"Driveway is done!! They took it from a camper on grass and rocks, falling apart driveway, crumbling parking pad to a gorgeous solid camper pad, parking pad, flat, no standing water on the driveway area. Leonard and the entire crew was the friendliest, most professional group, they worked hard, showed up when agreed on, finished quickly and gave me a “walk around” to make sure it met my standards before leaving. I got to meet the owner several times, he treated us like he’d known us forever each time we talked. I would definitely recommend APS Chip Seal & Paving."
"Nothing but a positive experience from Aaron Trail. Very easy to communicate with. Very prompt, kept all appointments. The new paint looks amazing and just the colors we selected. All stucco repairs that were made were blended so well, there is no way to tell where the original issues were! I already have recommended them to friends and family, I will continue to do so. Very happy with Aaron Trail! "
Wet cutting is usually the preferred method. It controls dust, which helps protect your lungs and makes for a cleaner working environment. Plus, the water cools the blade, preventing overheating and prolonging its life while providing smoother, more precise cuts. The downside is the mess—water and asphalt sludge can be messy to clean. Dry cutting, though convenient if water isn’t available, creates a lot of dust, which can be harmful. This also increases the risk of blade damage due to overheating. So, if you have the option, wet cutting is the better method for most asphalt jobs.
You should not attempt to install your own driveway. Whether working with asphalt or pavement, this is a complicated project that requires special equipment. Talk to some nearby asphalt or paving professionals and discuss your particular needs—it’s a good idea to get a few quotes and look at the company’s past work.
Concrete is typically the best material for a driveway if you’re looking for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. But, it’s not ideal for areas with annual freeze-frost cycles, nor is it the most attractive option—although you can get it stamped or painted. If your location is consistently below freezing, asphalt may be a better choice.
You can expect your asphalt pavement to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, or 25 years on average. The life expectancy of your asphalt driveway depends on the climate, the amount of traffic, and how well you maintain it. While you can’t necessarily control some of these factors, you can control the amount of maintenance effort you put into your driveway.
To prevent your asphalt from deteriorating prematurely, you should follow a good maintenance routine involving regular cleaning, reparation work, and resealing.
While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.
The Tsaile, AZ homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If you need to remove old asphalt before putting down a new driveway, the cost will vary based on the size of the driveway you're removing, the method used to remove asphalt, and whether you hire a pro or try DIY asphalt removal.
Properly seal an asphalt driveway with a squeegee and asphalt sealer. Start by cleaning the surface, spreading the sealant, and applying a second coat.
