Asphalt Paving FAQ
Does Blackstone Offer Financing?
Yes, Blackstone Paving & Excavation offers financing options! As your asphalt company, we partner with Acorn to provide flexible financing solutions that help make your asphalt driveway or paving project more affordable. You’ll see a clear breakdown of your monthly payments when you receive your proposal.
How Much Will Paving My Driveway Cost?
What Asphalt Thickness Should I Use for My Driveway?
Choosing the right thickness is key to the long-term performance of your asphalt driveway. For standard residential driveway paving, 3 inches of asphalt is typically sufficient for regular vehicle use. For commercial driveways or areas with heavier vehicles like delivery trucks or RVs, a 4-inch asphalt paving thickness is recommended.
What Is Sealcoat and When Should I Apply It?
Sealcoat is a liquid sealant applied over your asphalt driveway or lot to protect it from the elements and extend its life. As an asphalt repair strategy, it guards against water, UV rays, and surface wear. We recommend applying sealcoat every 3 to 5 years for maximum protection.
When Is the Best Time to Get My Driveway Paved?
For optimal results, our asphalt paving company schedules jobs when temperatures are above 60°F. Cold or rainy weather can impact the final finish and quality of your driveway paving, so we carefully plan around weather conditions to ensure top-notch results.
How Long Should I Wait Before Driving on New Asphalt?
After installing your new asphalt driveway, we recommend waiting at least 36 hours before driving on it. This gives the surface time to properly cure. However, you can walk on the driveway as soon as the paving is complete.
How Can I Prevent the Edges of My Driveway from Cracking?
Edge cracking is a common asphalt repair issue, but it’s preventable. We suggest adding compacted rock or soil “shoulders” along your driveway paving edges. These stabilize the perimeter and reduce cracking over time, keeping your pavement looking clean and professional.
What Can I Do About Poor Driveway Drainage?
Drainage is crucial for a long-lasting asphalt driveway. Ideally, your surface should have a 2% slope (a ¼-inch drop per foot) to prevent water from pooling. If water is collecting on your driveway, we may recommend drainage solutions like catch basins or trench drains—part of our full-service approach as a leading asphalt company.
Excavation FAQ
What is the Fabric Placed Under the Rock, and What is Its Use?
The fabric placed under the rock is called geotextile road fabric, and it’s commonly used in gravel driveway installations and other site prep projects. This layer acts as a separator between the soil and the crushed rock, preventing the dirt from mixing into the rock over time. It improves drainage, reduces the risk of soft spots, and adds long-term stability to the driveway or road base.
What is the Best Type of Rock for My Driveway?
For most gravel driveways, ¾” minus crushed quarry rock is the go-to material. It compacts tightly and includes fines (small particles) that help bind the rock together. This creates a stable, low-maintenance surface that handles vehicle traffic well. It’s the most effective and commonly used driveway rock in residential excavation and rural access road projects.
How Do I Fix Potholes in My Gravel Driveway?
Filling potholes with loose gravel is just a short-term solution. The best long-term approach involves regrading the entire gravel driveway to level the surface and redistribute the existing material. Fresh rock can then be added as needed, and the driveway should be compacted with a roller. Tools like a Harley rake or power rake can also help reclaim and evenly distribute gravel.
How Wide Should My Driveway Be?
For a residential driveway or private access road, a width of 12 to 14 feet is typically recommended to ensure safe and comfortable vehicle access. If your driveway serves two-way traffic or larger vehicles, a wider layout may be necessary. As an excavation contractor, we can help design the right layout and width based on your property and usage.
What Thickness Should I Install the Rock for My Driveway?
The proper thickness of your gravel driveway base depends on the soil and traffic it will handle. For light residential use, 8 to 12 inches of compacted crushed rock is generally sufficient. For poor soil conditions or heavier traffic like delivery trucks or RVs, we recommend installing 12 to 15 inches of compacted material. This ensures long-term durability and helps prevent rutting or sinking. Our Oregon excavation company evaluates these factors as part of every driveway installation.