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 Manhattan, MT

Q: What maintenance is required for new asphalt?

• <div><p>Regular cleaning, sealing, and timely repair of cracks help maintain its condition.</p></div>

Q: What is the minimum angle for a driveway?

• <div><p>Driveways should be sloped with a minimum 2% slope&mdash;anything lower will cause precipitation and runoff to collect. A 2% slope is the equivalent of a 2-foot rise over 100 feet. One quick way to check the integrity of your driveway&rsquo;s slope: no more than four inches of water should collect on the surface longer than 15 minutes after rain.</p></div>

Q: Is three inches of asphalt enough depth for a driveway?

• <div><p>Three inches is a great thickness for a residential asphalt driveway that sees minimal to moderate traffic from cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. However, a thicker driveway can better withstand the weight of a heavier vehicle, such as a trailer or a recreational vehicle. If you drive a heavy vehicle on a thin driveway, you risk cracking and damaging it.</p></div>

Q: Is an asphalt or concrete driveway cheaper to install and maintain?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Manhattan, MT

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Manhattan, MT 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 Manhattan, MT 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 June 24, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Lane and his team were great to work with. After a quick site inspection of my driveway, I received a competitive quote for crack repair and seal coating, next day. Thunderstorms caused the cancellation of our initial work day, but Lane quickly got me back on the schedule. My driveway was a...
LB Asphalt & Construction Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2024
High quality of work. Professional and skilled. Hired them to do a driveway one year and had them back the next year to do a large pad with underground pillars. Extremely happy with the work.
Arts Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2024
Great guys, They were paving a neighbors driveway and had some extra pavement. They knocked on my door and asked it I wanted them to put the remaining pavement at the end of the driveway to fill in the holes. Raked it out and rolled it. It looks great. Thanks Ted's Asphalt.
Ted's Asphalt Repair
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
Allen came and helped shovel our driveway and sidewalks! Being a new mom and having a busy husband it is nearly impossible to get our snow plowed and out of the way before it sticks! Allen surely came and got it done for us very fast! Not only did he do an exceptional job his price seemed more...
Garcia Hauling, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2023
They did a awesome job with my driveway.
J&G Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2022
They did a fabulous job, and squeaked me in jut before the weather turned! They trimmed my grass back, illed in cracks and some hole, sealed where water was getting under my driveway, and didnâ t leave a mess. Fantastic company!
Professional Coatings
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
Peter and Josiah do it all. On a recent project, they fine-tuned the driveway, completely recontoured a sloped site, installed a specialty ground-to-air heat transfer system, built trails, installed culverts and waterlines among other things. They are very conscientious and focused on getting...
Rocky Mountain Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2021
Excellent. Very quick communication, fast service, flexible, wise planning, expedited the project. Driveway looks great, is exactly what I needed, and I couldn't believe how quickly and easily it was done.
Big Pine Concrete - Trang ch Facebook
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2021
I needed my driveway plowed same day, and they got back to me right away and had it done within a few hours. They did a great job for a very reasonable price.
Smooth Stone Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2018
Dan was awesome, came the next day solved the snow build up problem on sidewalk and driveway. I had tried numerous people on the internet and did not receive any calls back so was so happy when Dan not only called right back, but got the job completed the next day. Awesome!
Integrity Landscape, LLC
Request a quote

Find Asphalt driveway pros in Manhattan

LB Asphalt & Construction Inc

5.0(

)

Serving Manhattan, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The job was done on time and professionally. Not only did they do our personal driveway they did our whole neighborhood and it looks amazing."

Response time2 days

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

K & E Enterprises, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Manhattan, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

"K+E did a fantastic job on our driveway! They arrived on time, we re very nice and accommodated a last minute change. It looks great!"

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Ostermiller Construction LLC

New to Angi

Serving Manhattan, 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

Integrity Plastering and Masonry

New to Angi

Serving Manhattan, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Plastering and Masonry services done with integrity since 2000. I have been in the trades for most my life and know what works and what doesn't! I pride myself on the quality work I provide, while delivering great customer service.\nPlease see some of the services I offer below and call -or- click to schedule an estimate today!\n

Request Quote

Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Regular cleaning, sealing, and timely repair of cracks help maintain its condition.

Driveways should be sloped with a minimum 2% slope—anything lower will cause precipitation and runoff to collect. A 2% slope is the equivalent of a 2-foot rise over 100 feet. One quick way to check the integrity of your driveway’s slope: no more than four inches of water should collect on the surface longer than 15 minutes after rain.

Three inches is a great thickness for a residential asphalt driveway that sees minimal to moderate traffic from cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. However, a thicker driveway can better withstand the weight of a heavier vehicle, such as a trailer or a recreational vehicle. If you drive a heavy vehicle on a thin driveway, you risk cracking and damaging it.

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.

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.

The Manhattan, 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 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.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Asphalt Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
If you need to remove old asphalt before putting down a new driveway, the cost will vary based on the size of the driveway you're removing, the method used to remove asphalt, and whether you hire a pro or try DIY asphalt removal.
Kristi Pahr
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
10 Driveway Terms You Should Know
Though it seems straightforward, your driveway actually has a lot of parts. From the apron to the trench drain, here are the driveway terms you should know.
Lawrence Bonk
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Long Does an Asphalt Driveway Last? And Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
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.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
The Best Driveway Paving Alternatives
Here are some driveway paving alternatives if you'd like a cheaper, more durable, or more aesthetically pleasing option than a paved concrete driveway.