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Driveways can make a big statement when people pull up in front of your home. A high-quality, well-kept driveway can add a sense of luxury and style, while a poorly maintained, cracked driveway can cheapen the entire look of your home.

Therefore, it’s important to do some in-depth planning before you actually pour your concrete or asphalt. With that in mind, here are some driveway planning tips from a paving contractor in Santa Rosa, CA:

• Go for curb appeal: If you can swing it, a unique design and great curb appeal can be tremendous factors in adding value to your home. You might not even have to pull out your entire existing driveway to accomplish this. A concrete driveway already in place could have a decorative pattern cut into it, or be stained strategically for an enhanced appearance.
• Consider your size: You may need to check in with your local Building and Safety office to determine if there are any sizing codes you need to follow while planning your driveway. If you have the space, it’s recommended to have between 18-20 feet of length for each car or truck you own, and 22-24 feet for full pickups. In terms of width, plan for 10 feet wide per vehicle, and wider if possible to make it easier to walk around vehicles that are parked in the driveway.
• Turnaround area: If possible in your space, you can try to implement a turnaround area. This is especially handy for longer driveways, so people do not have to back all the way down. In a turnaround area, a car should have more than enough space to get clear of the garage before turning downward. Generally this will be approximately 10 feet wide by 12 to 14 feet deep, and slightly longer for vehicles with extended cabs.
• Walkways: Part of your driveway plan should be determining exactly where your walkways will begin and end. You should be able to seamlessly transition from the driveway into the walkway and make it as convenient as possible for getting to your house.
• Materials: Some people prefer to line a driveway with brick. Some people go with simple blacktop. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that the job is done well so that it looks like a high-quality driveway. This means clear, straight edges, an even surface and a generally aesthetically pleasing view.
• Pay attention to the bottom of the driveway: The last thing you want is for your vehicles (or your guests’ vehicles) to constantly bottom out every time they reach the end of your driveway. Make sure you have taken the time to plan out proper grading and drainage for the area to prevent this from occurring.

Like any construction project, a great plan is the first step to a great product. For more information, reach out to a paving contractor in Santa Rosa, CA. Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. is happy to answer any questions you have about our services.

Is there anything as beautiful as the freshly finished façade of new asphalt? The uniform black surface that’s seamless and even, stretching from finished to end without so much as an imperfection—it’s truly a sight to behold! But it doesn’t always last long—before you know it, cracks, divots and undulations appear and over time, that once-seamless surface becomes a minefield. It doesn’t have to be that way, though!

If you’re enjoying freshly-paved asphalt in Santa Rosa, CA, remember that there are things you can do to ensure the longevity of that surface and, in turn, a higher return on your investment. Take a look at five core things that will extend the life of your asphalt, to keep it looking great:

• The first and foremost secret to a sustainable asphalt surface is cleanliness. It might seem impossible to keep your parking lot clear of debris or your driveway free of fluid leaks, but it’s imperative that you try, for the sake of your asphalt. At least make an effort to sweep away debris on a regular basis, before moisture and the elements use it against your asphalt.
• Water is going to be one of the biggest detractors of your asphalt, which makes ensuring proper drainage one of the paramount duties in keeping it looking great. Make sure drains are unblocked and accommodating, while also keeping an eye on the grading of the surface, to calculate drainage paths and keep them free of any obstructions.
• Invest in sealcoating every few years, to protect the integrity of your asphalt in Santa Rosa, CA. Sealcoating will stave off cracks, renew the resilience of the surface and prevent cracks from forming via the UV abuse your asphalt is bound to take. Have an asphalt contractor evaluate your asphalt every few years to recommend the proper sealcoating schedule.
• Patch any cracks that form immediately! Cracking is inevitable when it comes to asphalt—especially in hot, humid California conditions. As soon as you see a crack begin to form, have a professional patch and seal it straightaway, to prevent it from getting bigger or worse, to prevent weed growth from coming up or moisture from going down.
• Control the wear and tear your asphalt is seeing by regulating it as a driving surface. Set lower speed limits if applicable (parking lots and private driveways) or weight limits (trucks vs. heavy machinery vs. oversized loads) to reduce the abuse the surface is likely to see.

With adherence to the tips above and a little luck, you’ll be able to preserve the integrity and allure of your freshly paved asphalt in Santa Rosa, CA for longer than you realize! And, not only will the above tips keep it looking great, they’ll also extend its lifespan and keep its resilience high, which will save you money in repair and maintenance costs in the long run. Give them a try today and give yourself a pat on the back for your diligence!