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I am getting bids to blacktop my driveway. What specifications should I ask for? What is the normal thickness? I have heard there is course or fine blacktop. Is one preferable vs. the other? Any advise is appreciated.
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Need to know a few specifics for your project. Area of country? Subject to freezing? Gravel base and thickness? Heavy trucks parked in your driveway?
Generally, one can get by with a 3" to 3 1/2" thick driveway providing the gravel base is adequate. At least a 2" thickness of "Class B" mix topped with "Class C" mix.
To really wow the contractor ask them what the "Rice Number" is for their mix. This is the pounds/cubic foot of mix compacted into place. Asphalt is sold by the ton so take the rice number (around 145) and multiply times the area and the depth and divide by 2000 to get the tons of asphalt. If you are getting several bids make sure each is bidding the same depth, class of mix, and compaction, and compare their estimates for tonnage.
I've got an asphalt plant close by so my sub charges me about 95 cents a square foot for installing a 4" thick drvieway. Your prices may vary.
*This might help:http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/faq/lakeasph.htm
*FWIW, the concrete guys will tell you that asphalt will end up on your shoes to a minute extent and then in your home on the carpets and vinyl.They are right; it seems to take several years, but as a home inspector, in older homes with detached garages, I can usually tell the type of drive by looking at the flooring (if I've forgotten when I'm filling out that page.)
*Question. Will a blacktop company put a layer of new asphalt on top of the old? My driveway is 35 years old and looks it. But it's not crumbling or cracked. It's very stable, but has dips and hollows that collect rainwater (ice in the winter!). I'd like to see it improved cosmetically and also get those dips filled in.
*re- "asphalt will end up on your shoes to a minute extent".I couldn't agree more.Not wearing outdoor shoes inside, which more and more folks are adopting, may help.
*Mike...Eric... Your 2 posts are the most enlightening posts I have read here in months. Thanks a bunch. As you know... I build tennis courts and am always looking to learn more about Asphalt.near the stream,aj
*I'm getting contractors recommending different thicknesses. First of all, I'm in S.W. Ohio and we do get freezing and snow. I have an existing gravel driveway consisting of crushed stone over a base of 2" stone. One contractor wants to put down a 2 ply consisting of a 2 1/2 inch base rolled to 2" topped by a 1 1/2" layer of "404" grade blacktop. The other bid calls for one layer 2 1/2" thick. That contractor said that is plenty thick for a residential drive.
*http://www.dot.state.oh.us/spec/404.htm
*Mark,It looks as though 404 is the term used in Ohio for the topping mix. The two course mix is the best way to go (if you can afford). The single layer mix might rut after a few years. Best of luck.Tracer,Overlays are done all of the time. Preparation is the key. Probably power wash to remove dirt and debris followed with a tack coat of asphalt. Have them fill in the ruts first and then go over the whole driveway with an even apshalt lift. Best of luck also.