What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?

 
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Old 04-19-2008, 07:06 PM   #1
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What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


A customer of mine asked me to find someone to give them a new driveway. Tear out the old one and lay new asphalt. I'm asking you guy's to help me make sure I pick a good company. After they take out the old asphalt what makes a quality product. What things should I look out for?
Anybody from minnesota (Blaine) want to give me a bid? Thank you for your time.

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Old 04-20-2008, 08:12 AM   #2
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Re: What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


when the existing blacktop is removed,it will have to be regraded. and proof rolled to make sure there no soft area's. if so,dig out and place new subbase stone and compact. If it will tie into a street saw cut at the street for a nice edge. then lay 2 1/2" to 3" of a blacktop base coat and then 1 1/2" of a wearing coarse (top coat).Hot tar edge at the street, get a few estimates and ask to look at some of there work. my thickness above are compacted inches.
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Old 04-20-2008, 09:07 PM   #3
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Re: What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


Thats a heavy duty driveway. If just cars are going to be on it 2 inches will be fine.
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Old 04-20-2008, 10:21 PM   #4
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Re: What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


Thanks guys for responding.
dec1000 your saying 2" total or 2" plus a top coat?
I'am thinking about getting in on the action and tearing up the old with a skidster,Would you guys frown on that? One guy thats giving me a bid this week said he only wants to bid everything. With the work I normally do I'll let the HO tear-off shingles or demo interior walls to save money, but I know some guys don't like that.
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Old 04-21-2008, 02:38 PM   #5
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Re: What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


I say rip it out yourself. Proof roll it regrade it. 2 inches total asphalt on a normal driveway is fine.
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Old 04-21-2008, 06:13 PM   #6
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Re: What Makes A Good Asphalt Driveway?


Quote:
Originally Posted by TARGUY View Post
when the existing blacktop is removed,it will have to be regraded. and proof rolled to make sure there no soft area's. if so,dig out and place new subbase stone and compact. If it will tie into a street saw cut at the street for a nice edge. then lay 2 1/2" to 3" of a blacktop base coat and then 1 1/2" of a wearing coarse (top coat).Hot tar edge at the street, get a few estimates and ask to look at some of there work. my thickness above are compacted inches.
Great spec Tar Guy. Now if we can only convince the buying public

One more ingredient though. The contractor. Great specs and great product will still make a bad job.

Thats the key here. If you choose the right contractor(not the cheapest) all the other problems are already solved.
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