Proper way to install asphalt driveway

Surface asphalt is made up of sand, oil, and small aggregate. The combination of these three materials creates that jet-black asphalt look and when installed correctly it provides a smooth, shiny and attractive finish. Chances are that your new asphalt connects to driveways, roadways, and even parking lots. Butt joints is the official name of the areas where old asphalt meets new asphalt.

Keeping butt joints smooth and comfortable to use is also important for drivers and pedestrians. Sealcoating or asphalt sealing is very important for extending the useful life of your driveway.

One consideration is height. Make sure that fences, garage floors, and other structures will not be affected by the higher level of the new surface. With this installation option, the existing driveway is completely removed or you may not even have an existing driveway. Then, 4 to 6 inches of hot mix paving is laid directly on top of the soil. This is a quick and less expensive option but it is less stable. Installing a new aggregate base is the preferred method.

An aggregate stone base partially replaces some of the hot mix asphalt. Typically 6 to 8 inches of aggregate will be installed under 3 inches of asphalt. 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 is as little as 40 minutes. Additional time will be needed to compact the asphalt. After this, the asphalt needs to harden.

Under most conditions, you will be able to drive on the driveway within two to three days. But it can take 30 days or more for asphalt to fully cure. During that time, you can use the driveway as normal. But you should be careful to avoid scuffing the surface with car tires by turning too sharply and other common causes of damage.

Here are some differences between the right way and the wrong way to install asphalt that dramatically impact the quality of the finished driveway. This is true whether the existing driveway is made of asphalt or some other surface, such as pea gravel. This will give your new driveway the best chance of staying intact the longest. Some contractors or DIY kits suggest paving your new asphalt driveway over your existing driveway, as it will save time and could potentially lower the cost.

However, this is a terrible idea, as installing an asphalt driveway over an uneven surface weakens its structure. It is worth the time and effort to remove all of the existing driveway before installation. Underneath a properly installed asphalt driveway is a base, usually constructed of soil and crushed rock. This base is important for drainage, among other construction-related concerns. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at For the Madison area, call us at Topics: asphalt driveway installation , Asphalt Pavement.

Milwaukee: Careers Resources Blog Request an Estimate. Asphalt Paving Blog. Subscribe to the Wolf Paving Blog. Mrugacz on May 11, Step 1: Demolition and Removal The first step in the asphalt installation process is to remove the existing surface, whether it is asphalt, concrete or pavers.

Demolition and removal is completed using heavy machinery, including small bobcats and forklifts and when necessary, front loaders and large dump trucks. Debris is then removed. At Wolf Paving, we recycle the old asphalt and concrete in our asphalt plants , turning deteriorating waste into strong, usable new asphalt. Step 2: Grading and Sloping With a clean slate, technology helps Wolf Paving's asphalt professionals prepare the surface for appropriate water drainage.