

When both pedestrians and an automobile will be using the driveway, the minimum recommended pavement width is twelve feet (12′). The absolute minimum pavement width for a single automobile width is eight feet (8′), with ten feet (10′) being more desirable.

One of the most important considerations for residential driveways is the width of the pavement. A curved driveway should be increased in width on sharp curves. Where the property will accommodate it, a curving driveway will be more attractive. Also, to avoid unsightly cuts in hilly areas, driveways should generally conform to the terrain. Care must be taken to locate the driveway away from trees and shrubs whose root system may affect the pavement as they grow. Whenever possible, make provision to retain some portion of the payment due to the contractor until there is complete satisfaction with the quality of the finished driveway.Īesthetic objects such as trees and rocks should be preserved whenever possible. Insist on a written contract or agreement, in addition to any guarantee offered by the driveway contractor.Visit pavement projects built by the prospective contractors and talk with the owners of the projects.When discussing a project, be sure that the thicknesses agreed on are minimum compacted thicknesses.For true and valid comparisons to be made, all proposals should cover the same units.


#HOW TO REPAIR ASPHALT 4 INCH DRAIN PIPE INSTALL#
Any contractor going door-to-door with a truck of asphalt he wants to install “before it cools down” (and is willing to give a “good price”) is not a reputable contractor. It is important to work with a reputable competent asphalt contractor with experience in constructing driveways. There are certain special considerations for this type of paving that are specifically addressed in this section, as is resurfacing existing asphalt driveways.įor the homeowner that has an existing aggregate or gravel driveway, this page will act as a guide the necessary steps to pave over the existing driveway with asphalt concrete. The homeowner’s decision to pave his driveway is sometimes made many years after his home is constructed and frequently incorporates an existing crushed stone or gravel driveway. These driveways are simple and economical to build, and a driveway that is correctly designed and constructed will give many years of service with little or no maintenance. The information contained in this chapter is intended as a general guide for the homeowner on the design and construction of asphalt concrete residential driveways. Please note – A residential driveway must be properly constructed in order to be a good investment.
