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paving a driveway with asphalt

by Jason Balistreri Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Asphalt driveway paving cost

Size Square feet Average cost
10’x20’ Driveway (1-car) 200 $600 – $1,400
12’x24’ Driveway (1-car) 288 $850 – $2,000
20’x20’ Driveway (2-car) 400 $1,200 – $2,800
24’x24’ Driveway (2-car) 576 $1,700 – $4,000
May 3 2022

The Complete 7-Step Process for Asphalt Pavement Installation
  1. Step 1: Demolition and Removal.
  2. Step 2: Grading and Sloping.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the Sub Base.
  4. Step 5: Binder and Surface Course.
  5. Step 6: Install New Asphalt Surface.
  6. Step 7: Butt Joints and Transitions.
  7. To Complete the Project: Final Roll.
May 11, 2020

Full Answer

How much does paving an asphalt driveway cost?

To know how much the asphalt paving of a driveway costs, two things need to be considered: the area to be covered and the quality of the material. The price of asphalt generally ranges between $ 4 and $ 12 per square foot. Paving a concrete driveway is a bit more expensive than asphalt.

What is the best asphalt for driveway?

  • BEST OVERALL: Foundation Armor Penetrating Concrete Sealer
  • BEST BUDGET: MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer De-Icing Protection
  • BEST FOR CRACKED ASPHALT: E-Z Stir Driveway Asphalt Filler/Sealer
  • BEST FAST-DRYING: Gardner Drive Seal Driveway Filler and Sealer
  • BEST FOR FRESH CONCRETE: Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure and Seal

More items...

How much does it cost to pour an asphalt driveway?

The price to install an asphalt driveway is comparable to concrete, at about $7 to $13 per square foot compared to $4 to $15 per square foot for the concrete mix. But asphalt doesn't last as long and requires more maintenance, potentially increasing long term costs.

What is the average cost of a paved driveway?

You can expect to pay an average price of $2,392 to $6,514 for a paved driveway, with a national average of $4,447. Materials and installation usually cost $2 to $15 per square foot, but the labor...

Can I asphalt my driveway myself?

The process of paving with asphalt is not difficult, but proper asphalt installation requires heavy equipment that most homeowners do not possess. You might not be able to install asphalt by yourself, but understanding the operation will allow you to ensure that your hired contractor is doing it correctly.

What goes under an asphalt driveway?

Strong blacktop driveways are typically built using crushed angular gravel as a base. This gravel needs to be a minimum of 6 inches thick for light vehicle traffic such as cars and pickup trucks.

Can you pave over an existing driveway?

Asphalt overlay is an asphalt repair method in which a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing pavement. Generally, the new layer is at least 1.5 inches in thickness. It's also known as resurfacing. The existing layers are used as a base and a new layer of asphalt is applied to the surface.

Can you put asphalt over dirt?

Asphalt. Asphalt is still one of the more common driveway overlays, even over dirt. While it usually requires professional installation, it provides a durable, level driveway surface, even on grades. Unlike gravel or RAP, it cannot be laid directly to dirt surfaces.

How thick should a asphalt driveway be?

2 to 3 inchesResidential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate.

Can you pour asphalt over gravel?

An inexpensive method for paving a driveway consists of gravel or crushed rock over a graded, packed dirt bed. If you already have a gravel driveway and want to pave over it, the least expensive option is adding a hot-asphalt seal-coat layer over the surface of the gravel, followed by a layer of crushed rock.

How long will an asphalt overlay last?

about 10-15 yearsIf an overlay is desired, there has to be an expectation of the customer that this method is not as long-lasting as a full removal and replacement. A 15-20 year life on a removal and replacement is common, whereas an overlay may last a shorter time, about 10-15 years. Again, this will vary with soil type.

How thick is an asphalt overlay?

1.5 inches thickA conventional overlay is at least 1.5 inches thick, while a thin overlay is less than 1.5 inches thick.

Can you put a thin layer of asphalt over old asphalt?

An overlay or resurface can be used on an asphalt driveway, parking lot, or road way. It consists of installing a new layer of asphalt over the existing asphalt and grinding at the transitions (i.e. sidewalks, garages, drains, curbs, or other asphalt points).

What is the cheapest way to cover a driveway?

Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you're installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.

What goes down before asphalt?

