Frequently Asked Questions

National cost guides put new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi). HomeGuide lists a 600-square-foot driveway at roughly $3,000 to $7,200. Clay repair, removal, slope and long rural runs change the total, so we price your driveway in writing after the site visit.

Usually because the asphalt was placed on wet or soft clay with too little stone base, or because runoff gets under an unsupported edge. The asphalt itself is rarely the first thing to fail. Building a proper base and managing water prevents most early failures.

If the old driveway is still firmly supported and the cracks are surface-level, an overlay can work and costs less than full replacement. If there are ruts, sunken areas or broken edges, the base has failed, and new asphalt on top will crack in the same places. We check before recommending either.

Work in the public right-of-way, such as a new or changed driveway connection to the street, goes through Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works, which takes residential driveway permit applications. Driveways on state routes need a GDOT permit. We confirm the current requirements for your address before scheduling.

Late spring through fall, when the ground is warm and dry. The average freeze season here only runs from early November to late March, so short winter jobs are possible on mild days, but larger jobs are best done in the warm months.

Most guidance says to wait three to six months so the asphalt can cure. After that, a sealcoat every few years helps protect it from the sun and water. We give you a timeline when the paving is finished.

Yes. Long gravel driveways in Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee counties are common projects. On long runs, drainage, culverts and the edge where the asphalt meets the shoulder matter as much as thickness, and we plan for all three.

National guides list about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi). A 600-square-foot driveway falls around $3,000 to $7,200 in HomeGuide figures. Tear-out, clay undercut and length change the total; we price your driveway in writing after seeing it.

Both work. Asphalt usually costs less up front, is easy to patch and gives good traction on a slope, but it needs sealing every few years. Concrete costs more and lasts longer, but cracks are harder to repair cleanly. Budget, slope and how long you plan to stay all factor in.

A common residential section is 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over 6 to 8 inches of stone. If you park trucks, trailers or an RV, plan on 3 to 4 inches over 8 to 10 inches. On soft clay, the base depth matters as much as the asphalt.

Usually a few days for cars, longer in hot weather. Heavy vehicles should wait longer. We give you timing for your job when we finish.

Because the base under them is still wet or soft. Filling the hole without removing the failed material and correcting the base leaves the cause in place. Saw-cut patching with base repair addresses it.

Cold patch is a temporary fix that holds until hot mix can be placed. It is useful in winter or for an emergency, but it rarely lasts as a permanent repair.

Yes, as long as the patches are cured enough. We typically repair first, seal cracks, and then sealcoat so the whole surface looks uniform.

Most paving crews have one because mobilizing equipment costs the same for a small patch. HomeGuide lists typical minimum fees of $100 to $250. Grouping several repairs into one visit gives you more for the money.

On a sound base with good drainage, an overlay can give many years of service. On a failed base, it can crack in a year or two, which is why we check the base first.

Shallow surface ruts can be leveled. Deep ruts usually mean the base has moved and should be repaired before overlaying.

Yes, by the thickness of the new layer. We mill or cut joints where it meets the garage, walks or road so there is no lip.

Yes. Commercial lots are often done in phases so parking stays open.

Every few years for most driveways. HomeGuide gives a range of two to ten years depending on the sealer and climate; Angi suggests every three to five years for asphalt.

Not right away. Wait three to six months so the asphalt can cure.

It darkens them but does not fill them. Cracks must be sealed first or they keep letting water in.

Typically 12 to 72 hours, depending on temperature, humidity and the product.

For a sound driveway, yes. Sealcoating every few years is far cheaper than resurfacing and helps a rental show well between tenants. For a driveway that is already breaking up, repairs come first.

Some sealers include sand for traction, which matters on sloped driveways. We tell you which product we plan to use and whether it includes an additive.

HomeAdvisor gives asphalt lots a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years with routine care, and suggests resurfacing every 15 to 20 years. Regular sealing and crack repair help reach the long end.

Usually. We phase the work and keep at least one entrance usable.

It depends on the total. Under the 2010 ADA Standards, 1 to 25 spaces need one accessible, van-accessible space; 26 to 50 need two; 51 to 75 need three; and so on.

Yes. On projects with a civil engineer, we build to the plans and specifications.

Typically every two to five years, sooner on high-traffic lots.

Yes. Restriping triggers the 2010 ADA Standards, so accessible spaces must meet current requirements.

Once the sealer has cured, yes. Many lots are sealed and striped in one project.

Yes. Small lots often have a minimum charge for mobilization, which HomeGuide lists at about $150 to $350.

Often. Adjusting stall width or angle and reworking drive aisles can add spaces, within the limits of fire lanes, accessible stalls and safe traffic flow. A new layout costs more than restriping, so we show the trade-off.

Traffic paint suited to asphalt, applied to a clean, dry surface. We tell you the product and expected drying time before the job.