Industrial Asphalt has a single mission: complete customer satisfaction! We strongly believe in giving our customers the most for their money. We work with only the highest quality materials and experienced professionals. With over 25 years of experience, we have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress free experience. This approach has set us apart from our competition and keeps our customers coming back! Give us a call today!
Tom's Paving specializes in residential and commercial asphalt paving, sealing and repairs. We will cover the metro San Antonio, Laredo and Corpus Cristi, Texas metro areas and more. We take great pride in our work and will always get the job done right the first time and every time. You can count on Tom's Paving for excellent customer service. Call now for a competitive quote.
In most cases, you don’t need a permit to repave your driveway, although some exceptions exist. If you’re widening your driveway and plan on widening the apron as well, you’ll usually need a permit from the Department of Transportation in your area. This permit costs between $50 and $300 in most cases. Most municipalities will also require a certified and insured contractor do the work relating to the apron and curb cut. You can contact your building department or ask your paving company if you need a permit. Your driveway professional will usually pull the permit for you.
Several materials are suitable for steep driveways. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable options that provide good traction. Permeable pavers—such as plastic, rubber, or concrete—filled with gravel or crushed stones are also excellent, as they allow water to drain without causing erosion and perform well in ice and snow. Another option is resin, which can be coated with an anti-slip finish and helps prevent puddles. For added stability, you can install a retaining wall to prevent pavers and gravel from shifting over time.
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.
While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.
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 Spearman, TX homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
