Are you replacing or adding a driveway? Learn the ingredients & techniques needed to make high-quality, long-lasting asphalt installation.
If you’ve had a cracked, crumbling driveway for a long time—or no driveway at all—asphalt may be just the material you need for a flexible, cost-effective, and quickly installed driveway. Asphalt is one of the most popular driveway materials, along with concrete, and it offers durability.
Even though the structure of installing an asphalt driveway pavement is relatively uncomplicated, proper preparation and paving techniques are crucial for a long-lasting driveway. Planning and choosing a reputable contractor are two of the most important considerations as you prepare to pave your driveway.
Install the Asphalt Paving on an Existing Driveway
If your existing driveway is in good condition and is not severely cracked or crumbling, hot mix asphalt can be laid directly on top of your driveway. One consideration is height. Ensure that fences, garage floors, and other structures will not be affected by the higher level of the new surface. An asphalt driveway is only as good as its base. Asphalt installed on an unstable foundation will develop problems quickly.
Asphalt on Aggregate
The conventional method for installing an asphalt driveway involves laying the asphalt pavement over a base made of compacted aggregate. The amount of aggregate used depends on the soil over which it is laid upon; clay soil requires a thicker base layer than sandy soil. Installing a new aggregate base is the preferred method. An aggregate stone base partially replaces some of the hot mix asphalt.
Full-Depth Asphalt
An alternative method of driveway paving is to replace the aggregate base with more layers of asphalt. The asphalts applied in layers or lifts.
Asphalt Overlay
Installing a layer of asphalt over an existing concrete or asphalt driveway is a less expensive alternative to installing a new driveway from the subsoil up.
Weather Conditions
Asphalt has to be hot to be workable, so installing asphalt pavement in cool weather can be problematic. When the air temperature is low, the asphalt cools quickly. A contractor may not have enough time to compact the pavement, especially if the installation involves putting down thin lifts.
Asphalt Paving Installation Time
Installing the asphalt driveway base is the hardest part of the process. Once the base preparation is complete, an average driveway may begin looking like a finished product in as little as 40 minutes. Here is what you will need.
- Aggregate base
- Asphalt
Call us today for a free estimate on installing an asphalt driveway. We will ensure that your property is looking attractive once again.