1:168:39And sitting on the surface of the asphalt to avoid pavement failures and premature deteriorationMoreAnd sitting on the surface of the asphalt to avoid pavement failures and premature deterioration material like rocks or gravel should be removed prior to grading.

What do you put under asphalt?

A bed of gravel 6 to 8 inches deep is usually installed underneath an asphalt driveway. If the asphalt is poured before the gravel settles, the driveway will crack and split as the stones beneath it settle and shift.

How can I avoid asphalt damage?

Types Of Asphalt Damage. Most types of asphalt damage are easily avoidable through preventative maintenance and proper installation. Should your asphalt show signs of damage it’s best to get it repaired right away as smaller problems cost less to fix and can be handled quickly.

Why is asphalt good for the environment?

Because asphalt has water managing qualities it helps with skid resistance, and the dark color helps melt ice and snow making your pavement safer for cars and pedestrians alike.

Why is asphalt better than other types of asphalt?

Why Asphalt? Asphalt paving looks better, lasts longer and can be installed quickly. Most people take roads and driveways for granted, and don’t consider all the benefits offered when the right material is used. When properly implemented asphalt is better for overall driveability, appearance, your budget and the environment.

What is cold mix asphalt used for?

Cold mix asphalt stays soft in cold temperatures and helps repel water, it’s mostly used for pothole repairs. The manufacturing process for this mix is fairly simple, which allows it to be crafted at almost any temperature.

Why does asphalt crack?

These cracks are caused when the asphalt binder shrinks and expands during temperature cycles. If this happens, it’s because the mix was too dry when it was layed.

What is porous asphalt?

Porous asphalt allows water to pass-through the asphalt into a specially prepared gravel base with helps filter the water back into the ground. Other asphalts are laid specifically to help redirect water to gassy areas or other places where they can be well-managed.

How often should I sealcoat asphalt?

It’s a quick and easy way to help prevent damage and should be applied every 3-5 years, always in the warmer months. Sealcoating is not done to new asphalt pavement, but used to extend the lifespan of old pavement.

Factors to Consider When Installing an Asphalt Driveway

Instead of taking on this project yourself, save time and energy by trusting a professional contractor to handle the installation of your asphalt driveway. Before scheduling an estimate, think about these factors as you plan your driveway project:

What Makes a Good Driveway?

Driveways provide protected space for your vehicles, but they also add value to your house. Asphalt is a popular residential driveway material because it’s:

Factors That Affect Asphalt Driveway Cost

Since asphalt is a durable material, it’s worth the price of installing a brand-new driveway on your property. As you create your budget, here are some of the factors that affect the cost of an asphalt residential driveway:

Choosing a Contractor for Your Asphalt Driveway

To install a new residential driveway, you need to find a reliable, trustworthy contractor. Be careful of contractors coming to your door, claiming they have leftover asphalt from a previous customer and can give you a good deal.

Asphalt Driveway Installation Timeline

When it’s warm enough outside, your contractor will complete your driveway in about a day or two. You can expect your contractor to follow this timeline:

CMI Paving Is Your Preferred Residential Driveway Contractor in Central Pennsylvania

If you’re considering an asphalt driveway in Central Pennsylvania, give us a call. Our team at CMI Paving has been in the business for over 35 years, specializing in various types of paving services. Contact us today to schedule an estimate.

What is the best mix of asphalt for a driveway?

Asphalt used for paving your driveway is usually a mix of aggregates like stone and dust and chemical binders. And for an optimal mix of these components, you need the asphalt to be of a minimum thickness. The road needs and region also play a vital role in deciding the amount of layering and asphalt components.

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

The thing is asphalt driveways should always be built to accommodate the traffic load. A residential driveway may not need a thickness of more than 4 inches. But commercial driveways or municipal roadways have to deal with a totally different kind of traffic overload.

How thick is a municipal road?

In the case of municipal roadways, thickness may vary between 6 to 9 inches or it can even go up to 11 inches.

Can heavy vehicles cause damage to driveways?

And experience tells heavier vehicles can cause a lot of damage over time. This significantly hikes up the Driveway Paving Cost and you may have to install an entirely new driveway. That’s why commercial driveways built for heavy vehicles such as a big truck use a thicker asphalt for paving.

Can you put a bike on a driveway?

