Driveway Asphalt

[JackMorton]

Hi all,

I am looking to install a new asphalt driveway. I have received a couple estimates and wanted to get opinions on the proposed paving approach for each and cost differences. Reside in NJ area and plan to just park regular car or SUV on the driveway.

Estimate 1:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 9.5mm asphalt, compacted to 2.5" thickness

Estimate 2:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 2" of binder coat, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate
-Pave with 2" of top coat 9.5mm asphalt, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate

Estimate 1 is about 70% of Estimate 2.

Does the 2nd estimate merit the additional cost? Are the two asphalt layers needed and does it add structural integrity for a 4-season weather climate?

 

[ZRX61]

Damn, out here in the desert we have city streets where they just ran a grader over the dirt & laid down 2in of asphalt.

 

[58Yeoman]

All I can say is that the state of Illinois puts down two coats of asphalt on its highways. I think the topcoat is a finer material. If you plan on staying there for many years, don't cheap out.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Why asphalt? Concrete looks a lot better and requires less maintenance.

 

[billconner]

No one around us does concrete because snow and ice brings salt. 60' of asphalt driveway to concrete apron, now pitted by road salt.

Both of my quotes included 2" + 2" - and great after a year. I don't usually say spend more but I think you might be pleased.

 

[Wiz02]

I don't remember the specs on my driveway asphalt quote, but after 9 years, my driveway has almost no cracks, even at the edges.

My neighbors driveways which were done after mine by quite a few different contractors, are severely cracked and have potholes, even though they are sealed every year and I have never sealed my driveway.

I would go with the more expensive contractor, especially as it's your money.

 

[Bondo]

Hi all,

I am looking to install a new asphalt driveway. I have received a couple estimates and wanted to get opinions on the proposed paving approach for each and cost differences. Reside in NJ area and plan to just park regular car or SUV on the driveway.

Estimate 1:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 9.5mm asphalt, compacted to 2.5" thickness

Estimate 2:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 2" of binder coat, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate
-Pave with 2" of top coat 9.5mm asphalt, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate

Estimate 1 is about 70% of Estimate 2.

Does the 2nd estimate merit the additional cost? Are the two asphalt layers needed and does it add structural integrity for a 4-season weather climate?

Ayuh,..... I did 25 years in the asphalt biz,.....
Quote #1 I would rate as a 10 to 15 year driveway,....
Quote #2 will buy you a 20 to 30 year driveway,....

 

[Wiz02]

Ayuh,..... I did 25 years in the asphalt biz,.....
Quote #1 I would rate as a 10 to 15 year driveway,....
Quote #2 will buy you a 20 to 30 year driveway,....

Not to hijack the thread, but what is your opinion on sealing residential driveways?

 

[Renegade1LI]

Asphalt is only as strong as it's base & it is a much better job with a binder & top course. Estimate 2 is the better job.

 

[JackMorton]

Thanks for the feedback, makes sense and I guess only having 1 coat is ultimately what is allowing estimate #1 to be cheaper

 

[Bondo]

Not to hijack the thread, but what is your opinion on sealing residential driveways?

Ayuh,.... If the black color is important to you,....... Go for it,......

Otherwise, wait til you start to see cracks forming, then seal it with sand added sealer,.....

In the driveways above, that would probably be 10 years on the thinner driveway, 'n well after 20 years on the 2nd,....

 

[Bondo]

Thanks for the feedback, makes sense and I guess only having 1 coat is ultimately what is allowing estimate #1 to be cheaper

Ayuh,.... Exactly,..... Twice the labor, 'n equipment time,....

 

[tncatadjuster]

9.5 mm compacted to 2.5" ?

 

[racecougar]

9.5 mm compacted to 2.5" ?

Aggregate size vs layer thickness.

 

[Old Moparz]

Whatever you choose for asphalt thickness, whether it's one or two layers, the most important things is what's under it. The 8" of stone sounds good, most will skimp on the stone & do as little as 4" but it all depends on the soil conditions.

Is the new driveway being installed where an existing one is, or is it an entirely new area that has never been paved?

If an existing driveway, is it damaged? Do you have current water & drainage issues?

I ask because the ground prep will require that the surface material like topsoil & whatever else is there be completely removed. After removal it needs to be compacted before the stone is installed. You'd be better off addressing any water issues to make sure the new driveway doesn't have the same problem.

 

[JackMorton]

Whatever you choose for asphalt thickness, whether it's one or two layers, the most important things is what's under it. The 8" of stone sounds good, most will skimp on the stone & do as little as 4" but it all depends on the soil conditions.

Is the new driveway being installed where an existing one is, or is it an entirely new area that has never been paved?

If an existing driveway, is it damaged? Do you have current water & drainage issues?

I ask because the ground prep will require that the surface material like topsoil & whatever else is there be completely removed. After removal it needs to be compacted before the stone is installed. You'd be better off addressing any water issues to make sure the new driveway doesn't have the same problem.

It's for a new area that has not been paved. Both estimates noted excavation of site for first step

 

[JackMorton]

For the estimate with two layers, do the two layers need to be applied on separate days? E.g., binder one day, come back another day to do the top coat?

 

[Rusted Nut]

For the estimate with two layers, do the two layers need to be applied on separate days? E.g., binder one day, come back another day to do the top coat?

Yes, usually a two day process. #2 is typically what we use on commercial parking lots, etc… #1 is typical residential. If you can afford it, go with #2.

 

[Bondo]

For the estimate with two layers, do the two layers need to be applied on separate days? E.g., binder one day, come back another day to do the top coat?

Ayuh,.... Once the binder is compacted, the topcoat can be put down that day, or the next day, or a year later,....
It don't matter,.....

 

[Chaznsc]

Hi all,

I am looking to install a new asphalt driveway. I have received a couple estimates and wanted to get opinions on the proposed paving approach for each and cost differences. Reside in NJ area and plan to just park regular car or SUV on the driveway.

Estimate 1:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 9.5mm asphalt, compacted to 2.5" thickness

Estimate 2:
-8" 2A modified stone base, compacted
-Pave with 2" of binder coat, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate
-Pave with 2" of top coat 9.5mm asphalt, compact with 2-ton roller and compaction plate

Estimate 1 is about 70% of Estimate 2.

Does the 2nd estimate merit the additional cost? Are the two asphalt layers needed and does it add structural integrity for a 4-season weather climate?

The first thing to consider is the load. Option 1 is fine for vehicular traffic. Option 2 is a heavier section, but if you have heavier traffic, option 1 is likely to fail early. For vehicular traffic only, the additional cost isn’t really necessary provided you get good compaction of the sub grade and base materials. Don’t get me wrong, option 2 is superior, but not necessarily requiored. I would seal coat it every five years as it’s the only maintenance you can provide for asphalt.

 

[billconner]

Everyone think seal coating every other year - as widely accepted here - is overdoing it? Long snow season and heavy salt use if that makes a difference.

 

[kmcc927]

Also if you want longest life consider making the stone base 3-6” wider on each side, that way your edges won’t break off. Just topsoil over the base when paved. And remember the 3 most important things for long life are drainage, drainage and drainage….l