Asphalt Parking Lot Installation

The square foot price varies based on the size and scope of the project, as well as your location relative to the asphalt plant.

Usually, you’ll have to wait overnight before you can drive your vehicle on your new asphalt surface. However, the hot summer sun can heat the asphalt to the point that can cause surface blemishes if you’re not careful.

 Other things to keep in mind:

When turning around in your newly paved driveway, make sure to remain in motion while turning your steering wheel. If you see a power steering divot in the asphalt, use a short 2 x 4 and hammer to pound the asphalt back down. But don’t worry too much: this surface blemish should disappear over time.

Try to avoid having commercial vehicles (UPS trucks, concrete mixers, tractors, and skid steers) in your newly paved driveway. The safest time is early in the morning when the asphalt is coolest. However, we recommend leaving up caution tape to keep these vehicles off your new asphalt. Unfortunately, we can’t warranty any damage caused by commercial vehicles.

The thickness of the pavement has a major impact on the structural integrity of the surface. That said, anything over three inches of compacted hot asphalt is overkill for a residential driveway. Anything less than three inches will shorten the lifespan unless you’re overlaying an existing driveway.

For driveways and parking lots that get a lot of commercial vehicle use, we strongly recommend hiring an engineer to advise on the base course, asphalt thickness, and installation guidelines. If you’re in an area with expansive soils and you want to prevent cracking, we require that you hire an engineer to design your pavement installation plan prior to getting an estimate and/or installation.

If properly maintained, asphalt can last from 20 to 30 years.

Asphalt is the most recycled material in the world, exceeding even aluminum. All new asphalt has anywhere from 15% to 20% crushed, recycled asphalt blended into the new mix. Although virgin material can be purchased, most experts recommend against its use in new installation projects unless it’s being used on the bottom of multiple lifts.

Recycled asphalt can also be used as an inexpensive driveway application. However, caution should be exercised because recycled asphalt has rubber, oil, and line paint mixed together and can be tracked into your home and vehicle.

No. Some unethical companies might attempt to sell sealcoating immediately after installation in exchange for an extended warranty. This should be avoided at all costs!

Basically, your parking lot or driveway should be sealed whenever you want it to look as close to new as possible again. The first initial seal is usually three to four years following installation, then every three to five years thereafter.