How To Install An Asphalt Driveway

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I would enjoy hearing from you and answering any questions you may have about a new asphalt driveway. Leave your comment here or call or text 866-966-2287

[@ModernCountryLiving]

I just watched your video. I am in NW Pennsylvania and am looking at asphalt for my driveway. I installed my aggregate driveway 13 years ago. I excavated 10-14" deep, installed geotextile fabric, backfilled with crushed bank gravel and fines - compacted every 4", installed perimeter drainage. It is a solid driveway even after thaws and with big rain. I have no rutting or potholes. We get a ton of snow in the winter. I am tired of raking rocks. I am seeing lot of different thoughts on asphalt. A local contractor quoted using 3" pre-compacted of the fine asphalt (no base) - says it will yield 2.5" final. He said it works everywhere he does it. Another recommends a base and then the fine top coat. Is there guidance on best design practices? I do put some heavy equipment (11,000# tractor, dump trucks from time to time) on the driveway. I don't want to make a mistake and pay the price later. Thoughts?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

It sounds to me like you've got a pretty decent base so that's a great start. However, with the heavy equipment, I would definitely recommend using base course and 2 lifts myself but just a personal preference. It may be a bit more rocky and rough but worth the extra strength. I would also go 3" compacted total thickness. My opinion

[@ModernCountryLiving]

@@AllAboutDriveways Thank you. I am having 3 companies give me some thoughts and estimates. We shall see.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

If you need help reviewing your estimates feel free to contact me.

[@AndreainAkron1]

Do you service in Ohio?

[@fijibatiislander7219]

His a true honest man great to see and very very useful tips.. Thankyou for helping us all out .. way to many dodgy contractors in this area.. I’ve had friends totally ripped off spending 10’s of thousands of dollars only to be left with potholes 12months later .. exact issues you mentioned too thin at the crown & not compacted properly so water infiltration etc.. etc.. 😊👍

[@AllAboutDriveways]

First of all... we don't do the work ourselves.. we connect homeowners with RELIABLE contractors. The reliable contractors LOVE this video because it shows the right way to do a job and not the way the scammers do it. Second... please point out the exact minute including seconds that we say "Gypsy" anywhere in any of our videos!!!

[@MrHav1k]

This is fantastic! Good to see after all these years you guys are still in business and responding to comments! What are your service areas?

[@BetuUuUu]

This video is gold. I live in Brazil, you should come here to have the hardest laughs you’ll ever have in your life. This week, the public service came to my street to fill giant holes with asphalt. Just a side note: my father has been calling them for 6 months constantly to have this job done(just to fill the holes). They did the job in 15minutes( 3 holes of ~1m2 ). The only machine was the truck carring the crew with the asphalt. They did all the work with their bare HANDS. Seriously, they compressed the asphalt with a roller that the men rolled holding it by a metal bar. They don’t do any of these things of leveling the ground in the correct way, that’s why there’s so much potholes in this country. A bunch os stupid man doing something they don’t understand with a overpriced work that’s aimed to steal public money.

[@eduardooliveira3577]

Triste mesmo né brother!

[@robertlingg8939]

Patrick is an awesome guy who is willing to help out in any way he can. If you live in Colorado I hope you use him! Hopefully someday he will have a list of QUALIFIED contractors in Pittsburgh, PA.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks very much Robert Lingg

[@mdog333333]

Awesome i am getting a new driveway in a few days, it was nice to hear a video that did not have a computer talking and you answered all my questions and i visited the website. Good work

[@razzle274ify]

Have 2200 Sq. ft. to pave, getting an estimate of 4,200 to asphalt, watched your video, very informative, thanks.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks for the great feedback! Glad you found us before you had your driveway paved as apposed to after!

[@ihurtmyi90]

Spent a week digging out laying down pregrade, starting to pave today, my first rodeo honestly but my boss has been paving over 40 years so hoping it all goes well

[@rhoward0029]

Laying a nice base of crushed stone base which is mixed with water and compacting it and then laying a base material asphalt over the rock before you resurface the whole thing and it will be good. Any bad place in existing driveway should be leveled with new asphalt or milled out depending on the severity of the bad places.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I've seen many steep driveways done with asphalt. If your driveway gets southern exposure from the sun, the black asphalt will retain more heat and melt off the snow and ice better! If not, the deicing chemicals really don't hurt asphalt. Just make sure you rinse the chemicals off frequently.

