Asphalt Driveway Guide for Beginners

Installing an asphalt driveway is a great way to improve the look and functionality of your home’s exterior. Asphalt is durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. This comprehensive guide will provide beginners with all the key information needed to successfully plan and execute an asphalt driveway installation project.

Introduction to Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt is a refined petroleum product that consists of bitumen and mineral aggregates mixed together. It is commonly used for surfacing roads, parking lots, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces.

Some key benefits of asphalt driveways include:

Durability – Asphalt holds up very well to heavy use, weather, and time. Properly installed asphalt can last over 20 years.
Low maintenance – Other than occasional sealcoating, asphalt requires very little ongoing maintenance. It does not need repainting or restaining.
Aesthetics – Asphalt comes in a continuous dark gray surface that many homeowners find attractive. It also allows for creative custom edging.
Traction – The textured surface provides good traction for tires, even in wet weather. This is especially important for driveways.
Cost – Asphalt is one of the most affordable driveway materials. Installation costs are competitive with other popular options.

For these reasons, asphalt is the most common surface for driveways. The smooth, solid pavement allows for easy parking and maneuvering of vehicles. Asphalt’s impermeable surface also stops weed growth and keeps gravel contained.

When properly installed and maintained, an asphalt driveway can significantly enhance a home’s curb appeal and function for decades to come. This guide will cover all the key steps involved in a successful asphalt driveway project.

Planning a New Asphalt Driveway

Careful planning is crucial to ensure your new asphalt driveway meets your needs and budgets. Here are some key planning considerations:

Desired Size & Layout

Measure the area where the driveway will be installed. Account for any vehicles that must be accommodated.
Decide on the overall shape and design. Curves, edge patterns, and other custom details can be incorporated.
Factor in any elements like basketball hoops that will overhang the driveway area.
Allow adequate space between the driveway and any structures to prevent damage from vehicle contact. At least 12 inches is recommended.

Local Regulations

Many municipalities have regulations on driveway location, size, drainage, and proximity to property lines and intersections. Check with your local permitting office.
Permits are often required for driveway construction. Build to code to avoid any issues upon inspection.

Grading, Drainage & Excavation Needs

Determine if the terrain needs grading for proper drainage. Account for what excavation work will be needed to shape and prepare the installation site.
If drainpipes need to be installed beneath the driveway, factor this in during project planning.

Asphalt Thickness

The sub-base and asphalt surface thickness required will depend on the soil type, drainage, traffic load, and municipal codes.
Most residential driveways have a total pavement thickness between 4-7 inches. The sub-base is typically 4-6 inches with a 1.5-2 inch asphalt surface course.

Material & Labor Costs

Get quotes from paving contractors to estimate the overall project investment. Factor in expenses for permits, equipment rental, materials, removal of old surfaces, and labor.
Asphalt material costs vary, but often fall between $50-$100 per ton depending on the regional market.

Timing & Weather Limitations

Schedule the project during the warm and dry months if possible. Asphalt cannot be placed if the temperature falls below 50°F.
Avoid periods of heavy rainfall that can impact excavation work and drainage.

With the key specifications and parameters defined, you can solicit bids from reputable paving contractors experienced in asphalt driveway installation.

Hiring a Professional Asphalt Paving Contractor

While a skilled DIYer can potentially install their own asphalt driveway, the scale and complexity involved makes hiring a professional contractor the recommended choice for most homeowners. Here’s how to select the right paving company:

Check references & reviews – Thoroughly research companies before contacting them. Look for referrals from satisfied customers. Verify they have a solid reputation.
Verify licensing & insurance – Make sure the company is properly licensed, bonded, and insured to perform the work. Ask for documentation.
Get multiple bids – To find the best value, get quotes from at least 3 contractors so you can compare pricing.
Ask about process & materials – Inquire about their methods, equipment, and asphalt sources to gauge quality.
Check specialist knowledge – Look for expertise specifically in residential driveway installation, not just general asphalt paving.
Confirm timeline & warranty – Get a written timeline and guarantee for materials and workmanship.

Do not just default to the cheapest bid – the quality of work often correlates closely with the price. With due diligence, you can find an affordable contractor that still offers robust expertise and high-quality results.

