have more flexibility, especially if you are planning a long driveway. There are a variety of layout options – a circular drive, a long straight drive, or a driveway with curves. As with any driveway laying project, you will want to consider function before form.
The lay of the land often forces design decisions you might not otherwise make, but this can be a positive opportunity to turn the driveway into a desirable feature for the whole property. When it comes to a gradient, it’s best to aim for a slope that is neither too steep nor too flat for optimal drainage; again, this will depend on the property itself and the elevation of the land.
A steep red asphalt driveway with white kerbing by NK Asphalt.
3. Style of the driving – Colours and Kerbing
One of the more attractive benefits of asphalt driveways is that there is a range of colours available to choose from. At NK Asphalt our semi – rural driveway solutions come with a choice of 3 colours:
- Standard granite asphalt which is black initially, becoming grey;
- Gravel/laterite asphalt (no oxide) which is almost black, becoming dark brown over time; and
- 1% red oxide gravel/laterite asphalt that is a dark red/maroon to start with, transitioning to a lighter red/brown as the gravel becomes more visible.
Part of any asphalt planning and laying process is to consider kerbs which will extend the life of your driveway and can add greatly to the overall aesthetic. A kerb protects driveway edges by acting as a robust finishing and thus prevents the wear from taking place.Traditionally, natural stone was the most used material for kerbs, but these have now largely been replaced by pre-cast concrete which are fast to lay, and looks great.
The asphalt colours available in WA – red oxide, brown, and black.
4. Drainage Requirements
A new driveway should be planned with water management in mind. Without proper attention, water has the potential to reduce the lifespan of your driveway. It can get into the cracks and create a powerful pressure able to break the asphalt in cold weather. Rain that lingers on your driveway may contribute to discoloration and speed up the fading process.
To ensure a proper driveway drainage, consider the elevation of the property to make sure water runs off it. You will also find benefit in using suitable pipes, trenches, and channels for directing the water. It is also a good idea to construct a drain well, if you cannot direct the water into a nearby storm drain. Spending time at the beginning considering drainage will save you in expensive repairs down the track, and will ensure your driveway looks brand new and free from cracks and potholes for a long time.
5. Maintenance Requirements
By maintaining your driveway over time, you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come, while saving thousands of dollars in the process. Maintenance efforts such as routine sealcoating, crack sealing, watching out for and cleaning oil and fuel leaks will go a long way towards making a difference in your driveway’s performance and durability.
Your asphalt driveway has a very simple job, but there is a surprising amount of decision-making that goes into creating it.
Is your property ready for a new asphalt driveway?
At NK Asphalt, we have over 30 years of industry experience and our team can help you decide what design elements will make your driveway project one to be proud of. Our team delivers far more than just an asphalt surface, as we specialise in all areas of driveway installation, including drainage and kerbing.
Give us a call or send us a quote request and we can provide you with free upfront advice on whether asphalt is the right choice for your project – at no cost.
Get an Asphalt Driveway Quote
If your job is 150m2 or more and in the Perth or surrounding areas.
