Why Brick Edging is Important for Your Driveways?

When installed and maintained properly, asphalt driveways in Melbourne can last as long as any hard surface. However, as edges are prone to several defects, it is one of the weakest points of the driveway. Amongst all, cracking is the most common defect.

Generally, crack form parallel with the driveway edge. It generally occurs when there is expansive soil present under the driveways. The soil expands and contracts, which eventually leads to cracks through the asphalt surface. Installing brick edging can interrupt this expansion and keep the asphalt from shifting. This eliminates the cracking in the pavement.

Invasive vegetation is another cause of cracking. Grass and weed can easily migrate or expand through asphalt, especially when asphalt driveway is less than 3 years old. Moreover, chickweed and Zoysia spread by sending out runners under the soil. Eventually, you will start seeing some pop up through the asphalt.

Installing brick edging on asphalt driveways can help eliminate the potential of migrating grass invading the asphalt. When an edge is installed properly by a qualified paving contractor, it will create a solid barrier between the edge and the yard of the driveway. Substrates that are used to hold the edge is non-porous. This leaves no void areas for vegetation to grow.

Invasive grass when left unattended on an exposed asphalt edge, it will eventually ravel the edge. Brick edging plays a prominent role in preventing damage from the grass. In addition, they also keep the vehicles from driving off the edge of the driveway. Driving off and on an edge of asphalt driveways in Melbourne will eventually cause the edge to break off.

Not only this leads to expensive repair but also reduces the curb appeal. Repetition of this will rut the yard and cause a bare spot, eventually turning to mud. Decorative edges, when installed properly, will reinforce the pavement edge, also creating a curb. This will keep the vehicles on the driveway, whilst keeping them out of the yard.

Another important benefit of installing brick edging is the ability to control drainage. Not all, but many homeowners desire a protective barrier against unwanted rainwater and erosion. This can be achieved by installing a brick edge on the driveway edge. Moreover, if you are having unwanted drainage or soil erosion from the neighbourhood, it can be stopped by installing a decorative curb or edge.

Brick edging also adds beauty and aesthetics to the home. When you hire a qualified paving contractor for installing brick edging, it can eliminate defects and guard your investment for several years to come. You’ll be surprised to know that brick edging can add up to 10 years of the lifespan to your asphalt driveways in Melbourne.

If you are looking for adding brick edge to your asphalt driveways, Custom Asphalt is your trustworthy partner. We specialize in brick edging in and around Melbourne. With us, you can have complete peace of mind as not only all our machinery is fully insured but we also have Workcover certification and Public Liability Insurance. To discuss your requirements, get in touch with us today!

A Comprehensive Guide on Choosing the Best Asphalt Repair Company near You

The asphalt projects are not something that you can risk doing with a cheap, unprofessional paving company. You need to take into consideration a number of aspects like aesthetics, longevity and safety of the community at large while you set out to seek out the most experienced asphalt paving professional in your area. 

For this, it is highly recommended to thoroughly research local paving companies to make sure that they meet all safety standards and requirements. Apart from this, listed below are a few things that you should consider in deciding your professional team for paving.

• Get the Initial Quote 

A professional contractor will be able to give you an accurate quote before the work begins. They will take the measurements, discuss your needs and come up with the estimate while providing you with an explanation about everything that goes into the expense sheet.

• Know about Work and References

Take enough time to research all the companies near you who are capable of carrying out accurate asphalt repairs. Find their background and previous testimonials. Check out their reviews. This will give you important insights from those who have already used the contractors' services.

• Find out about the Insurance Coverage

This is often overlooked but is an important factor while choosing the right asphalt paving company. When working on your property, you'd like to be sure that their coverage protects both - you and them in an unfortunate event like the accident.

• Know the Team Members

Ask the number of members who will be sent out to work on your paving project. Each team is different, depending on the demands of your individual project. The best paving contractor will be sure to send out a team that is large enough to complete your project on time and on budget.

• Identify their Equipment

Machines that are not well-maintained can break down any time and if this happens, it can cause delays. Asphalt cools quickly after it has been laid and a machine that is not working efficiently can cause integral faults and cosmetic blemishes. So, it is imperative for you to take a look at the equipment they use.

• Ask for the Materials Used

It is essential to choose a professional who can give you the guarantee of carrying out the asphalt repair work using only the highest quality of materials. The high-quality asphalt is considerably more durable and has a much better appearance as compared to a low-quality mix.

Considering these points will definitely enable you to choose a reliable company whom you can count on for delivering quality services. One such company that you can rely on is Custom Asphalt.

Our professional team here provides domestic, commercial and industrial markets quality asphalt repairs and maintenance services throughout Melbourne. If you wish to know more about our team or our services, feel free to visit our website or contact us directly for instant assistance.

Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways – Which is better?