Driveway Site Preparation

Once you have a paving contractor secured, the first part of the asphalt installation process is preparing the site. This includes:

Layout Marking

The contractor will mark the layout of the new driveway with spray paint or stakes. Verify all dimensions and features are accurate.

Removal of Existing Surface

If replacing an old driveway, the contractor will break apart the current asphalt or concrete surface and haul it away.

Grading the Subgrade

The installation site is leveled and sloped using heavy grading equipment for proper drainage.
Soil may be added or removed as needed to achieve the appropriate grade.

Compacting Subgrade Soil

A compactor is used to compact the exposed subgrade to an unyielding state. This prevents shifting and cracking.
Any soft areas of soil found during compaction are removed and replaced with stable fill material.

Proper site preparation creates a sound foundation for the subsequent driveway construction steps. Rushing this risks structural problems down the road.

Asphalt Driveway Base Installation

With the site graded and prepped, the gravel sub-base can be installed. This crucial layer provides:

A stable foundation for the asphalt to prevent cracking
Effective drainage for water to flow away from the driveway surface

The typical construction process is:

Excavate – The subgrade soil is dug down to the necessary base thickness, usually 4-6 inches.
Fill & Compact – Layers of gravel aggregate are placed, spread, and compacted until the desired depth is reached.
Level & Shape– The gravel base is smoothed, compacted, and leveled using a grader to match the driveway layout.
Edge Restraints – Concrete edging is installed along the driveway perimeter to hold the asphalt in place.

A quality gravel base prevents cracks, crumbling, depressions, and damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Do not rush or skimp on this critical foundation under the asphalt.

Asphalt Driveway Paving

With the gravel base completed, the exciting final step is applying the hot asphalt surface layer. Here is the general process:

The asphalt material is trucked in from the plant while still hot (around 300°F). The mix will contain properly graded aggregates and high-quality binder oil.
The paving machine spreads and partially compacts the asphalt evenly across the base at the specified thickness, typically 1.5-2 inches.
Workers use hand tools to smooth and level the edges to match any custom profiles.
A heavy roller makes multiple passes across the fresh asphalt to thoroughly compact it while still hot.
The pristine new asphalt surface is allowed to fully cool and harden overnight before use.

The paving stage requires speed, precision, and skill to ensure ideal bonding, consolidation, and sealing of the asphalt mat. A few key pointers:

Temperature is critical – the asphalt must be laid while piping hot. Work ceases if it cools off.
Compaction must be immediate before the asphalt cools. Proper compression prevents cracks and holes.
Joints where paving sections meet should be carefully bonded and sealed to prevent moisture intrusion.

With quality workmanship, the asphalt mat will cure into a monolithic structure built to handle years of use.

Asphalt Driveway Curing & Sealing

New asphalt needs time to fully cure and harden. Here are some post-installation tips:

Avoid vehicle traffic on the new driveway for at least 24-48 hours until completely cooled and set.
Filling cracks – Minor shrinkage cracks are sealed to limit water intrusion and prevent exacerbate deterioration.
Sealcoating – After a month or so, sealcoating is applied to protect the asphalt surface from oxidation and weathering.
Ongoing sealing – Reapply sealcoat every 2-4 years to maintain the integrity of the asphalt.

With proper curing and sealing, an asphalt driveway will remain a pristine, high-performing surface for over a decade before needing significant repair.

Costs of Asphalt Driveway Installation

Asphalt offers one of the most economical options for paved residential driveways. For reference, typical asphalt driveway costs range from:

$3 – $7 per sq.ft. for tear-out of old surfaces and complete installation of a new asphalt driveway. Higher for complex designs.
$100 – $200 per ton for bulk asphalt material. An average driveway uses 80-160 tons.
$300 – $700 for permit fees, design, and preparations like grading and filling.
$100 – $200 every few years for sealcoating to maintain the surface.

With proper maintenance, a quality asphalt installation should last 15-25 years or more before needing major repair or replacement. The long service life makes asphalt an excellent value investment.

Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways

Concrete is the other most common material for paved driveways. How does it compare to asphalt?

