re: replace asphalt driveway. best method??
Hello,
I have an asphalt driveway (approx 900 sq ft) that needs to be removed and replaced. the 10 feet closest to the garage does not have a 2% slope. It is flat, and there is a downspout in that area, so rainwater stays too close to the foundation. I am also going to replace the adjoining walkway.
From a bit of DIY investigation through using a 12" spike at the edge of the driveway and some digging, I have determined that there are (2) 2" layers of asphalt on top of about 5 to 5 1/2" of crushed gravel or stone. This driveway (or at least the top layer) has been in place for at least 25 years.
The asphalt itself for the most part is in good condition, but there are some issues (photos included).
1. There is too much material (asphalt or gravel underneath) at the top of the driveway to achieve proper slope, and the garage concrete floor is just a tad higher than the asphalt. This would rule out the possibility of adding an extra layer of asphalt on top of what's already there to try and achieve a slope.
2. there are a few long troughs or ditches at the top 10 feet of the driveway, where the tires of a car have pushed it down over the years. i put a straightedge perpendicular to the trenches and found out the worst areas are 2 1/4" lower than the surrounding asphalt. some are less. (see pics)
After having a couple of contractors inspect them, i am told that because the asphalt has not crumbled over many years, that the base is in good condition. They mentioned that they would remove the asphalt, regrade the existing gravel to achieve a uniform slope, let it air out for a few weeks, add extra gravel compact and 2" of new asphalt.
I wanted to know if the contractor's procedure sounded like a good idea (will it work properly?)
Is it a waste of money to remove the existing gravel? (and replace with new)?
I also wanted to widen the driveway by about 2 feet, but I am concerned that there will be settlement where the rest of the driveway is already settled leading to the asphalt cracking over time. Is it ok to widen? or leave the width the above procedure.
Hello,
I have an asphalt driveway (approx 900 sq ft) that needs to be removed and replaced. the 10 feet closest to the garage does not have a 2% slope. It is flat, and there is a downspout in that area, so rainwater stays too close to the foundation. I am also going to replace the adjoining walkway.
From a bit of DIY investigation through using a 12" spike at the edge of the driveway and some digging, I have determined that there are (2) 2" layers of asphalt on top of about 5 to 5 1/2" of crushed gravel or stone. This driveway (or at least the top layer) has been in place for at least 25 years.
The asphalt itself for the most part is in good condition, but there are some issues (photos included).
1. There is too much material (asphalt or gravel underneath) at the top of the driveway to achieve proper slope, and the garage concrete floor is just a tad higher than the asphalt. This would rule out the possibility of adding an extra layer of asphalt on top of what's already there to try and achieve a slope.
2. there are a few long troughs or ditches at the top 10 feet of the driveway, where the tires of a car have pushed it down over the years. i put a straightedge perpendicular to the trenches and found out the worst areas are 2 1/4" lower than the surrounding asphalt. some are less. (see pics)
After having a couple of contractors inspect them, i am told that because the asphalt has not crumbled over many years, that the base is in good condition. They mentioned that they would remove the asphalt, regrade the existing gravel to achieve a uniform slope, let it air out for a few weeks, add extra gravel compact and 2" of new asphalt.
I wanted to know if the contractor's procedure sounded like a good idea (will it work properly?)
Is it a waste of money to remove the existing gravel? (and replace with new)?
I also wanted to widen the driveway by about 2 feet, but I am concerned that there will be settlement where the rest of the driveway is already settled leading to the asphalt cracking over time. Is it ok to widen? or leave the width the above procedure.





