For Paving Services Bellingham WA residents have several options for surfacing driveways, but they usually choose either asphalt or concrete. Asphalt has some advantages over concrete that appeal to many property owners. One main factor is that having an asphalt driveway installed tends to be less expensive than a concrete one. That explains why longer driveways often are paved with asphalt. This is commonly seen in rural neighborhoods, with garages set back far from the street, and with circular driveways.
Many homeowners find the rich, sleek black color of asphalt from a contractor such as Asphalt Industries to be more attractive than gray concrete. Concrete can be jazzed up with acid staining or color blended into the cement mix, but that increases the price. That dramatic, more unusual effect also may not be what the property owner is looking for. However, if the homeowners do find unusual colors for pavement appealing, they’ll be interested in learning about colored asphalt sealers. These are relatively new products that can turn an asphalt surface into hues such as green, brown and tan.
The Bellingham region doesn’t get a lot of snow, but when snow falls, people want it off the driveway quickly. An inch of snow may not need to be shoveled, and it will melt faster on asphalt than on concrete because of asphalt’s darker color. Similarly, rain that freezes or some sleet that falls on a driveway also melts faster on a blacktop surface. Fresh asphalt also can be stamped with patterns that make it look like brick, stone or another textured surface.
For Paving Services Bellingham WA homeowners need skilled contractors who design driveways to effectively hold up against the level of rainfall this region experiences. Driveways should be constructed so water easily runs off instead of pooling into shallow areas. Asphalt takes on a weathered look as it ages. Some property owners like this and others don’t. Those who don’t will need to have it seal coated occasionally to freshen up the dark color. Asphalt can develop cracks which should be filled at least by fall of every year so they don’t get worse.
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