The Ultimate Guide to Asphalt Driveway Paving Design and Installation

Asphalt is one of the most popular materials for driveway paving because it is durable, flexible, cost-effective, and easy to install. However, asphalt driveways also require proper planning, preparation, and maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about asphalt driveway paving design and installation, from choosing the right contractor to selecting the best base and asphalt mix.

Choosing the Right Contractor

The first step in installing an asphalt driveway is finding a reputable contractor who has experience and references from satisfied customers. You can search online for local contractors, ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors, or check reviews on websites like Houzz. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a contractor are:

License and insurance: Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured to perform asphalt paving work in your area. This will protect you from liability in case of accidents or damages.
Estimate and contract: Ask for a written estimate and contract that details the scope of work, materials, costs, timeline, and warranty. Compare different bids and avoid contractors who offer very low prices or ask for large upfront payments.
Communication and professionalism: Choose a contractor who communicates well, answers your questions, and shows up on time. A professional contractor will also respect your property and clean up after the job is done.

Selecting the Best Base and Asphalt Mix

The quality of your asphalt driveway depends largely on the base and asphalt mix that are used. The base is the layer of material that supports the asphalt surface and provides drainage and stability. The asphalt mix is the combination of stone, sand, and asphalt binder that forms the top layer of the driveway.

Base Options

There are three main options for base installation:

Install the asphalt paving on an existing driveway:
If your existing driveway is in good condition and is not severely cracked or crumbling, hot mix asphalt can be laid directly on top of your driveway ¹. This option is fast and economical, but it may not last as long as a new base.
Install a new granular base:
This option involves removing the existing driveway and installing a new layer of crushed stone or recycled concrete and asphalt ². This option provides a strong and stable base that can last for decades, but it requires more excavation and grading work.
Install a full-depth asphalt base:
This option involves installing a thick layer of hot mix asphalt as the base, followed by a thinner layer of hot mix asphalt as the surface ³. This option creates a uniform and flexible base that can withstand heavy loads and temperature changes, but it is more expensive and requires more asphalt material.

The recommended thickness of the base depends on the soil type and drainage conditions. For poor-draining soils like clay, you may need 8 inches of base; for well-draining soils like sand, you may need 4 inches of base ².

Asphalt Mix Options

There are different types of asphalt mixes that vary in their composition, performance, and appearance. Some of the common types are:

Dense-graded mix: This is the standard type of asphalt mix that has a wide range of aggregate sizes that fill the voids and create a dense and smooth surface. It is suitable for most driveways and offers good durability and skid resistance.
Stone matrix asphalt (SMA): This is a premium type of asphalt mix that has a high proportion of coarse aggregate that interlocks to form a strong and rut-resistant surface. It also has fibers or polymers that improve its stability and resistance to cracking. It is ideal for high-traffic driveways and offers a rougher texture and better drainage than dense-graded mix.
Open-graded mix: This is a type of asphalt mix that has fewer fine particles and more air voids than dense-graded mix. It allows water to drain through the surface and reduces noise and splash. It is often used as a base layer or as a surface layer for low-volume driveways. It offers a porous texture and lower skid resistance than dense-graded mix.

The choice of asphalt mix depends on your budget, preference, and climate. You can consult with your contractor to determine the best option for your driveway.

Preparing the Site

Before installing the asphalt driveway, you need to prepare the site by marking the boundaries, clearing the vegetation, grading the slope, compacting the soil, installing the edging, laying the geotextile fabric (if needed), spreading the base material, compacting the base, applying the tack coat (if needed), spreading the asphalt mix, compacting the asphalt, sealing the joints (if needed), curing the asphalt, applying the sealcoat (if needed), and adding any decorative features (if desired).

Marking the Boundaries

You need to mark the boundaries of your driveway with stakes or spray paint. You can use a tape measure, a level, and a string to ensure the alignment and accuracy of the markings. You should also check with your local authorities for any permits, codes, or regulations that may apply to your driveway project.

Clearing the Vegetation

You need to clear any vegetation, rocks, debris, or other obstacles from the area where you want to install your driveway. You can use a shovel, a rake, a hoe, a weed killer, or a sod cutter to remove the unwanted materials. You should also dig out any roots or stumps that may interfere with the base or asphalt installation.

Grading the Slope

You need to grade the slope of your driveway to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling on the surface or seeping under the base. The recommended slope for an asphalt driveway is 1/4 inch per foot ¹. You can use a skid steer, a grader, or a hand tamper to create the slope. You should also create a crown or a slight hump in the center of the driveway to direct water to the sides ¹.

Compacting the Soil

You need to compact the soil to create a firm and level foundation for the base and asphalt layers. You can use a plate compactor, a roller, or a hand tamper to compact the soil. You should also moisten the soil slightly to improve its compaction.

Installing the Edging

You need to install edging along the sides of your driveway to hold in the base and asphalt layers and prevent them from spreading or cracking. You can use concrete, metal, wood, brick, stone, or plastic edging materials. You should dig a trench along the edges of your driveway and place the edging materials in it. You should also secure them with stakes, nails, screws, or adhesive.

Laying the Geotextile Fabric

You may need to lay geotextile fabric over the compacted soil before spreading the base material. Geotextile fabric is a synthetic material that prevents soil erosion and improves drainage and stability. It also reduces the amount of base material needed and prevents weeds from growing through the asphalt surface. You should cut the fabric to fit the area of your driveway and overlap it by at least 12 inches at the seams. You should also secure it with staples or pins.

Spreading the Base Material

You need to spread the base material over the geotextile fabric (if used) or directly over the compacted soil. You can use crushed stone, recycled concrete and asphalt, or full-depth asphalt as your base material. You should spread it evenly with a shovel, a rake, or a skid steer. You should also check the thickness and level of the base material with a tape measure and a level.

Compacting the Base

You need to compact the base material to create a solid and smooth surface for the asphalt layer. You can use a plate compactor, a roller, or a hand tamper to compact the base material. You should also moisten it slightly to improve its compaction.

Applying the Tack Coat

You may need to apply a tack coat over the base layer before spreading the asphalt mix. A tack coat is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion that acts as an adhesive between the base and asphalt layers. It improves the bond and prevents delamination or separation of the layers. You can use a spray wand, a brush, or a squeegee to apply the tack coat evenly over the base layer.

Spreading the Asphalt Mix

You need to spread the asphalt mix over the tack coat (if used) or directly over the base layer. You can use dense-graded mix, stone matrix asphalt (SMA), or open-graded mix as your asphalt mix. You should spread it evenly with a shovel, a rake, or a paver machine. You should also check the thickness and level of the asphalt mix with a tape measure and a level.

Compacting the Asphalt

You need to compact the asphalt mix to create a dense and smooth surface for your driveway. You can use a roller, a plate compactor, or a hand tamper to compact the asphalt mix. You should also moisten it slightly to improve its compaction.

Sealing the Joints

You may need to seal the joints between the asphalt sections or along the edging materials. Sealing the joints prevents water from penetrating and damaging the base and asphalt layers. It also improves the appearance and durability of your driveway. You can use a crack filler, a joint sealer, or a hot rubberized sealant to seal the joints. You should apply it with a caulking gun, a trowel, or a squeegee.

The Ultimate Guide to Asphalt Driveway Paving Design and Installation