FAQs

Q: What should I avoid placing on my new driveway?

A: Avoid placing sharp or pointed objects, like high heels, bicycle kickstands, ladders, and porch chairs on your driveway, especially in the first year or on hot days when temperatures exceed 80°F. These items can cause indentations due to the high pounds per square inch they exert on the asphalt.

 

Q: Why should I stay off the edges of my driveway?

A: Driving near or off the edges can fracture the asphalt and crack the whole edge. This is because asphalt, while being a good wearing surface, lacks structural strength. The real support comes from the stone or gravel base underneath. To protect the edges, backfill or support them, similar to how highways have shoulders or curbing.

 

Q: How should I treat the edges of my new asphalt driveway?

A: After installation, the site may require backfilling with materials like loam, grass seed, or crushed stone to protect and support the edges, prevent erosion, and improve appearance. This is crucial because driveway edges can appear wavy due to the nature of the material.

 

Q: What should I avoid doing with my car on new pavement?

A: Avoid turning your car's wheels sharply or while the vehicle is stationary, as this can cause gouges or lacerations in the asphalt. This is particularly important in L-shaped driveways or during hot weather when the asphalt is softer. Always ensure your car is in motion before turning the wheels.

 

Q: Why shouldn’t I park in the same spot repeatedly on my new driveway?

A: Parking in the same spot consistently can create depressions or "wheel dishes" in the asphalt, especially if the base is fresh. This can occur regardless of the thickness of the material or depth of the base. To avoid this, move your car slightly each time you park to distribute the weight evenly across the driveway.

 

Q: Can I allow heavy vehicles on my driveway?

A: No, your driveway is designed for automobile traffic only. Heavy vehicles like garbage trucks, cement mixers, and delivery trucks can break up the pavement due to the insufficient strength of the base to support their weight. Driveways can be built to accommodate heavier loads, but this would incur additional costs.

 

Q: Is it normal to have puddles on my new driveway?

A: Small puddles, particularly those less than 1/4" deep, can be normal in areas completed by hand or with close drainage tolerances. Subtle shifts in the sub-base may also cause minor puddling. Over time, as the oils in the new asphalt evaporate, these small water spots should dissipate.

 

Q: How can I prevent weeds from growing through my driveway?

A: To prevent weeds or vegetation from penetrating the asphalt, avoid letting them crowd the edges of your driveway. Applying weed killer or salt water can help eliminate them. Persistent weeds may require multiple applications to fully eradicate.

 

Q: What precautions should I take when using a snowplow on my driveway?

A: Ensure the snowplow operator raises the blade slightly to prevent gouging or scratching the asphalt surface.

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Q: How often should the driveway be sealed?

A: If using a high-grade, coal tar base, water-emulsion type sealer, it's generally not necessary to seal every year. Most driveways can go about three years between sealing, with some lasting even longer.

 

Q: Why choose Hot-Mix Asphalt Paving?

A: Hot-Mix Asphalt is preferred because it is more flexible and less prone to cracking than concrete, cheaper to install, less susceptible to damage from rock salt and ice melt, and sets faster since it hardens by cooling rather than drying.

 

Q: What isn’t Hot-Mix Asphalt Paving?

A: It is not a driveway sealant or a crack sealant. Those are temporary fixes for surface issues, while Hot-Mix Asphalt provides a long-term solution for paving needs.