[@kevinjamieson7899]

I love when there's no pitch/grade for the driveway in general . The homeowner's problem becomes mine and they don't want to spend the extra money to fix their problem..... 😂 .

[@AllAboutDriveways]

If you educate them, they will. If you educate them and they still don't, they're just looking for the cheapest price regardless of the quality. Also could be they're selling their home and leaving the problem for the next homeowner. I've seen this a thousand times.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I agree with everything you said except for the cheaper part. The bottom line is it costs more to do the job right. Yes in some cases, I've seen people get ripped off where some unethical contractors way overcharged them and it would have been cheaper to hire a good contractor or company that would have done it right the first time. A lot of the unethical contractors won't even add base but just make it look like they're doing some grading and then pave 1/2" thick.

[@SledgeHammer43]

Thank you for producing a factual Driveway pavement video.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

+Don Hanson You are very welcome. There's a lot of unethical people out there!

[@cliffright1142]

This was very informational and helps in steps to both look for during and after installation of asphalt.

[@chechnya]

Premature ecrackulation

[@Gamer-ew7fe]

Damn. That’s some good info!! Great job! Very professional. The only 2 Questions I can think of is are You in San Diego and besides recycled concrete, lime stone and road base what are the other materials I can use on a red clay driveway?

[@abbyarnold4477]

Awesome video. The only way to do things is the honest way. In every type of job.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks for the great feedback. Much appreciated.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

@nickt916 Your welcome! We appreciate the feedback! What's cheaper? Well, that depends on the size of your project. A few hundred square feet and the price of asphalt is going to be right in there with concrete, and in some cases maybe even more than concrete. This is due to the amount of equipment it takes to install asphalt vs concrete. Larger sized projects, say a couple of thousand square feet and more, it's going to be tough to compete with the price of asphalt.

[@AngelPerez-jw1uu]

Thank you for the video is very important to know these things I'm looking for a company to give me a estimate but I don't know who can trust because I seen a company that did my neighbor driveway and I know they didn't do it right plus they charge him a lot of money about 7,000 for the space it was to much money

[@AllAboutDriveways]

We have a network of contractors all over the country. allaboutdriveways.com/request-an-estimate/

[@rhoward0029]

Yeah a lot of the ones I have seen will come and get surface and lay it on rock and only lay 1/2 to 1 1/2 it looks pretty and slick but not for long. Especially when you live in a climate that has a lot of freeze thaw cycles in a year. As we all know that is something that tells the truth of your driveway. I have seen on a lot of people away from where I live going to pavers for a driveway cause there is room for it to expand and contract.

[@AllAccessConstruction]

Good Job.. We are looking to get into this field...

[@williamkopper7938]

Excellent presentation! Very helpful!

[@janetstone236]

You are wonderful!!!! Your video clips, print, explanations, lessons were incredible - you are my new superstar! thank you!!!!

[@Mar_Santilli2012]

Very excellent video, very helpful. Thank you.

[@gainmelk]

Life-saving video! Jocularity aside, thank you for all this fabulous insight! Do you happen to know who are the best contractors in Ontario, Canada?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Unfortunately no. Not yet! We like to expanding into Canada soon!

[@PondKingWaterGardensMN]

Contractors in my area don't seem to do any more than 4-6 inches of base material. I know when I have built paver driveways and patios we do a foot of compacted base if cars are going to drive on the pavers.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

What part of the country are you in Nick?

[@PondKingWaterGardensMN]

@@AllAboutDriveways we're in Minnesota so we do have significant freeze/thaw

[@smug8567]

What gets me is that these people are making messes that some poor bastard has to clean up.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

And often times it's not even salvageable and the homeowner loses big time.

