Category Archives: Asphalt

Asphalt Driveway Compaction Explained

paved driveway

The single most important factor that affects the long-term durability of a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement is the density of the mix that is achieved by the contractor at the time of construction. Air Void Content Compaction of your new asphalt driveway is completed through use of rollers, plate tampers and the paver machine itself. […]

Winter Cold Patch Repairs

Damaged Asphalt

Potholes are everywhere in Halifax, and appear almost out of nowhere during the winter and spring months. This is due primarily because of rapid and successive freeze thaw cycles. The initial construction of the pavement is crucial for long term freeze thaw resistance. During construction the use of proper base materials, thickness of base, and […]

How to Choose a Paving Contractor?

paving contractor

Choosing the right paving contractor is the most important factor in the quality of your final paving job. These are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a paving contractor: Reputation/References – It may be difficult to determine a paving contractors reputation. A good contractor will have positive reviews, many job photos and an […]

New Asphalt Tips

Paved driveway in sackville

Your new asphalt must be treated with upmost care during the first 6-8 months of initial cure. Asphalt contains light oils that evaporate over time increasing the stiffness of the surface. Things to avoid: Don’t place heavy sharp objects, like jack stands, or lawn chairs, on your new asphalt surface. They can create small holes […]

Types of Driveways

Brick Pavers

We install 4 different types of driveways for residential clients in the HRM. These include gravel, asphalt, concrete and brick/stone pavers. In this short article we will go over the pros and cons of each surface. Gravel Driveways Gravel is by far the most inespensive driveway you could have installed. It ranges from .50 cents […]

What causes potholes?

halifax pothole

Potholes are a common problem found in asphalt surfaces. Potholes occur on streets, highways and residential driveways. Potholes are frustrating and cause thousands of dollars in damage to vehicles. So what causes potholes? Asphalt is designed to be non pores, meaning water cannot get under or through it. Asphalt is placed over a gravel base that is […]

The Asphalt Paving Process

Paving driveway with leeway

Paving an asphalt driveway involves 2 main steps: Preparation Phase During the preparation phase the driveway is excavated and the sub base is graded. Next, gravel is added according to the soil conditions. Some driveways will require more base than others but at a minimum 6 inches of class A gravel is recommended. Typically the […]