Homeowners down near Hollywood Hill often look at a cracked, sunken driveway and wonder what a replacement involves. People call Top Notch Asphalt with many questions before they commit to a project. Top Notch Asphalt provides the straight facts right away so property owners know what to expect before the crew packs up. Homeowners around Woodinville want to know the realities of Asphalt Paving.
How long should a new asphalt driveway actually last around here?
In our wet Pacific Northwest climate, a properly installed Asphalt Paving surface usually lasts anywhere from twenty to thirty years or more. That lifespan depends heavily on a couple of things: a solid crushed rock base and staying on top of sealcoating every few years. If water gets underneath the asphalt during our freezing winter nights, it expands and wrecks the sub-base fast. Skip the maintenance, and a new asphalt driveway will show cracking much sooner.
Can you pave right over my old cracked driveway?
Sometimes, but definitely not always. If your base is still stable and you just have surface wear, an asphalt overlay works great. But if you have alligator cracking, where the asphalt looks like a puzzle box, or soft spots where your tires sink in the rainy season, an overlay is just throwing money away. Top Notch Asphalt has to tear it out and rebuild the foundation, especially on those sloping properties common up toward Cottage Lake.
When is the best time of year to pave in Woodinville?
Dry weather is key for Asphalt Paving. Top Notch Asphalt generally runs paving operations from late spring through early fall when the ground is not saturated and daytime temperatures cooperate. Paving in a relentless downpour ruins the compaction and shortens the life of the mat. If you call Top Notch Asphalt in January, we are probably looking at a temporary cold-patch fix until the weather clears up enough to do the job right.
How long do I have to keep my cars off the fresh asphalt?
Foot traffic is usually fine after a day, but keep your vehicles off the new surface for at least three to five days. Hot summer temperatures mean asphalt takes a bit longer to fully cure and harden up. Even after a week, avoid sharp steering wheel turns while your car is parked completely still, as that can scuff the fresh surface.
Do I need a permit to repave my driveway in King County?
If you are just replacing what is already there within the existing footprint, you usually do not need a county permit. But if you are widening the driveway, adding a brand-new approach off the county road, or messing with local drainage ditches, King County gets very particular. Always check before you dig or pour.
What causes those annoying white powdery spots or tire scuffs?
Fresh asphalt contains oils that need to oxidize and dry out. Brand new driveways are soft under heavy weight, which causes scuffs when power steering is cranked hard. Give it time, seal it after the first year or two, and the Asphalt Paving surface will toughen right up.
Got a specific question about your own property layout? Contact Top Notch Asphalt for an Asphalt Paving assessment in Woodinville, WA.