Are you planning to build a new driveway or perhaps constructing a new home and need to pave your Driveways in Melbourne? When it comes to installing a new driveway, the biggest decision is to choose between the concrete and asphalt. They are similar but have key differences which you need to consider before making a decision.

Though they vary in many ways, they also share some similarities. Both asphalt and concrete have a gravel base made of stone and sand. The primary difference is the adhesive materials. Concrete is made of cement while asphalt is petroleum based. This simple variance can lead to several differences between the materials. Let’s ponder deeper:

1. Expense
   
   
   On an average, concrete can cost 50% more than asphalt, making asphalt driveways a cheaper and better value for money. Here you need to keep in mind that the prices of asphalt driveways tend to vary with fluctuations in crude oil prices. Details, finishes and stains can increase the overall expense.
   
   
2. Maintenance and repairs
   
   
   While considering installing an asphalt driveway, you need to understand the maintenance and repairs that accompany it. Usually, after six months or a year after the installation, an asphalt driveway needs to be sealed and later sealed again every 3-5 years. This extends the life of the driveways.
   
   
   However, concrete driveways don’t require as much sealing. Sealing can enhance the look and preserve the finish of the concrete driveways; so many homeowners opt for it. Degreasers increase the maintenance costs, but it’s a mandatory option to remove oil, fuel and chemical stains that build up over time.
   
   
   Cracks affect both concrete and asphalt driveways and should be repaired on time. You’ll find that asphalt cracks are easier to fix and result in more aesthetically pleasing repairs. While on the other hand, concrete cracks are harder to repair and impossible to resurface.
   
   
3. Design & Aesthetic
   
   
   When it comes to the look of your driveways in Melbourne, pavement material plays a vital role. You can tint, stain, etch or stamp concrete driveways to achieve the desired look. Finishes provide alternative colour or hues.
   
   
   Whereas asphalt need to be rolled and compressed during installation. Finishes, stamping or etching is not a good idea for asphalt driveways. You can use sealants contain tints or colouring to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your asphalt driveway.
   
   
   
   
4. Climate and Weather
   
   
   Melbourne homeowners need to consider how climate and weather patterns affect their pavement decisions. In colder climates, without any doubt asphalt is a better material to use for driveways. Let’s look at the reasons behind it:

• Asphalt is not affected by cold and doesn’t deteriorate from salt use
• Concrete is prone to expansion and contraction
• Concrete deteriorates with salt use, it is spread on roads to melt snow
• Asphalt pavement absorbs more heat and causes snow and ice to melt rapidly than concrete.

All in all, there are numerous factors that you need to consider while choosing a driveway. From appearance, the initial cost to repair and maintenance needs, you need to consider all. Moreover, specific questions such as the climate you live in, wear and tear you exert on the driveways and any personal restrictions should be considered as well.

If you are planning for Asphalt Driveway in Melbourne, Custom Asphalt can help. We focus on asphalt products at highly competitive pricing. We have more than 15 years of industry experience and specialise in asphalt driveways. To discuss, get in touch with us today!

Why Must We Prefer Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt Paving is the paved road surface with asphalt. Asphalt provides a durable, smooth, safe, quite surface and is one of the most versatile pavement materials. Pavement structures can be designed to handle any load from passenger cars to heavy trucks. Whether on a parking lot, road or airport, pavements made from asphalt add up the best value for the tax payer with lowest life cycle cost and highest residual value.

Asphalt pavements are well known for their resilience. It is this strength which makes them the best option for almost all paved surfaces. Many state and federal governments prefer these pavements because of their reliability and long life. If properly laid then it does not need replacement for about 20 to 25 years. Paving results in construction of parking lots, driveways, roadways, airstrips and more. Pavements can be recycled when removed.

Asphalt Paving material consists of stone, sand, additives and liquid asphalt. Liquid asphalt which is a black stick substance is used as the binding material in asphalt pavements. It is quite viscous in nature and can also be found in semi solid forms. Once mixed the pavement material consists of up to 90 to 95% aggregate and sand plus 5 to 10% asphalt or bitumen.

The high viscosity of asphalt helps in binding the materials together while also retaining flexibility. Flexibility found in the asphalt is one of its greatest strength which allows the surface to adapt to changing conditions. These conditions may be produced by weather and constantly changing the surface beneath it.

For all your asphalt paving requirements Custom Asphalt is the best option. We have long term experience with asphalt and our services include complete construction, installation and repair with maintenance. We offer a comprehensive range of services to suit your specific needs.

To get additional information about our expert services please feel free to contact us today at 0418 137 943

Add value to your property with highly durable crushed rock driveways!

An attractive crushed rock driveway can significantly add to the curb appeal and value of your property. Crushed rock driveways not only look fabulous but are also extremely affordable and easy to work with. It’s simple to create layouts of any desired shape and size. It requires very less maintenance and attention but can endure even the harshest weather conditions.

