Should I seal my driveway or replace it?

• <div><p>If you notice minor cosmetic problems with your driveway, you should seal it. Look out for cracks and holes on the surface, faded asphalt or concrete, and stains from oil and other chemicals. Replacing your driveway may be necessary if you’re dealing with significant problems—¼-inch cracks, large potholes, and puddles from drainage issues. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">cost to install an asphalt driveway</a> typically ranges between <b>$4,200</b> and <b>$9,000</b>, significantly more than resealing. Consider talking to a professional to discuss whether resurfacing your driveway—a midway project between resealing and replacing—is a better option for you.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Busby, MT

Q: What are the three types of roads?

• <div><p>In the United States, roads are usually categorized as one of three types: public roads, other drivable roads, and non-drivable roads. These categories dictate how a road can be used; a non-drivable road might be classified that way because it is heavily damaged and unsafe for cars.</p></div>

Q: What’s the best type of driveway for the snow?

• <div><p>Asphalt driveways are affordable and able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The asphalt surface makes it easy to plow snow, and it has excellent traction for slippery winter days. Another benefit: it absorbs heat from the sun and can then help to melt snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces.</p></div>

Q: Can you put asphalt over loose dirt?

• <div><p>This creates a risk for your driveway to fail after <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/asphalt-curing-time.htm">asphalt curing</a> because it doesn't have a lasting bond with the surface. In order to get asphalt to perform as intended, it's necessary to prepare the dirt surface correctly first. The loose soil base under the new driveway must be compacted until it is stable enough to support the weight of the asphalt. </p></div>

Q: How long does recycled asphalt take to harden?

• <div><p>It takes recycled asphalt 48 hours to initially harden and up to 3 months to fully cure. It&rsquo;s best to stay off of recycled asphalt for at least 48 hours, then you can walk or drive standard vehicles on it. Hold off on driving heavy trucks or equipment on it for at least 7 days. Allowing the surface to melt together and harden ensures that the surface stays durable and long-lasting. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your asphalt driveway service project in Busby, MT?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Asphalt driveway pros in Busby

Asphalt Paving & Professional Coatings

4.3(

)

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Fortunately, this company wasn't the normal seal of your driveway and run. This company removed any high spots, bumps, low spots, covered everything with a fresh surface of new asphalt and they ran roller machines over it for some hours. It looks great."

Response time3 days

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by79%of homeowners

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers' needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Ostermiller Construction LLC

New to Angi

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ostermiller Construction LLC in Shepherd, MT specializes in concrete, asphalt, curb, driveway, walkway, sidewalk, parking lot construction, and dirt work. We offer free estimates.\n\nWe serve in Shepherd, MT, Broadview Town MT; Roundup MT; Camp Three MT; Klein MT; and the surrounding areas.\n\nAsphalt Repair, Asphalt Contractor, Asphalt Driveway Repair, Asphalt Crack Repair, Parking Lot Asphalt Repair\nConcrete Service\n\nFor more information visit our website: https://constructionshepherdmt.com/

Request Quote

Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

In the United States, roads are usually categorized as one of three types: public roads, other drivable roads, and non-drivable roads. These categories dictate how a road can be used; a non-drivable road might be classified that way because it is heavily damaged and unsafe for cars.

Asphalt driveways are affordable and able to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The asphalt surface makes it easy to plow snow, and it has excellent traction for slippery winter days. Another benefit: it absorbs heat from the sun and can then help to melt snow and ice more quickly than other surfaces.

If you notice minor cosmetic problems with your driveway, you should seal it. Look out for cracks and holes on the surface, faded asphalt or concrete, and stains from oil and other chemicals. Replacing your driveway may be necessary if you’re dealing with significant problems—¼-inch cracks, large potholes, and puddles from drainage issues. The cost to install an asphalt driveway typically ranges between $4,200 and $9,000, significantly more than resealing. Consider talking to a professional to discuss whether resurfacing your driveway—a midway project between resealing and replacing—is a better option for you.

This creates a risk for your driveway to fail after asphalt curing because it doesn't have a lasting bond with the surface. In order to get asphalt to perform as intended, it's necessary to prepare the dirt surface correctly first. The loose soil base under the new driveway must be compacted until it is stable enough to support the weight of the asphalt.

It takes recycled asphalt 48 hours to initially harden and up to 3 months to fully cure. It’s best to stay off of recycled asphalt for at least 48 hours, then you can walk or drive standard vehicles on it. Hold off on driving heavy trucks or equipment on it for at least 7 days. Allowing the surface to melt together and harden ensures that the surface stays durable and long-lasting.

The Busby, MT 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

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Asphalt Driveway Repair Cost in 2026?
Asphalt driveway repair costs account for everything from hairline cracks to complete overhauls. Learn what to expect from your asphalt repair bill.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway? [2026 Data]
The average cost to pave a driveway is $4,897, but prices vary by size and material. This guide breaks down common cost factors and helps you budget.
Timothy Moore
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
Calculate the cost of installing a new asphalt driveway based on dimensions, depth, finishes, and other custom driveway details.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
6 Types Of Asphalt for Driveways
Choosing the right asphalt is key to a long-lasting surface. Find out which mix works best for roads, driveways, and heavy-traffic areas.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How to Cut Your Asphalt Driveway
Don’t let damaged asphalt ruin your driveway. Follow this step-by-step guide for everything you need to know about cutting asphalt the right way.
Dan Simms
•
May 16, 2026May 16, 2026
Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways: Which Is Right for You?
Which one is better for your home, an asphalt or concrete driveway? Learn the difference in initial installation, pros and cons, and follow-up costs.