How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

• <div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

What are the main alternatives to recycled asphalt for my driveway?

• <div><p>If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:</p><ul><li><p><b>Permeable pavement:</b> This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. </p></li><li><p><b>Gravel:</b> Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.</p></li><li><p><b>Natural stone pavers:</b> Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Bradley, IL

Q: How long or wide does a private road need to be?

• <div><p>Your city or county will have guidelines about the minimum and maximum width and length of private roads. The average private road is 12 feet wide, and length, of course, depends on your property. Requirements also depend on the amount of traffic and types of vehicles your road experiences. Check with local ordinances before planning a road on your property.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take for new asphalt to dry and cure?

• <div><p>New asphalt goes through two stages: drying and curing. Drying typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the surface is solid enough for light use like walking or careful driving. While you may be able to park on it after 72 hours, the surface is still soft and should be treated gently. Full curing is a much longer process, taking anywhere from 30 days to a full year for the asphalt to reach maximum strength. During this extended curing period, the asphalt is susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, sharp objects, and high temperatures. Factors like weather, the specific asphalt mix, and application thickness all influence drying and curing times. For the most accurate timeline and to ensure the longevity of your new asphalt, it is always best to consult with your installation contractor for their specific recommendations.</p></div>

Q: How do I maintain commercial asphalt?

• <div><p>Regular sealing, crack filling, and professional inspections help extend pavement lifespan and prevent costly repairs.</p></div>

Q: What are the main alternatives to recycled asphalt for my driveway?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:</p><ul><li><p><b>Permeable pavement:</b> This material is sometimes called &ldquo;pervious&rdquo; or &ldquo;porous&rdquo; pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. </p></li><li><p><b>Gravel:</b> Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won&rsquo;t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.</p></li><li><p><b>Natural stone pavers:</b> Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there&rsquo;s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Bradley, IL

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Bradley, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Bradley, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on July 16, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
The job was done great. Would highly recommend if in need of garage repairs.
Albas Garage Doors
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Reviewed in April 2024
Nois Boys Pressurewashing, did a excellent job on my side walk and driveway, price was affordable, Luke was very professional young man..We will always use them again.. I highly recommend this company!
Nois Boys Pressurewashing
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Reviewed in April 2023
Seal cote applied to my driveway. Excellent job and was able to get it done as soon as spring weather permitted. Jacob is professional and his team did a great job! I highly recommend Jacob and A & J Services!!
A&J Services
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Reviewed in September 2022
Steven and his team take care of multiple properties for us and they always do a great job! They do our lawns every week, when they are finished we always receive pictures! I would highly recommend them, great customer service and even better services!!!
S & S Upscale Lawn Service
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Reviewed in September 2022
Jake was very professional and man of his word from the start. He explained everything in detail and was extremely patient with all my questions/concerns. If you want honest, quality, and reasonable landscaping done; you need to call this gentlemen. I would use him for all future projects. I...
Spring Creek Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Brian and his crew are awesome! They installed a driveway, patio , and walkway for us. I am so happy with everything. This company deserves higher then 5 stars. IÃ¢Â Â d give them 10 stars. Brian is very knowledgeable on how to pitch water away from the house and takes the time to explain...
Kildare Concrete and Sons
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Reviewed in December 2021
They came when they said they would and did what I needed. A tornado warning was in effect the evening after they poured the cement. They erected a tarp to keep rain off the new sidewalk. At eleven pm Adam came back to check that the tarp was holding despite the wicked wind. The project...
Reliable Roofing & Renovations LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
They came when they said they would, did what I needed, and cleaned up despite wicked weather. A tornado warning was in effect that evening and Adam came back at eleven pm to make sure the tarp was still keeping water off the new concrete despite the powerful winds. It looks great!
Strahan's Roofing
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Reviewed in May 2021
Very polite and hard working crew. Did our driveway, porch, and slab on side of the house. Everything looks fantastic and we would definitely hire Brabus Concrete again in the future.
Brabus Concrete
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Reviewed in March 2020
I had a hail storm hit my house 8/17/19. I was in search of a roofing company to replace the roof on my barn, and I was referred to Western States Construction by a family friend. I had Randy, the owner of Western States Construction, come out 9/30/19 to give me a quote on the job. His price was...
WESTERN STATES CONSTRUCTION
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Bradley

American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Absolutely perfect, imagine remodeling your kitchen and knowing what you want and actually getting what you want right in front of your eyes.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Everything went great. Very happy with the seal coating of my driveway. Mag was and is very professional and just an overall great guy. He and his men are great. I will be hiring them again for a future project. Thanks everyone ."

Landscaping - Hardscaping & Pavers Project

+54

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Family owned and operated Asphalt driveway, paving and repair. With over 10 years of experience Pave Rite has the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Call or click to schedule a free estimate today!

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Made the appointment never showed up"

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Gateway Roof Cleaning

1.7(

)

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Gateway Roof Cleaning provides quality work to our customers in doing cleaning services we ensure the highest level of service if you need a pro call us. \nThe chemicals we use don't threaten health to family, pets, trees, shrubs flowerbeds, or anything else. We only use low pressure cleaning.\n\n

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Prairie and Company Paving LLC

New to Angi

Serving Bradley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We pride our company on reliability, great communication,\nintegrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best\nto keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look\nforward to earning your business!\n

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Your city or county will have guidelines about the minimum and maximum width and length of private roads. The average private road is 12 feet wide, and length, of course, depends on your property. Requirements also depend on the amount of traffic and types of vehicles your road experiences. Check with local ordinances before planning a road on your property.

New asphalt goes through two stages: drying and curing. Drying typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the surface is solid enough for light use like walking or careful driving. While you may be able to park on it after 72 hours, the surface is still soft and should be treated gently. Full curing is a much longer process, taking anywhere from 30 days to a full year for the asphalt to reach maximum strength. During this extended curing period, the asphalt is susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, sharp objects, and high temperatures. Factors like weather, the specific asphalt mix, and application thickness all influence drying and curing times. For the most accurate timeline and to ensure the longevity of your new asphalt, it is always best to consult with your installation contractor for their specific recommendations.

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

Regular sealing, crack filling, and professional inspections help extend pavement lifespan and prevent costly repairs.

If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:

Permeable pavement: This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs.
Gravel: Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.
Natural stone pavers: Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.

The Bradley, IL homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

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