If you're thinking of putting in a new asphalt driveway, you'll probably have a lot of questions for the paving contractor about what to expect with the process. Residential paving consists of building a base and then putting down the asphalt. Building the base is an important step that needs to be done properly so your driveway lasts a long time. Here are some steps involved in residential paving.
Obtain Permit And Get A Survey
If you already have a driveway, and you're replacing it with a new asphalt driveway, you may not need to get a survey. If this is the first driveway to be installed, a survey may be a good idea so you can avoid the easement and setback area.
You'll also want to know local codes since they'll apply to the placement of your driveway and the driveway dimensions. In addition, you'll need a permit before work can start and an inspection once work is complete. Your paving contractor can guide you through this process and obtain the permit for you and add the cost to your driveway installation.
Mark Location Of The Driveway
If you're taking out an old driveway, the paving contractor will bust it up and haul it away so work can begin on the base of your new driveway. If you don't have a driveway yet, the first step is to mark the location of the driveway so grass can be stripped to the bare soil.
Once that's done, it's time to start making the base for the asphalt. The contractor makes sure the soil will drain properly by grading the area and applying drain tiles if needed. Gravel is added to the soil and the soil is compacted to create a sturdy base that will support the driveway.
Apply The Asphalt
Your asphalt driveway may have two layers. The first layer to go down is the binder layer that's composed of large gravel and oil. The next layer is made up of small gravel, oil, and sand. The asphalt is then smoothed out, compacted, and allowed to cure. You might need to wait a few days before you can use your new driveway depending on the weather conditions. If it's hot and humid, it might take the asphalt longer to cure.
These are some of the basic steps for installing a new asphalt driveway. Your residential paving contractor will answer all of your questions before work begins so you know what to expect and how long the work should take.