"Dario did an outstanding job! We previously had an asphalt driveway and a brick paver walkway and porch. We replaced our driveway with concrete and the walkway and porch with aggregate. The entire project looks amazing!!!"
"Andrew did an excellent job of preparing the driveway to be sealed. He used quality products and the end product looked great. I will refer him to my friends."
"Mr. LaFata tore out and rebuilt a brick partial wall around our front courtyard, and tore out and repoured our porch, walkways and driveway. He and his sons were so friendly, very efficient, always kept us informed (it was a huge project). Their expertise is very apparent. He made suggestions to correct a few problems we had with our existing concrete, redesigned the steps for easier access, and made the entire project very efficient for water runoff. The front of our home looks much better now than the day we purchased it!!! We couldnâ t be happier, and would definitely recommend Mr. LaFata and his crew!!!"
"Brian was very nice, said he'd do the job mid April, called in March and said he could come that day due to a cancelation and we were thrilled. Took about 5 hours, and now we can use our driveway again. Very professional, fast, thorough and quality of work is very good. Would hire him again."
"They have been beyond excellent. They are polite, kind, check in every hour with us and are extremely professional. We would highly recommend them and we would definitely hire them again."
"They were very efficient. Had a large crew and were able to remove and pour the driveway in one day. They came back the next night to do the cutting. They told us they could do it the middle or end of June, but actually were able to do it at the end of May. Wonderful to work with a company that does what they say they can do. We thought they gave us a fair price, We are very happy with our new driveway. We would highly recommend them."
Many asphalt companies have experience with tar and chip paving, but not all. The process is unique enough—and not incredibly common enough—that you may have to look around for a tar and chip specialist. However, speaking with a driveway company is a great place to start, especially if they have experience with multiple materials.
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.
The material that’s best for your private road depends on your property, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. Gravel is an affordable option, but some homeowners don’t like how it looks. It can be a pain to remove snow from, and it requires more ongoing maintenance than asphalt or concrete. However, while these other options require less maintenance and make snow removal a breeze, they’re more expensive and will need repairs from time to time. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose the road material that suits you and your property best.
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.
When comparing installation costs, asphalt is often less expensive upfront than concrete. Asphalt prices typically range from $7 to $15 per square foot, while concrete can range from $3 to $18 per square foot. However, long-term costs should also be considered. Concrete driveways generally last longer (up to twice as long) and require less maintenance, which can make them more affordable over their lifespan. While asphalt has a lower installation cost and is easier to repair, it requires more frequent maintenance, such as sealing, which can add up over time. Therefore, while concrete is more expensive initially, its durability may offset the cost in the long run.
The Utica, MI homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a concrete driveway in Detroit, MI varies based on size and concrete type. This cost guide breaks down all the key factors to help you budget.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.
