How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

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Q: Are asphalt and asphalt concrete the same?

• <div><p>Sometimes, when people talk about asphalt driveways, they&rsquo;re actually referring to asphalt concrete, which is a completely different compound. Asphalt concrete is asphaltic cement combined with sand or grit. It is significantly more lasting and durable than regular asphalt but also much more expensive. If you&rsquo;re considering using asphalt concrete, ask an <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/asphalt-companies">asphalt company</a> for their expert opinions. </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: What material is best for a private road?

• <div><p>The material that&rsquo;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&rsquo;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&rsquo;re more expensive and will need repairs from time to time. Ultimately, you&rsquo;ll have to choose the road material that suits you and your property best.</p></div>

Q: How do professionals prepare the site for asphalt installation?

• <div><p>By grading and compacting the base soil, ensuring proper drainage and stability.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Fairlee, VT

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Fairlee, VT 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 Fairlee, VT 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 April 14, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Michael's crew installed an entire asphalt and standing seam roof on our house in 2020. Recently, (six years later) I noticed a few shingles at the roof edge coming off. I called his office and THAT SAME DAY he was here and fixed things up beautifully! No charge either. I couldn't believe I...
Quality Roofing and Siding
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Reviewed in February 2026
Anselmo Sealcoating did a great job on my driveway and walkway. I highly recommend them!!!
Anselmo Sealcoating And Asphalt Services
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Reviewed in May 2025
Jessica was excellent and super responsive. I contacted them in late march, and she came out to do the estimate letting me know about when they might start jobs based on the weather and the supplier. They were only a week later than her estimate based on the supplier and was very communicative...
Twin state paving
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Reviewed in March 2025
I recently hired Jeff Lemire to replace the tile floor in my entryway and couldn't be more impressed with the results. From start to finish the job went seamlessly. He was professional and courteous and walked me through the process explaining all of my options and making knowledgeable...
Ridge Top Painting & Carpentry
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Reviewed in March 2025
Ron provided a great quote. Took our tired and excessively cracked pool deck and brought it back to New. He also did our front walk and driveway. Both himself and his daughter were courteous and professional. We were kept up to speed on schedule via text when weather washout days shut us down....
TH Pool, Decking & Driveways
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Reviewed in October 2023
Very thorough inspection of my property.
Jourdan Building Inspection Services, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Fastest quote and incredibly responsive. Willing to go above and beyond for the extra details (beautiful snow guards) and additional carpentry repair. Owner is diligent and super easy to work with.
Jarrett Olsen Roofing and Contracting
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Reviewed in January 2023
Everything went very well. I have used Eddy at my home and a rental property I own. He is an all around repairman who has replaced windows, did plumbing, carpentry and masonry work for me. He shows up on time and completes the work in a timely manner. He is very professional and always has a...
Eddy's General Home Repair and Handy-Man Service
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Reviewed in June 2021
The gutters look great on the house, and Jeff and his team obviously are extremely detail-oriented. They came up with a clever solution to a particular erosion problem we had. They followed up with my inquiry and scheduled us quickly. They were prompt for both the appraisal and the work...
Gutter Solutions
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Reviewed in December 2019
My wife and I scheduled an over-the-phone information session with Jeremy and from there, asked that he visit our job to provide a quote. The scope was to install a standing-seem, metal roof on two structures. It should be noted that the decking on one of the buildings was in exceedingly poor...
Jeremy Williams Roofing and Construction
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Fairlee

SW WOOD LLC

New to Angi

Serving Fairlee, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Dedicated professional service provider looking to help you with your needs!

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Fairlee, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He did a good job."

Response time1 hour

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Fairlee, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

"It was a very technical job. They did a fantastic job. They were prompt and got the job done under budget. It was a completely pleasurable experience for me and I highly recommend them to anyone!"

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Chico excavating

New to Angi

Serving Fairlee, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

Sometimes, when people talk about asphalt driveways, they’re actually referring to asphalt concrete, which is a completely different compound. Asphalt concrete is asphaltic cement combined with sand or grit. It is significantly more lasting and durable than regular asphalt but also much more expensive. If you’re considering using asphalt concrete, ask an asphalt company for their expert opinions.

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.

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.

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.

By grading and compacting the base soil, ensuring proper drainage and stability.

The Fairlee, VT 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

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Asphalt Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost? [2026 Data]
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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.
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•
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
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Driveway Width: Ultimate Guide to New or Replacement Driveway
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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.