Is it better to cut asphalt wet or dry?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Odell, IL

Q: What is asphalt made of?

• <div><p>Asphalt is made of aggregate materials (sand, rocks, and gravel) and bitumen, a viscous, petroleum-based, waterproof substance. These materials are mixed together at extremely high temperatures to form asphalt.</p></div>

Q: What is the cheapest way to extend a driveway?

• <div><p>Gravel is the cheapest way to extend a driveway. Gravel is an affordable, practical option that&rsquo;s easy to install and perfect for DIY projects, helping you save on labor costs. It can be quickly spread and leveled to create extra driveway space without heavy preparation. While gravel doesn&rsquo;t offer the same durability or finished look as concrete or asphalt, its low cost makes it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want a functional solution without overspending. </p></div>

Q: What are the three main types of asphalt?

• <div><p>The three most common types of asphalt are hot asphalt, MC cold mix, and UPM asphalt. Hot asphalt is used most often for paving and patching roadways while it&rsquo;s hot and workable. MC cold mix asphalt cures more slowly than hot asphalt, but it can be used for temporary patches and repairs in low-traffic areas. UPM is also used cold, but it can be used as a longer-term fix, usable in almost any conditions at almost any temperature.</p></div>

Q: How do you build a road on a slope?

• <div><p>Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn&rsquo;t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Odell, IL

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Odell, 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 Odell, 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 December 08, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
We needed packers/movers to help move from a small apartment to a pod. They helped us out at a reasonable price. We would use them again.
REAL TIME RELOCATION
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Reviewed in March 2024
We hired Michael and his team to paint our interior and they were a pleasure to work with from start to finish. They kept our home clean, Michael the owner had great communication, & we had no complaints. We are definitely going to be hiring them again in the future. We would recommend them to...
Koss Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2023
Great local concrete company! They tore out the existing driveway and concrete step and installed a new concrete driveway and step. The work was completed very timely. The company responds very quickly and kept me updated on the project. The driveway turned out great! I would recommend this...
Pristine Concrete Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2023
Great job v ery clean. In and out fast
Bath Planet of Buffalo
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Reviewed in September 2022
The crew did a wonderful job from start to finish. I am a repeat customer. I moved to a 100 year old home and needed windows replaced. Illinois Energy was the only company I would consider. The windows are beautiful and energy efficient they also have cut down on the traffic noise. Love my...
Illinois Energy Windows & Siding Inc
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Reviewed in September 2022
August 2022 Our paved patio with a 2 1/2 foot brick wall was in terrible shape when we bought our house last Spring. Ramos and Sons completely dismantled it, cleaned each brick including removing the old cement, reinforced the foundation and put it all back together. It is picture...
Ramos & Sons Landscaping
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Reviewed in October 2021
Dan did a great job and very thorough and professional in his work. I would strongly recommend him to others. M. Boden Pontiac, IL
Daniel's Drywall
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Reviewed in October 2021
I need to take this survey once the work is completed. Was very satisfied with explanation of what needed to be done in the crawl space. I'm waiting for a detailed report and itemization of work to be done as promised. Very easy to talk to and understand my problem and solution.
Superior Mold and Remediation Testing, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Ron is a very knowledgeable home inspector. He walks you through everything and will answer any questions you may have. We were purchasing an older home and I was very impressed with all the details given in his report, right down to proper placement of smoke detectors!
Ron Smith Custom Real Estate Inspections
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Reviewed in September 2021
We had an excellent experience with this company. They use top quality products and applied it to the driveway making sure it covered well. We will be using them again.
Seal-A-Lot Bros, LLC
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Odell

American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Odell, 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 Odell, 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

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Gateway Roof Cleaning

1.7(

)

Serving Odell, 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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Elite Paving & Sealcoating, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Odell, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Big enough to serve, small enough to care. Quality is our Goal! We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity, and stands behind our work. We specialize in all asphalt paving and sealcoating services. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction! Give us a call today!

Response time3 hrs

Response rate100%

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Asphalt is made of aggregate materials (sand, rocks, and gravel) and bitumen, a viscous, petroleum-based, waterproof substance. These materials are mixed together at extremely high temperatures to form asphalt.

Gravel is the cheapest way to extend a driveway. Gravel is an affordable, practical option that’s easy to install and perfect for DIY projects, helping you save on labor costs. It can be quickly spread and leveled to create extra driveway space without heavy preparation. While gravel doesn’t offer the same durability or finished look as concrete or asphalt, its low cost makes it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want a functional solution without overspending.

The three most common types of asphalt are hot asphalt, MC cold mix, and UPM asphalt. Hot asphalt is used most often for paving and patching roadways while it’s hot and workable. MC cold mix asphalt cures more slowly than hot asphalt, but it can be used for temporary patches and repairs in low-traffic areas. UPM is also used cold, but it can be used as a longer-term fix, usable in almost any conditions at almost any temperature.

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.

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.

The Odell, IL homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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