[@johnmunk5067]

Getting a contractor roughly doubles your expense. The first time I blacktopped my driveway, I told them I wanted it 3" after rolling. I doubt it was even two. About 20 years later I decided I was going to have to resurface again or I was going to lose what I had. Prices having gone through the roof, I bought a 30+ yr old paver and got a few friends over and we did it ourselves. Most of us had never even attempted such a thing (by the way my driveway is 1/4 mile long) and although it's not absolutely perfect, it's 1000X better than I thought it would be. The only thing I have to complain about is KNOW WHO YOU'RE BUYING FROM!!!! The 1st place I went to sold me blacktop made with 3/4 " stones. It's stronger if you want a base coat, but not too pretty for a surface...but cheaper for them. I paid for #7 the next to the top grade for a surface coat. Another corner they cut was it stuck to our utensils right away (in other words they didn't heat it enough). That meant we had less time to spread it and pretty up the edges before it was too late, and some of it still peels off because it was too cold. Fortunately there was another place about the same distance in the other direction. We all found out it's pretty hard work when you're not in shape, but I'm happy! Oh, and it was about $14,000 for blacktop straight from the plant (no mark up), and $1000 for trucking. Not bad for a 1/4 mile long, 4-5" thick and about 10' wide road!

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Almost double when you consider labor, insurance and equipment replacement costs. Great job! We'd love to see it!

[@johnmunk5067]

@@AllAboutDriveways Glad to. Where should I send them (stills from my phone)? I'll include some slight boo-boo ones too so you don't think I'm saying we were perfect.

[@johnmunk5067]

@@AllAboutDriveways Sent some pics to the 866#. Hope you get them.

[@dc-wp8oc]

What would the estimated price be at today's prices or approximately how many tons of asphalt did you use?

[@BOOYAHSUCKA3]

can an existing driveway be resurfaced and be made wider and longer? or should i remove the driveway and start over?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

How do you get pre-screened? Excellent question! 1 We do a criminal background check on you. 2 We verify that you are who you say you are 3 We check your references 4 We check your online reputation. 5 We verify you're licensed 6 We verify you're insured 7 We verify you have experience 8 We verify how long you've been in business 9 We verify you're registered with your state 10 We schedule a 1 on 1 interview with Patrick If you pass all of these you're in! Want to give it a shot?

[@johncarroll7552]

I have them in the north ga mountain tell me 2in is good for a new road with an incline lol

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Oh. They'll tell people whatever it takes to make a scam sale.

[@devizkit]

Good stuff thanks for sharing your project results, looks pro

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks @dev izkit. There are better jobs than this but this is certainly not a hack job by any means. You get what you pay for in the asphalt biz

[@AllAboutDriveways]

If the existing driveway is is good shape yes. The new asphalt will probably crack where the old edge used to be however.

[@BrionSwansonAmeture]

True enough. The biggest line of BS is " we have extra material from our last job and we were in the neighborhood so sign up right now for a great price". Oldest scam in the book. You always get what you pay for. You want the driveway to be the cheapest in the long run. The driveways that are cheap at installation are the driveways that fall apart in the 1st few years. It's all about good agg material, good compaction and grading, and thickness and density of the asphalt material. ;)

[@potterspeak101]

big help and indeed honest vlog.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thank you very much.

[@cbeserra]

Excellent video! Great details and explanations.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thank you!

[@ericbarr3289]

@@AllAboutDriveways me

[@BBLIVELOVEEAT]

Watching this video tells me that all my money went to waste, cos we got water pooling, cracks from the plants underneath it's ridiculous.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I'm sorry to hear this. Help other homeowners avoid this company who did the work by going here: allaboutdriveways.com/review-a-contractor/

[@vinbarone4138]

If I have a gravel driveway that runs into a concrete foundation where a double wide trailer use to sit, it it possible to pave seamlessly over both even though they are two different materials?

[@dynocompe]

you need to remove loose gravel........... did u watch the video? lol

[@EdwardLaier]

I want to do a 4-vehicle carport, and think it should have about 50'x50' asphalt laid. For the posts I plan on putting in (with electrical up through one of them) would it be best to put them in prior to having the asphalt lain (but then roller has to work around them) or dig into the asphalt later (then repatch around it with asphalt or concrete)?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Tack coat is applied on existing asphalt prior to adding new asphalt. This is a new driveway, not an overlay.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!

