Asphalt Driveway

Since it has a smoother surface using a mixture of finer rock and sand, 41A tends to be the best asphalt grade for a driveway, especially for residential driveways. Other options are available, but more homeowners choose 41A for a smoother asphalt driveway. Talk with your asphalt driveway professional for recommendations of the best grade for your specific driveway.

You shouldn’t directly paint over an oil stain on your asphalt driveway. While painting over might visually conceal the stain, the oil will continue to damage the driveway. Once you’ve noticed the oil stain, it’s important to thoroughly remove it within the next few months since oil stains only take six months before they begin to damage the structure of your asphalt driveway.

Asphalt driveways typically last for between 15 and 30 years in most cases or an average of around 20 years before they need repaving. Some factors that affect the longevity of your driveway include the climate, the amount of snow it gets, and the level of vehicle traffic. You may find that you need asphalt driveway patches or repairs if you live in a harsh climate or cosmetic repairs if you have a vehicle that leaks onto the driveway. Subpar paving services can also lead to decreased driveway longevity, as they are less impervious to water.

If you don't have access to commercial equipment, you can utilize a pickaxe or circular saw with a masonry blade to break up asphalt. However, this is generally only effective in small areas. A jackhammer is usually needed to break up slabs of asphalt into smaller pieces. The most effective method when removing an entire driveway is an excavator that breaks apart and pries away asphalt.