Well, in some cases, yes it can be. It’s considered to be a good option for a regular driveway with minimum to average traffic load of regular car and bikes. But there’s a caveat here. If you do happen to live in an area like Toronto, temperature fluctuations and freezing conditions are bound to happen.

Can you overlay asphalt?

This will depend on the present conditions of your driveway. Asphalt overlay is only laying an additional coat of asphalt over the surface.

How much does it cost to repave an asphalt driveway?

The average cost to repave an asphalt driveway is $4 to $10 per square foot with a new gravel base or $3 to $7 per square foot with an existing base. Repaving a 2-car (20’x20’) asphalt driveway costs $1,600 to $4,000 on average. Repaving includes removing and hauling away the existing asphalt.

How much does it cost to pave a road?

Cost to pave an asphalt road. The average cost to pave a private one-lane asphalt road is $35 to $85 per linear foot. Paving a two-lane (24'-wide) asphalt road costs $70 to $170 per linear foot or $370,000 to $900,000 per mile. Blacktop road construction costs more than driveways because roads need 5" to 11" thick asphalt.

How thick should a driveway be?

A new residential driveway needs 3 to 5 inches of asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of rock-base foundation to withstand temperature changes and last 20+ years. Some companies recommend a 2" thickness to save $0.50 to $1 per square foot, but won't provide a warranty due to deterioration risks.

How long does asphalt last?

An asphalt driveway lasts 15 to 30 years and requires sealcoating every 3 to 5 years. Boosts curb appeal and resale value. A new asphalt driveway needs an asphalt layer 3" to 5" thick to last. Resurfacing only the top layer or asphalt overlay costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

How much does stamped asphalt cost?

Colored or stamped asphalt costs $5 to $15 per square foot for a new driveway or replacement, or $3 to $8 per square foot for resurfacing the top layer. A 20x20 stamped asphalt driveway costs $2,400 to $6,000. Decorative patterns are sealcoated, which colors and protects the surface.

How much does it cost to lay asphalt over concrete?

Laying new asphalt over a concrete driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors fill cracks with concrete-repair caulk before paving. Resurfacing concrete with asphalt is cheaper than replacing concrete. However, special preparation is required to stabilize the concrete and prevent cracks.

How much does it cost to install asphalt curbs?

Asphalt curbing costs $3 to $6 per linear foot to install. Adding asphalt curbing to a 400-square-foot driveway costs $120 to $240. Repairing or replacing asphalt curbs costs $8 to $15 per linear foot on average. Total costs depend on curb thickness, styles, and labor.

How thick should asphalt be?

In most parts of the country, the asphalt laid over a properly prepared aggregate base should be 2 to 3 in. thick. If you opt for a 3-in. thick surface, you can use the coarse asphalt mix for a 2-in. thick bottom layer for strength, and a 1-in. thick layer of the finer mix on the surface for a better appearance.

What equipment is needed to compact asphalt?

When compacting subbases, contractors will use heavy rollers (or even the tires of the earth-moving equipment) for large areas and plate compactors for smaller areas. But when rolling out asphalt, heavy compacting equipment is needed. Select a contractor who has 1- to 3-ton rollers for compacting the asphalt itself.

What is the main component of a long lasting driveway?

The main component of a long-lasting driveway is the underlying granular base. It must have the right thickness and composition. Base materials vary by region and can be crushed stone or “conbit” (recycled concrete and asphalt—it’s crushed and reused).

What is the best mix for driveways?

The most common mix for residential driveways has finer (1/2 in. or smaller) aggregate and thus forms a smoother surface. Coarser (3/4 in. or smaller) aggregate mixes are stronger but have a rougher finish. Parking lots and roads are usually a coarser mix.

Can ice form under asphalt?

Coarse materials also drain water from under the driveway so ice won’t form and crack the asphalt surface. Once your old driveway has been torn out, you and the contractor should closely examine the existing base (the fill under the asphalt surface) and possibly remove or add material.

Can asphalt be compacted?

The asphalt is compacted with heavy rollers soon after it’s spread. If the asphalt cools too much before rolling, it can’t be compacted well. The first step is finding a reputable contractor to do the job. The residential asphalt industry has more than its share of fly-by-nights.

What is the most important part of a new asphalt surface?