[@littleblitz8239]

There is always someone who has to be a jackass. Thanks for this video. I had one put in 6 yrs ago, and it looks like it was done last summer. I DID take the time to research companies. Illinois

[@archeologicalstudent5234]

Very good video u saved me money

[@monikamarsh6300]

Hi, great videos and page. If you fall victim to a scam company what recourse do you have. Is there an option besides ripping up the driveway and redoing it properly? If you find out you've been ripped off just days after they left.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Depends on a few things. Submit a complaint against a company through our website an d we can see what we can do. allaboutdriveways.com/asphalt-driveways/submit-complaint/

[@gillian844]

when laying asphalt with a paving machine would it not be a good idea to lay the stone material underneath with the paver too,otherwise you wont get a proper same thicknes of asphalt material??

[@tedsmith6017]

ya can usually grade long drives , some will run gravel out in the paver if they need to add material , usually on new construction long drives , no company will guarantee the gravel base unless they put the gravel in

[@jamesrodgres2813]

There's different types of asphalt driveway mix class 2

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Yes there sure is.

[@jeffscanlan6206]

Just saw your video. Very informative. Just purchased a new house. Driveway in decent condition. Can asphalt be placed over the existing driveway? Also, what is the average cost to asphalt a driveway?

[@jimowens9193]

What "standard" base material should be used & how thick should it be. Also -how thick should the asphalt be. I live in Mass. where we get frostheaves. Thanks JIM

[@PhotonScream]

I just figured up that I have 15,000 sq ft of driveway that is currently gravel, with a partial grade up hill. I live close to Louisville KY, hot summers and cold winters. This is my first and will be my last home. I need help to determine what driveway material would be best suited for me. Thanks for any responses.

[@MBTUE]

I had a new driveway installed about four weeks ago. We didn't park on it for 15 days.After only 5 days of parking on it there are tire impressions everywhere.Also there are lines where the roller drove and it left ridges.I haven't paid the landscaping contractor in full yet just because of the problems with the driveway.The landscaper hired the asphalt company..The asphalt company told me it would be good to drive on after one week.Do you know why the asphalt would be so soft for so long ? Is it a bad batch of asphalt ? Your help is appreciated . Mark

[@eddiecooper6916]

most of the driveways he show is not hot asphalt he needs to sum of the hiways. are thous road way layd by flybuynights to becuz thy or horbl in Texas

[@KishoreRana567]

Jesus..u got ripped off bro

[@dynocompe]

i am not a paver but seems like the base the asphalt was laid on was probably too soft and not compacted or wrong material or the asphalt itself wasnt packed well

[@hakeemolhajaone547]

Bad base

[@MichaelWilson-gn5iv]

It could have been wet and It got to soft and done that

[@jb359]

I have a friend whose asphalt deforms if you turn your wheels without moving. Why does that happen and can it be fixed?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Excellent question. I'm going to assume the driveway is very new. That's called power steering divots. It happens because your friend is turning their steering wheel while the car is sitting in place and not moving. Your friend should always be moving while turning the steering wheel until the asphalt has cured. Assuming the asphalt driveway was installed properly, they really can't be fixed without causing even more damage. Fixing them would be overkill and make an unfortunate situation much worse.

[@Qaanbob.]

Hi Do you have to let the driveway settle before putting Asphalt

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Depends on where you're at in the country and the soil conditions. Some areas yes. Some no.

[@kevenklayne4211]

Is it a good idea to pour a thin layer of concrete, then, when it's dry you lay your asphalt on it? Just so you're sure it is layed on solid ground.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

No! Not a good idea at all Kevin. For a few reasons. #1) You say "a thin layer". Not sure how thin you're talking but regardless, the tandems full of asphalt would have to drive on the concrete to back up to the asphalt paver which would more than likely crack the concrete. #2) Properly poured concrete (at least 4" thick) would need to have control joints cut in. Unlike concrete, asphalt does not have control joints to "control" where the asphalt cracks. If you look at a concrete driveway that has had asphalt layed over the top of it, you'll see that the asphalt will crack where the concrete control joints are. Take a look at these pics of concrete overlayed with asphalt: www.allaboutdriveways.com/asphalt-driveways/ Look for the comment in the comment section with the user "Bobjaybrez" and then click on the "see More" link beneath the comment. You'll see the pictures and a great explanation of why it's not a good idea! #3) Properly poured concrete would need to have a good solid base installed just like asphalt. #4) Properly poured concrete is more expensive than asphalt which would defeat the purpose. #5) The logic doesn't make sense. Where would we stop? It would be like pouring a thin layer of concrete under properly installed concrete. It doesn't make sense.

