F&G’s Free Tips and Education

THERE ARE THREE METHODS OF PAVING

Option 1. Putting an inch to two inches of asphalt over an existing driveway, or parking lot.
Option 2. First we remove all existing asphalt and replace it with one coat that is three inches after being compressed.
Option 3. Replace one and a half inch class one binder coat, compact and then add second coat of one and a half inch class two asphalt.

Class one asphalt uses a half inch stone in the mix. Class two asphalt uses three eighths stone in the asphalt mix. Class three is a curbing mix, with very little stone at all.

DRIVEWAY OVERLAY DESCRIPTION

We start by repairing any potholes that may exist in the driveway or parking lot. Then we clean the surface. Once the surface has been properly prepared, we use tack coat (heat-activated glue only used on asphalt) to adhere the new surface to the existing asphalt. This method is more economical than replacement paving.

DRIVEWAY REPLACEMENT

We remove all existing asphalt using an excavator. We then re-grade the base to ensure proper runoff and drainage. If needed, we add base material up to six inches and compact the entire base with a vibratory roller. The base material we use is called item 4, or re-processed asphalt mixed with stone dust. These materials have excellent binding properties and, when used in this application, it is a superior underlayment for the asphalt, unlike sand which does not compact well. This process is the backbone of the entire job, and when done properly will result in a mechanically sound driveway. After the base work has been completed, we then put down hot asphalt over the top of the base and compact it with a vibratory roller leaving three inches (once compacted). While this method is more costly than an overlay, it will also give you the most longevity and a more appealing finish. We also recommend sealing the new asphalt one year after the asphalt has had a chance to cure to prolong its life.