You’d never guess that the most important part of your new asphalt surface is actually the sub base . The sub base provides a stable surface to support new pavement. The sub base is a frost barrier to help reduce winter damage due to freezing and thawing. During the installation, base thickness, base stability, and compaction are essential steps.

How to repair soft spots in a driveway?

Undercutting can be used to repair soft spots. This process involves digging down below the surface 2 or 3 feet and replacing the underlying soft clay or soil with stronger aggregate material. Wolf Paving also offers alternative options, like using geo-grid, instead of undercutting.

How to contact Wolf Paving?

If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931. Topics: asphalt driveway installation , Asphalt Pavement.

What is the binder layer on asphalt?

The binder layer is large aggregate mixed with oil, making it very strong and durable. The binder layer can be thought of as the strength of any new asphalt surface.

What is a proof roll for wolf pavers?

Once the sub base is fully graded and compacted, Wolf Paving completes an extra step, called a proof roll, to ensure the underlying surface is strong and ready to support new asphalt.

What does it mean when a truck's gravel flexes?

If the gravel flexes more than an inch under the weight of the truck, it means that the base is not properly supported. If the proof roll finds soft areas in the sub base, Wolf Paving makes the necessary repairs in compromised areas to ensure the entire sub base is supportive.

Can you install asphalt on existing driveway?

It is very rare to install an asphalt surface that does not connect to existing driveways, roadways or parking lots. As such, asphalt-paving contractors must find a way to smooth the transition from old surface to new.

What is the best thickness of asphalt for driveway?

If the aggregate is larger, however, the pavement is stronger. The best layer thickness is 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm). Compact the asphalt with a heavy roller.

How long does asphalt last?

A driveway paved with asphalt can last as long as 15 years. Asphalt is durable, resilient and low-maintenance. The process of paving with asphalt is not difficult, but proper asphalt installation requires heavy equipment that most homeowners do not possess.

Is it hard to compact asphalt?

Community Answer. Yes, but it is a lot more difficult. The asphalt cools off quicker, and if it cools off too much before you're done compacting, you won't get a full compaction, leaving yourself with rougher-looking, weaker asphalt. Thanks!

How long does it take to lay asphalt driveway?

Some of the benefits of residential driveway paving are: It doesn’t take long to lay an asphalt driveway. The construction work usually gets done in one to two days. Thus, you don’t have to wait a long time to start commuting on the driveway again. Asphalt Driveway Paving is a durable investment.

Why do you need to have a driveway paved?

Because it’s one of the most simple and economical options to get your driveway paved. Its durability, aesthetics, and strength warrants a long-lasting and smooth driveway. Many homeowners with an old stone or gravel driveway can easily make the switch to asphalt.

What are the benefits of a driveway?

Some of the benefits of residential driveway paving are: 1 It doesn’t take long to lay an asphalt driveway. The construction work usually gets done in one to two days. Thus, you don’t have to wait a long time to start commuting on the driveway again. 2 Asphalt Driveway Paving is a durable investment. It can easily last for up to 12 years with little to no maintenance. Moreover, getting it fixed is also quite easy with an experienced asphalt contractor. 3 Getting driveways asphalt paved can offer huge ROIs. Many people ask Does Paving a Driveway Add Value to a House? It sure does. An attractive looking driveway can fetch great prices if you intend to sell the house in future. 4 Another benefit to asphalt driveway paving is its affordability. Residential Driveway Paving Cost may depend on your location and requirements. However, it’ll not put a hole in your pocket if you just consider the essentials.

What is the purpose of driveway drainage system?

Effective Driveway Paving Drainage System plays a key role to maintain the strength and durability of driveway paving. Water should never be able to stagnant on or around pavement edges. Also, drainage from patios and walkways should be kept at an appropriate distance from the driveway.

How wide should a driveway be?

The width of the pavement will really depend on your requirements. Usually, a one-car driveway needs a minimum width of 8’. However, if you want space for pedestrians too, this will increase to 12’.

How thick is asphalt?

The thickness will vary accordingly. In case of an asphalt overlay, a thickness of 1.5 to 2 inches will suffice.

What is the importance of grade on a driveway?

One of the important factors is grade of the property. This refers to the driveway slope. If the driveway is graded properly, water usually runs off the surface. But if it’s not done correctly, the water may start pooling on the surface.

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