It creates great traction for your tires and covers up all dirt and dust, so that there is not as much in your driveway.  But before you even begin installation of this crushed rock driveway, there are few things that need to be done for preparing the driveway. This is not only important but is necessary too.

Step 1 – Clean the surface:

The first and foremost step you need to start with is to dig up all the weeds and grass using shovel. Top soil layer needs to be excavated from the driveway area. It helps prevent any dirt or dust from seeping out from under crushed rock once it has been installed. While doing so, also ensure that you get rid of all the big rocks or sticks as well as other debris that may cause issues or get in the way,

Step 2 – Sprinkle weed killer:

When done with first step, move on to weed killer. It will help prevent any type of unwanted vegetation from coming up through the rocks.

Step 3 – Even the surface:

Rake your ground thoroughly until it is even. Remember, to keep the middle of your driveway path slightly higher as compared to the sides, which will prevent any flooding. Once accomplished, tamp down all of the soil. If the driveway area is large, you might need an asphalt roller to even the surface.

Step 4: Weed Control Fabric:

Line up your driveway with weed control fabric. Simply unroll the weed fabric on your driveway until the entire path is covered completely.

Step 5: Line Driveway:

Once laid the weed control fabric, get your driveway lined with the first layer of crushed rock. Ensure that the rocks you use are slighter bigger than the crushed rock that you are planning to use on your driveway.

Step 6 – Considerations:

It is important that you not only efficiently build the crushed rock driveway but also maintain it. The best option to get all this done in a most precise manner is to hire the professionals. Custom Asphalt is the renowned and reputed driveway construction company providing custom crushed rock driveway design and construction by using only the high quality material at the competitive fair price. With Custom Asphalt you can be at your complete peace of mind as they have Workcover Certification and Public Liability Insurance. To get your crushed rock driveway build, get in touch with us today!

Get a classic look with the help of Brick Edging!

Home is where happiness begins! So, many times it happens that homeowners try to find different ways to give their home a unique look which will make it stand out from the rest. There is a desire of doing something exceptional and different. One thing that helps to bring out creativity from you and giving the unique look to your driveways or property is the use of brick edging.

There are different types of edging, which you can use it in many places. In fact, if there is extra space on the side, then to give it an awesome visual impact, brick edging can be used. Flowerbeds, driveways or sideways are just a few places where this can be implemented to finish the look of your house.

Different types of bricks are available with unique shapes, colours and thickness. So, by adopting several options makes you lucky to use it in a variety of ways. For example, trees and sidewalks often look the best with the single layer of brick bordering around them.

Driveways are considered to be the most popular place where the brick edging looks the best. It gives a classic visual look to your driveway and also it has the ability to control the drainage problem. Not all, but some of the homeowners desire to have a defending barrier against corrosion or unnecessary rain water. So, for them, brick edging is a definite choice.

So, if you want to have an instant visual impact which defines your driveways and pathways, then Custom Asphalt is your obvious choice. We are the south eastern suburbs based company servicing domestic, commercial and government markets in the Melbourne south east and eastern areas.

We understand that both your money and the outcome of your project are important to you, so can expect to receive the service that will stand for the long period of time. Keeping this in mind, we offer you feature timber or brick edging which creates an artistic effect to your property.

Give your driveways a new life with our asphalt repair service!

When was the last thing you thought about your asphalt parking lot and get it repaired? We all are well aware of the fact that asphalt pavement begins to degenerate as soon as it is laid down. Water softens the asphalt; sunlight accelerated oxidation and breaks down the binder and fuel and lubricants dissolve it. We all know that the first impressions are lasting and this is true for all your clients and guests who drive into your parking space. Thus to keep your driveway new and maintained regular asphalt repair is essential.

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional asphalt repair and maintenance service in Melbourne, Custom Asphalt is the right choice for you. With more than 15 years of experience in asphalt industry, we pride in delivering the quality asphalt repair and maintenance at the competitive rates. Fully insured with quality work guaranteed, we serve to both the domestic and commercial markets in South Eastern and Eastern suburbs in Melbourne. We provide a comprehensive range of quality asphalt repair service for potholes, utility cut, edge breaks, washouts and all types of asphalt damage.

We strive to deliver quality workmanship and timely service by meeting the timelines and completion schedules. We only use high quality material to ensure the excellent quality service and guaranteed customer satisfaction. Our friendly and reliable team is here to provide you with the assistance that you need to run the project smoothly and save your time and money. Our quality service is achieved by using quality products, experienced staff that ensures to add value to your property and driveways. We have Workcover certification and Public Liability Insurance along with our fully insured machineries to ensure you receive the excellent workmanship and guaranteed customer satisfaction.

If you’re looking forward to get your driveway repair, give us a call for reliable and friendly asphalt repair service. You can reach us on 0418 137 943