how to install an asphalt drivewayHave you ever considered what was required to install an asphalt driveway? Asphalt driveways are some of the most durable paving options available.  The installation process requires heavy equipment and an understanding of the best practices to create a solid asphalt driveway. It’s best to leave asphalt driveway paving to the professionals but understanding the installation elements will help you know how best to care for your new asphalt driveway.

Steps for installing an asphalt driveway

Getting the best results from your asphalt paving means the installation process may take some time, but it will be worth it. There are several steps involved in the asphalt installation process. Starting with creating a suitable surface for paving, each step in the process builds on the previous one.  Here are the steps for installing an asphalt driveway.

1. Contractor

The first and most important step is to hire the right paving contractor for the job. If you don’t know paving professionals, you can ask family and friends if they have any recommendations, or you can search online. There are some key things to look for when hiring a paving contractor:

    • Always read the customer reviews – a lot of negative reviews could signal an asphalt driveway paving contractor you should avoid. Your driveway is one of the most important features of your property, and you don’t want to take a chance on having a poor job done.
    • Experience – work with a paving company that has experience working with asphalt driveway installation in your area. It’s essential to have someone who knows your region, the landscape, and the climate, as these are all crucial factors in the durability of your asphalt driveway paving.
    • Warranty – a professional paving company that backs up their work by offering a warranty on their work will do their best work on your asphalt driveway installation. Black Tar is the only paving company in the industry that provides a lifetime warranty.

2. Removal and ground prep

Once you’ve selected the best paving contractor, it’s time to prepare your driveway surface for paving. The existing surface may need to be broken up and removed. When installing an asphalt driveway, it is vital that all the debris is removed and the surface is smoothed. At Black Tar, we use heavy machinery to get the job done correctly.

3. Grading and sloping

The next step to prepare your driveway for paving is to grade the surface. Doing this ensures that, once the asphalt is installed, water will run off the surface correctly and not cause damage to your pavement. Without proper run-off, water can cause potholes and cracks in your asphalt. Grading and sloping the surface is one of the most essential steps when it comes to installing asphalt driveways. Having the right professional paving contractor can give you peace of mind that the foundation of your driveway has been prepared correctly and your investment is secure.

4. Ready the sub-base

The sub-base is the next key element for a properly installed asphalt driveway. Compacting the soil for the sub-base will give your asphalt the support it needs to stay strong and durable for a long time. It creates a barrier that can help your pavement stand up to winter weather better and prevent damage due to freezing and thawing cycles.

5. Lay the binder

After the sub-base has been installed and looked over to avoid any soft spots, it’s time to lay down the binder. The binder layer refers to the aggregate mix that gets laid down over the sub-base. Consider this the layer that gives your asphalt its strength.

6. Install asphalt surface

Once you have set a strong foundation with the sub-base and binder, it’s time to install the asphalt surface for your driveway. Asphalt contains small aggregate and sand and gives your driveway a smooth and shiny appearance.

7. Smooth transitions

Once your asphalt driveway has been installed, your professional paving company will need to smooth down the transitions to roadways or butt joints to connect your asphalt to other concrete on your property. Again, it is crucial that transitions have the correct grading so that water can run off and not collect on the surface of your asphalt driveway.

8. Final roll

After the asphalt is installed and the transitions and butt joints have been completed, your paving professional will give your driveway a final roll to ensure it is smooth and as compact as possible. This creates a firm asphalt surface for your driveway.

Asphalt driveway paving is an intricate process, and you’ll want to hire a paving professional who knows what they are doing.

At Black Tar, we know paving, and we know how to get it done right. If you’re considering an asphalt driveway, contact us for a free estimate.

Leave a Comment