[@marqueeviveiros8412]

As a asphalt paver my self i say No you would cause lots of problems

[@dynocompe]

if youre laying concrete no need for pavement lol

[@kajekage9410]

we need to normalize DIY asphalt. Some of the pricing blacktoppers want is ridiculous.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Pretty difficult to do that when the equipment to install asphalt and to do the job correctly starts at about$150K. Used. Installing asphalt is not really a DIY project unless its a super small driveway. I'd be curious to know how much you're being quoted?

[@kajekage9410]

@@AllAboutDriveways I've found people who have done it themselves for rental properties, and it wasn't too bad. One had the asphalt delivered and rented a roller. The other used their dump trailer and a plate compactor, and they came out alright. As for me, I was quoted 4 grand for a 20x20 that already has the base. Literally just needs to come out and lay the asphalt.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Yeah. The smaller the driveway the more expensive it's going to be. When you factor in mobilization fees and labor, it pushes the price up there for a smaller driveway. We would have charged a similar amount and quite frankly not made much of a profit on it. You might be surprised by how much it takes to run a paving company and be profitable.

[@eagleregal1]

I got a 17 year old asphalt driveway not ingood shape and was told i can pave a new one right over top of the old one....bad idea or good idea ???

[@guyghopkins7427]

Can you lay asphalt over existing concrete drive?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Could you? Yes. Should you? No. All of the control joints you see in the concrete will reflect up through the new asphalt. If the old concrete driveway has cracking, those will reflect up through the new asphalt overlay also. If you try to widen the driveway, the edges will crack and break away where the old concrete edge was. I've never seen asphalt overlay over concrete work out. Always ends up looking worse. It's well worth the extra cost to just remove the old concrete and do it right. Don't listen to the companies that will tell you what you want to hear.

[@chrischupp9760]

Great to know

[@TheSchwartz36]

Thanks for the videos ! I was just about to agree to the first estimate i received! I just requested some quotes through your website. Is there an email address that i can send my first quote to for review? Thanks for your Great Work!!

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Feel free to reply to any of the emails you received from us. They will make it's way to Patrick and he will help you review them. I would send all of the quotes you get at the same time. rather than 1 at a time to make it easier for him to review them. Thanks for contacting us :)

[@mrsconstantino6031]

Wonderful video, i love this!

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thank you Tumi!

[@davidtabler6170]

Is asphalt driveway cheaper than concrete drivewa?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Excellent question. In most cases, but not in all cases. The smaller the driveway, the harder it is for asphalt to complete with concrete.

[@kevinkevin9448]

Great channel how many inches of ashalpt before compacting ??

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Depends. How many inches thick will the compacted asphalt be? What size mix is being used? How heavy roller is being used?

[@DavidTorresEl_Rolo]

Thanks For This complete video

[@AllAboutDriveways]

As a matter of fact gillian844, some contractors do just that! It's certainly not a requirement but a good idea! Thanks for commenting!

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thank you William!

[@johnsonbar5022]

Is there such a thing as a "floating" driveway? I'm about to have my driveway paved and I notice dirt with a bit of stone in it. I ask the contractor, "where is the crushed stone?" He tells me that the asphalt will be laid over the top of the dirt and stone, as a floating driveway. I never seen such a thing.(?)

[@AllAboutDriveways]

No. It's a bunch of garbage.

[@AngelPerez-jm3yg]

All north Washington has rock layed before asphalt not sandy stuff

[@AllAboutDriveways]

This is far from "sandy stuff".

