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>

Do I need a permit to repave my driveway?

• <div><p>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 <b>$50 and $300</b> 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.</p></div>

Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Orange, VT

Q: Is a 20% slope too steep for a driveway?

• <div><p>While some areas may allow for a slope of up to 20%, this is often the maximum slope for driveways, with a few exceptions of up to 25%. Other regions may have a maximum of 12%, 15%, or 18%, so check with your local building department to ensure you&rsquo;re laying a driveway that is up to code for your location. </p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to install a heated driveway?

• <div><p>Whether it's worth it to install a heated driveway depends on how often you'll use it, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you live in a mild climate with little snowfall, then installing a built-in heated driveway system may not be worth it. If you live in a region that experiences mild snowfall, then a portable mat could work better. However, if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, it makes sense to invest in a built-in heated driveway. </p></div>

Q: What is the best grade of asphalt?

• <div><p>There&rsquo;s no single best asphalt grade&mdash;it all comes down to where and how it&rsquo;s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional&rsquo;s input is always a smart move before making a decision.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit to repave my driveway?

• <div><p>In most cases, you don&rsquo;t need a permit to repave your driveway, although some exceptions exist. If you&rsquo;re widening your driveway and plan on widening the apron as well, you&rsquo;ll usually need a permit from the Department of Transportation in your area. This permit costs between <b>$50 and $300</b> 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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Orange, VT

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Orange, 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 Orange, 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 September 07, 2023

Find Asphalt driveway pros in Orange

Central Vermont Construction, Inc.

3.3(

)

Serving Orange, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They paved our driveway and did very good work."

+98

Response time2 days

27 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by70%of homeowners

Request Quote

SW WOOD LLC

New to Angi

Serving Orange, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

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

17 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Orange, 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

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Northern Paving

New to Angi

Serving Orange, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

D.R Guilmette Companies, Vermont’s premier full-service landscaping provider, offering a comprehensive range of services to transform and maintain the beauty of your outdoor spaces. Our expertise encompasses landscaping, hardscaping, lawn maintenance, patio building, and excavation services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. At D.R Guilmette Companies, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our team of skilled professionals uses the latest techniques and eco-friendly practices to ensure that your property not only looks its best but also contributes positively to the local environment. Whether you’re looking to create a serene garden retreat, install a durable stone walkway, maintain a lush green lawn, construct a custom patio for entertaining, or require precise excavation services, we have the skills and equipment to achieve your vision. Let us bring the natural beauty of Vermont to your doorstep with our exceptional landscaping services.  For inquiries and consultations, please contact us at D.R Guilmette Companies. We look forward to crafting your personal outdoor paradise in Burlington!

Serving Orange, 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 Orange, 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

While some areas may allow for a slope of up to 20%, this is often the maximum slope for driveways, with a few exceptions of up to 25%. Other regions may have a maximum of 12%, 15%, or 18%, so check with your local building department to ensure you’re laying a driveway that is up to code for your location.

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.

Whether it's worth it to install a heated driveway depends on how often you'll use it, your lifestyle, and your budget. If you live in a mild climate with little snowfall, then installing a built-in heated driveway system may not be worth it. If you live in a region that experiences mild snowfall, then a portable mat could work better. However, if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, it makes sense to invest in a built-in heated driveway.

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.

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.

The Orange, VT homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

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