Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt Driveway

Asheville, NC

Schedule An Estimate

Asphalt Driveway Paving

Elevate your curb appeal with a sleek, high contrast, and modern looking driveway. At Asphalt Paving of Asheville, we specialize in delivering premier driveway paving solutions that elevate your property's curb appeal and longevity. Our expertise in asphalt driveway construction ensures a smooth, durable surface that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also withstands the rigors of daily use. We prioritize precision in every aspect of driveway paving, from proper grading to meticulous asphalt application, resulting in a resilient surface that seamlessly blends functionality with visual allure.


Trust Asphalt Paving of Asheville to transform your driveway into a durable and visually striking asset that enhances the overall value and curb appeal of your property.

Our Asphalt Driveway Installation Process

  1. Demolition and Excavation - The existing driveway or surface is completely removed in preparation for the new asphalt. We also remove any roots or weeds that may interfere with the driveway.
  2. Grading - The surface is expertly graded to ensure proper water drainage. We eliminate standing water issues on your new driveway, the leading cause of potholes and cracks in asphalt. With our skillful grading and sloping, any water that falls onto your new driveway will run off without collecting.
  3. Sub Base Layer Installation - The sub base layer is installed on top of the graded soil and serves as the foundation for the driveway. The sub base acts as the all important foundation for the asphalt driveway and as a frost barrier at freezing temperatures. This layer is composed of 6-8 inches of a crushed aggregate material, such as gravel. Because of the importance of the sub base, we perform a quality check of this layer using rolling. If any flexing or weak spots are found, we will reinforce the area of the sub base using undercutting or geo-gridding. We guarantee you a strong and supportive sub base.
  4. Binder Course Layer Installation - The binder layer is installed on top of the sub base and will hold the surface layer together. The binding material is bitumen, a petroleum-based liquid.
  5. Surface Layer Installation - The aggregate surface layer is installed on top and held together by the binder layer. The exposed aggregate is made of crushed stone, gravel, or sand. The binder and aggregate surface layers combine to form fresh, smooth, and shiny asphalt around 2.5 to 4 inches thick, depending on desired strength.
  6. Joints and Transitions - Transitions exist where the new asphalt connects with old surfaces, such as a walkway or road. We perfect these transitions and butt joints to ensure you have a smooth surface and proper water drainage.
  7. Smoothing and Compacting - The final step is to smooth and compact the whole driveway, ensuring a completely finished and flat surface. Typical drying time for your new asphalt surface is 2-3 days while curing can take 6 months. The driveway can be used as soon as it has dried.

Driveway Paving

Driveway Repair

Asphalt Sealcoating

What Is the Best Grade of Asphalt for My Driveway?

The best grade of asphalt for your driveway depends on various factors such as climate, usage, and budget. Generally, there are three common grades of asphalt for driveways:



  1. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): This is the most common and widely used grade of asphalt for driveways. It is a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate materials, heated and mixed at high temperatures. HMA provides good durability and resistance to cracking and can withstand heavy traffic. It is suitable for most climates and offers a smooth and attractive finish.
  2. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): WMA is a newer technology that allows asphalt to be produced and placed at lower temperatures compared to HMA. It offers similar performance to HMA but with reduced energy consumption and emissions. WMA is suitable for areas with lower traffic and moderate climates.
  3. Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA): CMA is a lower-grade asphalt that is not heated during production or installation. It is typically used for temporary repairs or in areas with very low traffic. CMA is not as durable as HMA or WMA and may require more frequent maintenance.

Driveway Grading For Proper Water Drainage

At Asphalt Paving of Asheville, we emphasize the critical importance of proper driveway grading to ensure effective water runoff. Our expert grading techniques involve creating a subtle but essential slope, typically a minimum of 2%, allowing water to flow away from the surface efficiently. This meticulous approach prevents the accumulation of water and potential damage to the asphalt over time. Our team's commitment to precise driveway grading not only enhances the durability of your asphalt surface but also contributes to the overall resilience and longevity of your driveway, safeguarding it against water-related issues for years to come.