[@michaelstephen7411]

What size roller should be used on a brand new driveway ? And how many inches should come out of the paver when it's being installed? What thickness after it's rolled ? What temperature should it be?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

A 2K lb vibratory roller or bigger. How many inches? Depends on what the goal of final thickness after rolling the asphalt. Opinions and temps vary but probably nothing less than about 250 degrees. The ambient temperature is also something to factor in so there is no perfect answer.

[@robertwilson5475]

Good info. Thanks.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaysionparrkesh2788]

I layed my driveway as the Romans did, should last 2000 years 👍

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Was it with seashells?

[@dc-wp8oc]

Like most endeavors, the test of quality is the passing of time. This opens the door to the unethical who know they are installing a subpar product but know they will get away with it. To your point, driving over the edge is detrimental to the driveway, so how is the entrance edge of the asphalt driveway finished?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Great question that requires a lengthy, detailed answer. Thanks for the question. Great idea for a new post wand video.

[@Lakelandcowboy69]

I have a large concrete driveway with some cracking . One area cracked and sunk into the ground. I'm wondering if asphalt can be layed over this concrete driveway? David in Lakeland, Fl

[@AllAboutDriveways]

@Laklandcowboy69- Yes it can be done. No not a good idea though! Take a look at these pics of concrete overlayed with asphalt: www.allaboutdriveways.com/asphalt-driveways/ Look for the comment in the comment section with the user "Bobjaybrez" and then click on the "see More" link beneath the comment. You'll see the pictures and a great explanation of why it's not a good idea!

[@dynocompe]

if the concrete sank so will the asphalt if you dont fix the ground underneath or the issue

[@first2drop]

Can we make an asphalt driveway in December if, temperature is around 0 degree. And What is the best thickness for a house driveway lot? 3 Inches or 5 inches ?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Ambient temperatures for installing asphalt are 40 degrees Fahrenheit and rising. Depending on where in the world you live, just make sure that the temperatures are not colder than that and you should be fine. Thickness is something that an engineer will have to determine based upon the soils in your area.

[@DavidLeon140m3]

How come that there isnt a tack coat being installed before the mat is installed?

[@Joshua79C]

Tack coating or taring is done when its being resurfaced like you see on roadways, you do not and never should do this laying down an entirely new sublayer and surface.

[@n310ea]

When you are finished laying the asphalt, what would happen if it starts raining immediately after while the asphalt is still hot, would it get damaged from shock cooling?

[@cason211]

Good question.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I guess that would depend on how much rain and how cold it was outside. A cool little rain or even a cool moderate rain wouldn't hurt it.

[@clintonmitchell7369]

Actually it helps the cooling process

[@jvkcon]

Useful.

[@thestonemaster81]

What is the best thickness for a parking lot?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

That's a great question! But the correct answer is not that simple. There are many, many factors that go into determining how thick a parking lot should be... certainly far more than for driveways. The answer is only something that an engineer can answer correctly. A contractor may come close, but that's very risky. If they're wrong, will they be around to honor their warranty... if they even offer one? How big is the area? What's there now? What is the condition of the soil currently? What kind of traffic will be using it? Trash trucks? Just regular passenger cars? What's the plan for water drainage... where will you direct the water runoff? These are just a few of the questions.

[@dannaynorton4888]

Are there different grades of asphalt,and if there is what grade for a driveway

[@PrayerLink2012]

A+++ God bless you Pal

[@kimfandel9964]

I have a question......we moved into a new subdivision where all driveways have been poured, however the asphalt is not level with the lip of the entrance into the garage. I've lived in new homes before, but never seen such poor craftsmanship. Is this something I can complain to the builder about?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

You can certainly try. I doubt they'll do anything but it wouldn't hurt to try.

[@dynocompe]

Its honestly better that way Kim if you get lots of snow or rain, then the melting snow or rain cant flow in your garage if things werent properly graded or heave over time. But this all depending on how far down the pavement is from the garage floor. Right now all the water from the back lane melts in my garage because the front of my pad infront of the garage door has heaved towards the garage! Need to remove the cement pad asap

[@jribas7569]

Can you put down asphalt the same day after creating a base?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Yes and no. Depends on the soil conditions.

