In relation to this, choosing the right thickness for your paved driveway is probably one of the biggest choices that you will have to make in Calgary for your driveway paving contractor. To some extent this thickness does not only define the capacity and the longevity of the driveway but also performance and outlook of the driveway. Below is a guide in order to enable any individual to determine the appropriate thickness of the paved driveway.
Understanding Driveway Thickness
Driveway thickness is how far down the substratum paving material was applied and is usually measured in inches. Asphalt and concrete are the most popular materials used in the paving of driveway and there is standard thickness that are expected to be applied on each of them.
Asphalt Driveways: In most cases, asphalt for driveway should be 2 – 4 inch thick. Typically, street drives will require concrete thicknesses of 2 to 3 inches for the average home. However, if you will be using your driveway for heavy wheel loads, such as heavy trucks or lots of car traffic, it would be better to use 4 inches of thickness.
Concrete Driveways: In the case of concrete driveways, the thickness normally preferred is between 4 and 6 inches. A minimum of 4 inches is adequate for most home use, but thicker slabs of up to 6 inches may be used where heavy load bearing by cars or mechanical equipment will occur.
Factors to Consider
When deciding on the thickness of your paved driveway, several factors come into play:
Soil Conditions: The type and condition of soil in this area determines the thickness of the layer that must be prepared in this area. If you have soft or unstable soil, this may need a denser layer so that there is no cracking and sinking. It will be necessary to tap a soil to know the stability of the ground and the work it can do on the draining system.
Climate: Calgary is characterized by changing weather patterns including winter, spring, summer and autumn weather patterns. In cold areas, the underground may freeze and thaw and as a result there may be formation of surface heaving and cracks. In general, pavements with greater thickness are more capable of withstanding temperature variations that are characteristic in those areas.
Traffic Load: Think of the kinds and how often the traffic that your driveway will handle. If you often drive large vehicles, for instance, commercial vehicles or caravans, your driveway must be built thicker to support the added weight in order to avoid deforming under pressure over time.
Drainage: Drainage is essential to preserve the value of your investment on the driveway you have made. If there is frequent occurrence of snow meltage or rain in your area, a well constructed and graded thicker driveway can prevent formation of pools of water and cases of erosion.
Thickness of Driveway
For standard residential driveways in Calgary, here are some general recommendations based on usage:
Light Use (passenger cars, minimal traffic): For asphalt we have 2 to 3 inches and for concrete we have 4 inches.
Moderate Use (family vehicles, occasional heavier vehicles): Asphalt 3 – 4 inches while concrete 4 – 5 inches.
Heavy Use (frequent use of heavy vehicles): 4 inches for asphalt concrete pavement and 5-6 inches for plain concrete pavement.
Conclusion
The type of paved driveway you choose is however one of the most crucial decisions that you need to make in order to obtain the kind of paved driveway that is most suitable to offer all the functions as desired. Some of the factors that should be addressed may range from the type of soil, the weather and the traffic density and drainage patterns, you will find yourself in a position to make a decision that will be of benefit to your driveway.
Weather and terrain can greatly differ and this is why it can be helpful to work with a professional contractor who works in driveway paving in Calgary and can give you useful tips on building a perfect Detroit driveway. So, if you are deciding between asphalt and concrete, knowing where to invest in thickness will amplify the durability and strength of your driveway, further increasing the value of your property for many years.