When it comes to a driveway installation project, there are a lot of questions to ask. After deciding you want to use asphalt, there may be confusion about how thick that asphalt should be. If the asphalt is too thin, it can lead to early repairs or replacement. On the other hand, unnecessarily thick asphalt is expensive and redundant. A&M Asphalt Paving is a blacktop paving company in MD that knows the perfect asphalt thickness for any driveway.
How Thick Should an Asphalt Driveway Be?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, most experts can agree that a full-depth asphalt driveway is the best way to ensure a long-lasting asphalt surface.
A full-depth asphalt driveway is one that is made entirely of asphalt. The asphalt paving mixture is used from the soil subgrade to the top layer. For most cases, this top layer of asphalt of four inches or more is considered \”adequate,\” while 5-6 inches results in a driveway that is stronger and more stable.
A secondary option is pouring asphalt onto an aggregate base. An aggregate base is usually made up of crushed rock. However, this option isn’t as ideal as a full-depth asphalt driveway. On average, one inch of asphalt pavement is equivalent to three inches of aggregate base. As a result, choosing an aggregate base over a full-depth asphalt driveway will require a much thicker driveway overall.
Top Blacktop Paving Company in MD: A&M Asphalt Paving
Each project is different and has external circumstances that may impact the driveway installation. The best course of action is to consult a professional for the best solution for any asphalt needs. When searching for a company to install your driveway, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. A&M Asphalt Paving brings over 30 years of experience and expert advice to every job.
For anyone looking for a blacktop paving company in MD, A&M Asphalt Paving is the number one choice. At A&M Asphalt Paving, we specialize in residential driveway paving. Services offered by A&M Asphalt Paving include new asphalt construction, resurfacing, or patching for parking lots and driveways, seal coating, stone & grading driveways, and snow removal. A&M works with both residential and commercial clients. Contact us today for a free estimate on any project.