[@asphaltjob7317]

Interesting video. We have in Russia in Siberia, we usually make a pillow - sand 15cm, crushed stone 20-40 at least 10cm, and asphalt 5cm. What is your price for such a job per square meter m2?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Tough to say. It depends on the square footage but in the area I live that would probably be roughly $30.00 to $35.00 US per meter for a driveway that is app 390 Sq Meters.

[@asphaltjob7317]

@@AllAboutDriveways What is this design? Sand 10cm, crushed stone 10cm, asphalt 5cm.?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

The same specs you gave me.

[@asphaltjob7317]

@@AllAboutDriveways $ 35 for a construction like this?))) I think you're lying or you have slaves working

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Why would I lie? What would be the point in lying? How about you tell me how much you charge per square foot for a driveway that is 4,200 Sq Ft with 2" of hot asphalt and 4" of crushed stone base? We don't install sand here. Just base plus asphalt.

[@eliasgeorge2589]

Hey I got two quotes for my driveway that were within a couple hundred dollars. One installer said I didnt need a gravel base, while the other said he would be putting one in. Should I go with the one installling a base? There's hard clay soil and some gravel driveway left there now, but the gravel is worn away

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Gravel base? I'd need more info on what the contractor is referring to as "gravel base".

[@eliasgeorge2589]

@@AllAboutDriveways there is clay soil and dirt right now. He was talking about putting down a crushed rock underneath the asphalt since the driveway is on a hill.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Ok Got it. But I need to know exactly what the contractor means by "gravel base" in order to give you good advice. If it is an actual base material meant to be used as structural base, then yes. I always recommend base. It's good insurance for a couple of hundred dollars. Just make sure that your quotes are apples to apples and include the "compacted thickness: in writing.

[@eliasgeorge2589]

@@AllAboutDriveways it would be 304 or 404 gravel to grade it for structural support. Thanks. Your previous response really helps!

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Unfortunately 304 or 404 are not a standard name across the country. What is the detailed description? Is it 1/2" aggregates and less down to fines? Or something else?

[@ThePlowGuys]

when is it safe to seal the driveway?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

+The Plow Guys Safe? Do you mean weather wise? After installation? Can you be more specific?

[@ThePlowGuys]

I was planning on getting my driveway done this June (2012) I was wondering how long I should wait till I put a good quality sealer over the pavement.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

+The Plow Guys Here's a link that answers that question! allaboutdriveways.com/when-should-i-seal-my-asphalt-driveway/

[@ThePlowGuys]

Perfect thanks so much. The link was a perfect answer to my question.

[@kevinkevin9448]

Do u need tocompact after removing old driveway

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Yes.

[@gamesambassador]

Nice 👍

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Thanks ✌

[@Doorsanmore]

Save up and get concrete

[@AllAboutDriveways]

I personally have a long concrete driveway. Love concrete. Asphalt is less expensive for longer driveways though. Hard to complete with asphalt on the bigger driveways.

[@JjJj-bq7le]

Yep even bozos that chip seal rip folks off

[@rudyishoggin]

Who the hell puts a crown in a driveway

[@mssburr]

If my drive has a slight curve in it pictured below what do you think would be a estimated price. I am about to try to refinance my mortgage to get money back.. and I want to get a driveway, my from property cleared.and the And maybe a pallet for a 2 car aluminum building. I am not rich actually just got a new job after a year and a half of unemployment. Hence my AC in my doublewide went out last year, and my electric water heater just went out the other night.. as in smoking burning plastic smell.. lol... I just turned the breaker off to it... it is only my income so I need to know a ball park price of money back to ask for in the refinance...This will be my first time doing a refi.. so I want to get it right...lolAww it acted like it was going to let the pic show... but anyway. my driveway is about 1200ft long with a slight curve in it. nothing drastic.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

The cost of paving varies around the country due to different soil preparation, pricing of asphalt mix and a few other things so it would be best to request an estimate through our site and get a few quotes. Be sure to go to allaboutdriveways.com/asphalt-driveways/find-asphalt-pros/ to find some other pro's for your other projects!

