An asphalt driveway can significantly enhance your property’s curb appeal and provide easier access to the garage. Though asphalt driveways can last for 15 years or more, proper installation is essential to achieve quality results. Here are some key steps professionals use to ensure your driveway's paving remains durable.

3 Essential Steps for Asphalt Driveway Installation

1. Surface Preparation

Surface preparation begins by removing the pre-existing driveway surface. Heavy machinery is often required to break up and remove asphalt and concrete driveways. Once the debris has been removed, the surface is graded and compacted. Its slope will then allow water to run off the sides rather than pool in the middle. This feature will prevent future water erosion.

2. Create the Subbase

With the slope prepared, a professional can install the driveway’s most important layer. The subbase consists of coarse, crushed rock that also needs to be graded and compacted. A subbase is several inches thick and provides the structural strength required to support the asphalt. It also offers protection against soil expansion and contraction. A strong subbase reduces the risk for cracks and potholes in the asphalt layer.

3. Lay the Asphalt

Once the subbase is complete, it's topped with a binder layer containing a mix of oil and stone aggregate. The final layer of surface asphalt is then added to the top, resulting in a smooth, attractive surface. The top layer of asphalt uses smaller aggregates, oil, and sand to create its distinctive jet black appearance. This final layer is compacted with edges to improve its durability and looks.
 

If you need a new asphalt driveway for your property, contact Beausoleil & Sons Construction Inc. in Cranston, RI. This paving company has provided quality work for residential and commercial customers in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for over 50 years. Visit them online to learn more about their paving services, or call (401) 632-0203 to request a free estimate.