Durability – Concrete is slightly more durable. However, both can last decades if installed properly.

Appearance – Concrete offers more design options with varied textures and patterns. Asphalt provides a uniform dark charcoal color.

Traction – Concrete tends to be more slippery than asphalt in wet conditions due to its smoothness.

Maintenance – Concrete needs periodic cleaning and resealing. Asphalt mainly just needs resealcoating every few years.

Cost – Concrete is generally 20-30% more expensive installed than asphalt for most residential driveways.

For its competitive cost and low-maintenance properties, asphalt continues to be the most popular driveway paving material for many homeowners. But concrete offers increased customization for those seeking a decorative flair.

Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Repair

While durable, asphalt driveways do gradually deteriorate over time. Check for these common indicators that repairs or resurfacing are needed:

Cracks wider than 1⁄4 inch
Potholes, crumbling sections, or depressions
Fine gravel coming loose from the asphalt surface
Oxidation and raveling of the surface layer
Poor drainage causing excessive standing water
Vegetation growing through cracks

Catching damage early makes repairs simpler and cheaper. Routinely inspect the driveway and make fixes at the first sign of significant wear.

Resurfacing vs Full Replacement

For deteriorated asphalt driveways, homeowners essentially have two options:

Resurfacing

Driveway is overlaid with 1-2 inches of new asphalt.
Ideal if the base remains intact with only the surface damaged.
Significantly cheaper than a full tear-out since base prep is minimal.

Full Replacement

Total removal of old driveway and complete new installation.
Necessary if the base and subgrade are compromised or drainage is poor.
Much more expensive but provides a “like-new” driveway.

The contractor can advise the best solution once they inspect the state of your existing driveway. Be wary of resurfacing if the base is already unstable.

Asphalt Driveway Maintenance Tips

A small amount of regular preventative care makes an asphalt driveway virtually maintenance free. Follow these best practices:

Sealcoat Every Few Years – Resealing protects the asphalt binder from oxidation and water damage. This preserves the surface.
Crack Fill – Fill any small cracks as soon as they appear using a asphalt filler product. This prevents further cracking.
Snow Removal – Clear snow using plastic shovels to avoid scraping. Scatter de-icing products instead of salt which can deteriorate asphalt.
Avoid Chemicals – Gas, oil, radiator fluid and other corrosives damage asphalt. Clean up any spills immediately.
Check Drainage – Ensure water properly runs off the driveway. Clogged drains or buildup along edges causes premature cracks and pits.
Weed Control – Remove any weeds growing through cracks or along edges to prevent root damage.

With attentive care and sealing, an asphalt driveway can stay smooth and attractive looking for decades after installation.

Asphalt Driveway FAQs

How long does a new asphalt driveway last?
Properly installed asphalt driveways typically last from 15-25 years. With adequate maintenance and resurfacing every 8-12 years, they can perform even longer before requiring full replacement.

Can I apply sealcoat myself?
Yes, you can apply liquid asphalt sealers as a DIY project. However, there are benefits to hiring professionals who have the right equipment and experience to ensure an even application.

How soon can I drive on new asphalt?
Stay off a new asphalt driveway for at least 24 hours. 48 hours is even better to allow it to fully compact and set-up. Driving on it prematurely risks indentations, marks, and compromised adhesion.

Does asphalt increase my home value?
Quality curb appeal adds real value! An attractive, well-maintained asphalt driveway makes a strong first impression and is expected by buyers. This can boost your home’s market value and desirability.

Can I change the color of my asphalt driveway?
Yes, tinted sealcoats are available to apply different hues to asphalt. However, these tend fade out over time. Colored aggregates can also add decorative variation during installation.

Is it cheaper to resurface or replace a driveway?
Resurfacing costs roughly half as much as a full tear-out and replacement. However, if the base and subgrade are too far gone, a new driveway is the better investment.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide gives you confidence to take on an asphalt driveway project! Follow our tips to maximize durability and value from your investment. With strategic planning and proper contractor selection, you can enjoy an attractive, high-performing driveway surface for decades to come. Let us know if you have any other asphalt driveway questions!