Asphalt makes a really good driveway surface. However, it doesn't just happen that way. It takes work to get a beautiful surface. The paving company has to follow a process, starting from scratch or replacing an existing surface. What will the company have to do to create your new driveway?
Find the Location
One of the things that they will have to do is pick the right place to put your driveway. You may have a spot where you think the driveway will be perfect, and the odds are that it will be a good location, but the contractor may tell you that it isn't a good spot for some reason.
Demo
If you already have a driveway or some other surface in place, the contractor will start by removing it. They will break it up and haul away the debris. If you already have a hard surface down, this will be the first step, but if you are building a new driveway, then finding the right location will be the first step.
Prepping the Site
Whether the paver had to do some demo work or find the right spot, the next step is to prep the site. That means that the site will need to be graded and sloped so that the site will drain correctly. Otherwise, you may end up with water pooling on the ground under your driveway or pooling in your driveway. The slope is generally not that noticeable, but it will be there.
Sub-Base
The sub-base will be the foundation of your driveway. The paving contractor will ensure that the sub-base is solid and sturdy. This layer is generally made out of aggregate stone. The stone will get compacted so it doesn't move, but it will still let water move through as necessary. The necessary aggregate will be poured, spread, and packed.
Binder and Surface Layers
Once the sub base is settled in, the paving contractor will lay the binder layer. This layer is like the frame of your house. It gives the surface layer more strength. It's generally made of oil and larger aggregate. Once that has been spread, the actual surface of the asphalt can be applied. The paver will apply the asphalt and compact it, making it nice and smooth.
If you need a new driveway, asphalt can be a good choice. Talk to a paving contractor about getting an asphalt driveway.