Pro Tips for Installing and Maintaining Your Asphalt Driveway

  • The thicker the asphalt, the more durable it will be. Generally, we recommend that new asphalt driveways be at least 2 inches thick. More thickness (2.5 - 4 inches) can be added for durability. While a thicker driveway comes with a higher price tag, it will be longer-lasting and require less maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
  • Ensure proper grading and drainage for your new driveway. This prevents water buildup on the asphalt, which can lead to deterioration.
  • Hire a reputable professional! Entrust your investment in the hands of skilled experts like us. Why risk a low quality driveway install that is less durable and breaks down more quickly?
  • Do not drive on a new asphalt driveway for the first 3 days after install. This will give it time to settle and dry properly.
  • Be cautious when parking on a new asphalt driveway for the first two weeks, during the early part of the curing process.
  • Prevent any water buildup. Asphalt is porous and absorbs water, which often leads to cracks and potholes.
  • Clean your pavement on a regular basis. Frequently washing asphalt pavement eliminates long term exposure to oil, debris, and other contaminants that can break down and stain the surface as well as prevent water drainage.
  • Seal your asphalt pavement. Applying asphalt sealcoating to a new driveway allows for a smooth and non-porous surface that is resistant to damage from moisture and other contaminants. We recommend sealing asphalt 90 days to 1 year after installation.
Asphalt, Driveway, Paving, Asheville NC

Frequently Asked Questions For Asphalt Driveways

Should I Install a Concrete or Asphalt Driveway?

Should I choose an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway? This is one of the most common questions homeowners just like you ask every day. Let's examine some of the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt driveways when compared to concrete driveways.


Advantages:

  • Asphalt is more flexible and less prone to cracking than concrete in winter conditions. Given its slightly softer composition and flexing capability, asphalt has more give to it, making it a durable option for the winter.
  • Asphalt enables easier driveway repair. Cracks and potholes in asphalt are easier to repair or patch, while also blending in with undamaged areas nicely. Asphalt driveway repairs are also cheaper due to the lower materials cost.
  • Asphalt driveways are more cost effective. You can save money on both installation and repairs by choosing asphalt. Asphalt is a more affordable material, allowing us to charge you at better rates per square foot.
  • Asphalt driveways are quick to install and dry. Asphalt dries quickly in 2-3 days, allowing for earlier use. This is because asphalt does not cure, but instead cools, to dry and harden.


Disadvantages

  • Concrete driveways can be stronger and more durable in regular conditions. Concrete is a harder and stronger material than asphalt, resulting in fewer cracks or less deterioration in the surface over time. However, asphalt can be sealed to mitigate its weakness. Asphalt is also cheaper and easier to repair than concrete, should cracks appear.
  • An asphalt driveway can get extremely hot and somewhat sticky in the summer. This is due to its material composition and dark color. However, given the temperatures in Asheville, there will rarely be times when the weather gets hot enough to experience these effects.

How Thick Should My Asphalt Driveway Be?

The asphalt layer, composed of the binder and aggregate surface, of an average driveway should be around 2.5 inches thick. If more strength an durability is desired for heavier loads, a thickness of up to 4 inches can be used. Generally, thicker asphalt is stronger asphalt.



The underlying sub base should be around 6 to 8 inches thick to provide a strong and solid foundation for the driveway.

How Many Years Will an Asphalt Driveway Last?

When properly maintained, an asphalt driveway can last 20-30 years. Check out some of our tips on how to maintain asphalt here.

How Can I Improve Water Drainage On My Driveway?

In establishing effective water drainage on asphalt surfaces, it is important to adhere to a minimum 2% downward grade to facilitate proper runoff. In simpler terms, this necessitates a ¼” decline for every foot of pavement, equating to a 10-foot wide section of asphalt requiring a 2 ½” decline for optimal water runoff. This is called grading. Grading is something we take seriously at Asphalt Paving of Asheville. A substantial number of driveways fall short of meeting this grade requirement, resulting in the undesirable pooling of water. Other ways of addressing this challenge include implementing drains, swales, and curbs, to redirect and manage water flow. In instances where the grade is less than 2%, the occurrence of ponding water becomes anticipated, emphasizing the importance of strategic drainage interventions to ensure the longevity and functionality of asphalt surfaces.

How Much Does a Newly Paved Asphalt Driveway Cost?

The price of a driveway installation project with asphalt will vary based on size and thickness. The typical range of the price per square foot is from $7 to $12, materials and labor included, for standard thicknesses of 2.5 to 4 inches. Replacing an existing driveway may cost $1 to $2 more per square foot installed due to demolition costs.


Call us today at 828-818-8482 for a free estimate on your driveway project!

Can Asphalt Be Used for a Heated Driveway?

Yes. An asphalt driveway can be heated using pre-installed water heating tubes or electrical heating cables.

Contact Us

Whether you have in mind an average sized driveway or one that is extra long or wide, we more than capable of getting the job done well. At Asphalt Paving of Asheville, we offer top quality driveway asphalt paving at the most affordable prices. We are your #1 Asheville paving contractors. Call us today at 828-818-8482 with any questions or to get started with a free estimate!

828-818-8482

Home Page Bottom Form

Share by: