Answers to Frequently Asked Residential Asphalt Questions

How long will it take to remove my driveway?

In removing your old asphalt driveway, it will be necessary to run heavy equipment over the driveway. In doing this, the area under the base (called the sub-base) is often times clay and can get soft. During drier times of the year, some driveways will stay hard after removal, but each driveway is different. Typically, during the spring, it is necessary to let the driveway sit to firm back up. We will determine the best time to begin to reinstall your driveway, to allow us to offer the best possible guarantee. During the summer months, we usually let the driveway sit 7-10 days, but in spring or wet months, they may need 2-3 weeks. You can drive and park on the driveway while waiting for paving.

What are the different types of asphalt?

We use two different types of asphalt. The first and most common type is 41A, or driveway mix, as it is often called. This type of asphalt is fine for cars and light trucks. The other mix is 41B, which is a combination designed for heavier wheel load applications, such as a motor home or one-ton truck. This finish is not quite as smooth as the first type.

How long should I stay off my new driveway?

We recommend that you do not park on your new driveway for one week. Asphalt becomes soft with heat. In fact, it’s a good idea to park in the garage or on the street on very hot and sunny days to save yourself potential problems.

Tire marks

Tire marks are usually caused by turning your wheels in one place without the car moving. Try to have the wheels rolling a little when turning around on hot days. Most of these small imperfections will disappear after the first year.

Sharp objects

Sharp objects such as kickstands, ladders, or table legs will sink into an asphalt driveway. Put a piece of wood under sharp objects to prevent this.

Texture

It is important to remember that asphalt is made mostly of rock. After a sealcoat has been applied, the driveway will look very smooth and you will not see as many of these rocks.

Sealcoating

A driveway that has been over-sealed or was not properly cleaned before it was sealed will be in worse condition than one that has never been sealed at all. As the driveway cures out, the sun and rain will oxidize and wash the oils out of the driveway, and the surface will start to harden and turn gray. This is what you want. As the driveway ages, the sand around the larger aggregate will start to wash out, and the driveway will become more textured. This allows the driveway to take more sealer, so the sealer lasts longer.

When the driveway is new, there is a lot of oil on the surface, which is very smooth. Once you seal the drive, the oils are kept in and the curing process slows down. Wait at least two years before sealing a driveway, and at that, make sure it is very clean. The first time, apply two coats, then one coat after that, and not more than once every three-to-five years. If a driveway is over-sealed, it will start to peel and flake off, and look worse than if you had never sealed at all. When done properly, the life of your driveway can be extended, and it can look better than the day it was new.

Gas and oil

Do not fill the lawn mower or other vehicle with gas while on the driveway. If you spill gas on the driveway’s surface, the gas will wash the asphalt oils out in the area of the spill or leak. You’ll be left with an area of sand and rock that won’t harden again. Oil will stain and soften areas, but not as badly as gas.

Heavy trucks and equipment

When we design a driveway, it is built to withstand the weight of cars and light trucks. A heavy truck could destroy your driveway, especially in the spring when the frost is coming off, during a wet season, or on hot days. Keep them off!

Cracks

All driveways will, as some point, get some cracks in them. Give us a call, and for the first two years, we’ll come out and fill them. After that, purchase a gallon of crack filler and touch them up as needed.