Asphalt is the perfect material for driveways. It is flexible, durable, easy to maintain, and easy to repair. It can also be installed over an existing driveway surface such as concrete. The old surface material just needs to be clean, dry, and intact. Any cracked or crumbling material should be removed before the asphalt is applied. Installing an asphalt driveway is not a do-it-yourself task but you can take part in the site preparations, especially if your project is a small one. Basically, the new asphalt can be applied over the existing surface as noted above or the driveway site can be excavated for an aggregate base. The preferred method of asphalt installation is to excavate the site and install an asphalt base of several inches, then install a 2″ thick top coat of asphalt to finish the job.

Site preparation

1. Lay out the design of your driveway.
2. Remove any fences or gates that may interfere with the asphalt surface.
3. Remove any vegetation such as plants, shrubbery, or grass.
4. Excavate the driveway down to the specified depth.
5. Compact the soil. This will take a piece of power equipment that your asphalt contractor will most likely supply. If your project is small, you can also rent a compacter to do the job.

Asphalt installation 

Rolling out the asphalt smooths and compacts it and speeds the hardening process.

 

1. Weather is an important factor in laying asphalt. 
2. If the asphalt is no more than 1 1/2″ thick, the optimum temperature for installation is 70 degrees because the asphalt will cool and harden rapidly.
3. For a layer of 2″ or more, the asphalt can be laid at temperatures down to 40 degrees.
4. Moisture is also an important consideration. The weather must be dry for at least 24 hours in order to lay asphalt successfully.
5. It usually does not take long to lay asphalt for a competent contractor.
6. As in any project, attention to detail is what guarantees a professional job. 
7. After the asphalt is laid down, it should be leveled, the edges trimmed, and the whole surface compacted. Compaction is usually accomplished with a roller. This is a large piece of equipment but, if your job is relatively small, you can rent a roller that will suffice.

Tips

Stay off the new asphalt application for at least 24 hours in order to let it harden properly.

Keep the asphalt drive clean by sweeping it regularly. 

Clean any stains with a mild detergent and water as soon as they occur.

Seal the asphalt each year to help prolong its life span.

Asphalt makes an excellent driveway surfacing material but it does require annual maintenance and upkeep. Inevitably, small cracks and holes will appear in the asphalt surface. Left untended, these defects will allow water to enter in the asphalt surface and penetrate to the substrate, causing a softening. When heavy vehicles travel over the surface, they push the asphalt down into the soft substrate, causing cracks and holes to develop. Cycles of freezing and thawing will eventually heave the asphalt and require major repairs. Ultraviolet rays from the sun and oxidation also play a role in asphalt deterioration. This damage can be avoided by an annual application of a sealcoat. Asphalt sealcoating can be found at most builder supply stores and home centers. It is best to not sealcoat a new asphalt installation as the sealcoat will prevent the surface oils in the new asphalt from evaporating, causing the new asphalt to remain soft.

Preparation 

Sealcoating an asphalt surface can prevent this kind of damage and prolong the life of your asphalt

 

1. Wait to apply a sealcoat to your asphalt driveway until you have at least two days of warm, dry weather.
2. Sweep your driveway or asphalt surface.
3. Using an asphalt repair compound, fill all the large cracks and holes larger than 1/4″ in the asphalt surface.
4. Allow these repairs to dry well.
5. Asphalt sealcoat will fill and seal smaller defects in the surface.
6. Spray down the asphalt surface thoroughly to remove dust and any lingering debris.
7. Wait for the surface to dry before applying the sealcoat material.

Applying sealcoating

1. The components of the sealcoat material may have separated over time so it is best to tip the container over and let it set for a short period before stirring and use. This will allow the ingredients to settle throughout the sealcoating, making a more uniform mixture.
2. Stir the sealcoat mixture thoroughly.
3. Pour an amount of the mixture in one corner of your asphalt surface and spread it smoothly. You can use a paint roller, a sprayer with a tip designed for heavy viscosity fluids, or a toothed squeegee. The idea is to achieve a uniformly smooth, thin surface application.
4. Do not try to apply the seal coat to too large an area at one time.
5. After applying the sealcoat to the entire asphalt area, allow it to dry thoroughly for at least two days before allowing vehicles or people on it.

Tips

Make sure all oil spills are thoroughly cleaned and removed. Use a commercial quality detergent and a scrub brush or wire brush to get as much oil up as possible.

Some sealcoat materials are better than others. As always, price is a good guideline. The more the sealcoat material costs, the better quality the ingredients. 

Some coal tar sealcoat applications are reputedly messy and very difficult to apply successfully.

Block off the entrance to your driveway or sidewalk with sawhorses or barricades and caution tape to prevent people and vehicles from treading on your new sealcoat application.

Remember that a new sealcoat application over asphalt renders the surface slippery. You can provide a degree of traction to prevent accidents by adding fine sand to your sealcoat mix. Stir it in with a mixer paddle and drill motor.