Asphalt Driveway estimate

[infiniti007]

Hi all, I have been getting some estimates for a driveway rip out and expansion - will end up being about 2300 sq ft going to a garage in the back of my property. I am considering an estimate from one contractor who has proposed to do: 6 inches of crushed stone, followed by 4 inches of 9.5 asphalt. He said he would try to lay the 4 inches of 9.5 in one go. He has definitely been the most cost competitive.

Some of the other estimates I received were noting: 6 inches of modified stone, 2 inches of base (25mm BCBC), followed by 2 inches of topcoat (9.5mm).

Is the base coat necessary? Should I be concerned with only using 4 inches of the 9.5 on top of the crushed stone? Would you have any concerns about laying the 4 inches in one pass?

I am located in southeastern PA if helpful. Thank you so much.

 

[jack stand]

The base and top is the correct way to build a driveway. (or road for that matter)

 

[mm08822]

I owned a house where i put in an asphalt drive in '91. It was 2" base + top coat. It was smooth as glass and to this day still looks great....no cracks.

The base coat method is the way to go. 10× better than a single top coat. This will give you the longest life.

 

[infiniti007]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Do you think it’s a cost thing for this contractor? Do they save money by just applying a 4 inch 9.5 coat in one go? Or would it be similar cost for them if I ask for 2 inch base coat, 2 inch 9.5 top coat?

 

[jack stand]

Yeah his costs will be less. The guy doing it the right way will be paving it twice with possibly a day in between for cooling off the base layer that can't be loaded (truck and paver) before it's cool. Like in overnight.
You'll never get the proper compaction on a 4" lift with driveway sized equipment.

 

[Chaznsc]

The limit for 9.5 asphalt is 2” lifts. Find a reputable contractor.

 

[mm08822]

The labor is 2x for 2 lifts. The base coat also gives them a chance to address any issues before the top coat is applied.

 

[Sumboodie]

Driveways here are 2", 1 coat.

Go figure they are poop.

I'd never do asphalt again. Can't even PARK without sinking and leaving divots, never mind using a floor jack.

 

[Chaznsc]

Driveways here are 2", 1 coat.

Go figure they are poop.

I'd never do asphalt again. Can't even PARK without sinking and leaving divots, never mind using a floor jack.

Fork lifts, jacks, etc are not made for asphalt. Period.

 

[Chaznsc]

The limit for 9.5 asphalt is 2” lifts. Find a reputable contractor.

Two lifts of 9.5 makes no sense. The first lift should be 12.5 for a binder course. 9.5is a wearing course and is a lot of of fines.

 

[Sumboodie]

Fork lifts, jacks, etc are not made for asphalt. Period.

On thick asphalt it's ok, at least has been at places i worked. The big forklift weighed about 50 tons.