DIY Driveway Paving

After a few years of heat, cold and excessive rainwater a concrete driveway will crack and heave up in different areas. Rock driveways wash away with a heavy rainfall but an asphalt driveway will expand and water runs off making it ideal for most areas of the country. Asphalt driveways last many more years than the alternatives.

Paving a driveway with asphalt is one of the easiest choices for the DIY home renovator. Most of the work is done while installing the base, or foundation for the drive. However, if you have an existing drive in bad condition, it will have to be removed. Once the old driveway has been removed you will need to prepare the surface for the asphalt. The same applies where no driveway exists.

Preparation:

1. Create a good sub-grade of gravel and loam, or conbit (recycled concrete and asphalt). It should be four to eight inches of surface with a slope on either side and toward the street (one inch per foot) for drainage. (Four inches of surface if the area drains well and eight inches for poor drainage).


2. Spread herbicide to avoid weeds and grass growing up through the asphalt.


3. The sub-grade should be allowed to settle and compact for approximately one week prior to laying the asphalt.

Installing the asphalt driveway:

1. Spread asphalt evenly with rakes, and then compact with a 1- to 3-ton roller. Avoid over compacting the asphalt or it will create uneven surfaces, or weak spots.


2. Compacting the edges will help to extend the life of the driveway, and create a buffer against cracks when a vehicle drives off of it. You should pull any of the sub-grade material along the edge of the drive toward the edges.


3. Asphalt should be allowed to set for two to three days before using it. It can be driven on after it cools, but ruts can be created. It’s better to allow the asphalt to set and cool for a few days to create a more-even appearance.

Sealcoating your driveway:

1. Clean and power wash the drive to remove any leaves, rocks, or small bits that have collected on the surface.


2. Make sure to clean any oil spots thoroughly (a detergent from your pantry will work).


3. Apply seal coat to the edges first and then work the asphalt field. Do not apply sealcoat if the temperature is below 50 degrees or if there is an overnight freeze warning.

Sealcoating should be done approximately one year after the asphalt is laid and every two to four years for a long lasting drive. An asphalt driveway can last for up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.