[@Funkafella01]

How many feet would you consider a long driveway?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Good and relative point. In the video, I am referring to crowing the driveway. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGjNnpyYZt-nh5I So a single lane driveway that the paver could fit all the way across (12' to 15') is an opportunity for a scammer to add a crown.

[@Funkafella01]

@@AllAboutDriveways ok so if your driveway is 12-15 wide would you want to add a crown if your driveway is over 50ft long? I guess that’s what my question was at what length would it be appropriate?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

That would depend on what the drainage looks like. Only in a very, very rare occasion would I ever recommend a crown. If you have this scenario you're asking about, the best thing would be to send us pictures.

[@ESPPsycho]

Would it be unreasonable for me to do this by myself with my friends? A backyard racetrack of sorts?

[@Joshua79C]

Racetracks use a thicker amount of asphalt/blacktop/tarmac.

[@dynocompe]

i have seen it done, you will definitely need to pack it obviously, if you are not using a paver machine, the hardest part is getting the pavement the proper thickness and completely flat so that no water pools in areas. but yes it can be done.........

[@1977rpearce]

Is Asphalt less expensive than concrete?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Typically yes. But in some cases no or about the same.

[@janetstone236]

Yes, why do you think our cities use asphalt vs concrete. Concrete is a lot more durable, but a lot more expensive. Call both and get quotes.

[@asapmarionavarro3678]

What does this cost

[@tvviewer4500]

If this guy says driveway anymore I'm going to die

[@AllAboutDriveways]

"Driveway"

[@jasonkilner9332]

so 4" of cr-6 base stone is not a good practice?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Says who?

[@jasonkilner9332]

@@AllAboutDriveways I did not see stone laying before asphalt was poured in this video. I have 4 different quotes for laying an asphalt driveway. Thickness quoted varied between 2 and 3.5 inches. Some lay rock some dont. I'm having trouble understanding the best practices. I live in MD, we have 20° days and 100° days. I don't want to pave this driveway twice, longevity is my main concern.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

This video contains footage from multiple driveways as not all driveways are built exactly the same. I cover base material at approximately the 2:30 mark in the video. As I say in the video. The stronger the subgrade, the stronger the driveway, therefore the longer it will last. How many quotes do you have? How many include base material?

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Hi PhotonScream! Contact us directly on our website and we'll help you come up with the best solution for your needs! Then, we'll send 2 or 3 of the best contractors in Louisville so you know you're getting a good, quality job!

[@kuavenger]

I didn't hear how thick should it be

[@AllAboutDriveways]

It depends on where you live. Soil conditions vary around the country. An honest and experienced contractor in your area will be able to tell you. The absolute minimum should be 2" compacted thickness.

[@johnmunk5067]

Good idea to go abt 3" min. You want it to be strong enough to be able turn on it, and the thinner it is, the ground under it will cool it down faster while you're still working with it and you'll lose strength for that reason as well as it won't adhere as well.

[@johnmunk5067]

If I could post pictures on here I'd show you what people constantly turning around on my (old thinner) driveway because it's the best spot in the neighborhood did to it.

[@dr.cummingsoutdoors6092]

Shouldnt rake it with the tooth side of a lute, pulls the stone out of the top

[@AllAboutDriveways]

Unless the intentions are to pull the stone out of the top. SMH

[@50hellkat2]

You have to wait for asphalt to cure before you backfill the sides so the asphalt can cure, your video seems to give impression you can just backfill it shortly thereafter. Not what i have been told😮. How long does a driveway take to cure before you drive on it? You never mentioned the environment re temperature and heat causing cure times to be varied. If you can smell the asphalt it is not ready to drive on i have heard. Also important not turn your tires on it or leave a car parked on it for a prolonged period but what is this period of time. Also put boards under neath trailer hitches or tires of heavier vehicles and for-how long? You did not mention driveway sealer and how long to wait to put in on. I see now why some get concrete.

[@AllAboutDriveways]

You can in fact backfill the sides right after installation. Curing has absolutely nothing to do with backfilling the edges. If that were the case, then the asphalt touching the soil would never cure. All of the questions you ask are on our website at allaboutdriveways.com/asphalt-driveways/asphalt-paving-faqs/

[@packleader1215]

I can smell the tar now