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>

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Q: Which asphalt is the best for a driveway?

• <div><p>A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It&rsquo;s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.</p></div>

Q: Is concrete more durable than asphalt?

• <div><p>In terms of durability, concrete driveways can last more than <b>50 years</b> when properly maintained, compared to the typical <b>30 years</b> for an asphalt driveway. However, the durability depends on the climate, base material and thickness, and thickness of the concrete or asphalt used. The longevity of concrete or asphalt driveways also depends on how well it&rsquo;s maintained and the amount of wear and tear it endures.</p></div>

Q: Does paving or repaving a driveway increase home value?

• <div><p>Yes, a paved or repaved driveway can boost your home's value by increasing its curb appeal and the functionality of your outdoor space. A new driveway can add anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to a property's value. An old, crumbling driveway can be a red flag for potential buyers and inspectors.</p><p>The amount of value added depends on the materials used, the design, and local market conditions. Concrete is often cited as adding the most value due to its long lifespan, though asphalt may be more desirable in colder climates. The return on investment is greatest when replacing a driveway that is in poor condition; repaving a driveway that is already in good shape will not yield as significant an increase in value.</p></div>

Q: How fast does a milled asphalt driveway set?

• <div><p>Your driveway contractor will probably recommend that you avoid driving on your new millings driveway for up to a week. Keeping pressure off the freshy applied millings will help the driveway to bind together. While the sun is helpful for binding millings, hotter weather can actually make the curing process take longer.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Spring Valley, IL

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Spring Valley, 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 Spring Valley, 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 26, 2023

Reviewed in July 2023
Very good. I had a slew of junk that was accumulated from an addiction being done on our home and hired clean scene solutions to do so. He asked if he could drive on the grass and I said yes. Upon finishing he took a rake and fluffed his tire tracks back up. Great service.
Clean Scene Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
They had the whole tree taken down within the afternoon. The tree was surrounded by power lines,which no other tree service could handle with the equipment they had. They pulled out the remaining roots that would've damaged our newly paved driveway . We also were very satisfied with their...
Elite Seamless Gutters, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2021
Project: Waterproof a Basement. Pivotal Basement Solutions, Jeff, Andy, Jake, and their crew were awesome to work with. They did exactly what they stated they were going to do. Professional, courteous, and definitely customer oriented. Answered all my questions and cleaned up when job...
Pivotal Basement Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2014
I can't forget this because I was in the hospital being induced to have my son. The basement in my house had flooded with sewer water. After having a few plumbers come out and snake the lines (one with a camera, one without), we determined that we had to dig up the tile. Come to find out,...
JOHN POHAR & SONS INC
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Reviewed in June 2008
We called Jake (at (815)-343-1441) and he came out and gave us an estimate to pour our driveway from our alley all the way back to our house which is a long stretch and from our garage to the alley itself. They are polite, hardworking guys and got so much done (even around all the rain we had)...
LEMRISE CONSTRUCTION
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Spring Valley

Road Pros Paving

4.3(

)

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job paving my driveway got back to me right away with a estimate and got it done on time and on a budget"

Response time3 days

Response rate86%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I would like to start off with precise, warm welcome and highly responsible of what they are doing. They really know what they are doing and from start from start to end it has been a great project with new experiences and great craftsmanship. Thanks again guys and i hope to have more work for you soon...
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Mag is very responsive. The work was done on time and the work comes with a warranty so there is no stress on the homeowner. Mag will work with you on what you want."

Landscaping - Hardscaping & Pavers Project

+54

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Gateway Roof Cleaning

1.7(

)

Serving Spring Valley, 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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Quality Paving

New to Angi

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

We are a family owned and operated company. We are dedicated to our customers and building long term relationships. We specialize in all of your paving needs including new paving, patching and sealing. We Pride our self's with our work and want it to demonstrate our passion. Call to ask about our services and to set an appointment for us to come to you.

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It’s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.

In terms of durability, concrete driveways can last more than 50 years when properly maintained, compared to the typical 30 years for an asphalt driveway. However, the durability depends on the climate, base material and thickness, and thickness of the concrete or asphalt used. The longevity of concrete or asphalt driveways also depends on how well it’s maintained and the amount of wear and tear it endures.

Yes, a paved or repaved driveway can boost your home's value by increasing its curb appeal and the functionality of your outdoor space. A new driveway can add anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to a property's value. An old, crumbling driveway can be a red flag for potential buyers and inspectors.

The amount of value added depends on the materials used, the design, and local market conditions. Concrete is often cited as adding the most value due to its long lifespan, though asphalt may be more desirable in colder climates. The return on investment is greatest when replacing a driveway that is in poor condition; repaving a driveway that is already in good shape will not yield as significant an increase in value.

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.

Your driveway contractor will probably recommend that you avoid driving on your new millings driveway for up to a week. Keeping pressure off the freshy applied millings will help the driveway to bind together. While the sun is helpful for binding millings, hotter weather can actually make the curing process take longer.

The Spring Valley, IL homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

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

See all articles

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