Types of Blacktop Driveways DEAR TIM: We need to have a new blacktop driveway installed and I thought it was going to be a simple process of comparing quotes. It turns out it’s somewhat confusing. I didn’t know there were different types of blacktop. What’s more, the contractors don’t seem to agree on the best Read More »
Blacktop or asphalt installation over concrete can be very successful. But, consider an alternative - concrete overlays. You can do this yourself or have a contractor make your driveway truly unique with stamped and colored concrete.
Pothole repair of your asphalt driveway is easily accomplished with preparation and the right materials. Cold mix patching compound is the material your need. Be sure that the pothole is prepped correctly and know when asphalt sealer should be applied.
DEAR TIM: I recently saw a new paving system that I thought was ingenious. Instead of a solid driveway there were two strips of some precast concrete, each about 2-feet wide for the car tires. Grass was growing within the concrete strips and the area between the concrete was just lawn. Back by the person’s Read More »
"Years ago, I fell under the spell of what many blacktop sealer manufacturers said about the necessity of sealing blacktop driveways. Much of what they said made some sense, but there was always a nagging thought or two in my head that conflicted with what I was being told." Seal Blacktop Driveway Checklist Never seal Read More »
Ann Faircloth has spilled oil on her driveway that she just sealed in Southampton, UK. Let her tell you about how her cleaning effort failed: "I had my my drive sealed, but we spilt oil on it. It doesn't look any better, since we cleaned it. Can we put another coat of sealant on top of Read More »
The best blacktop crack filler is epoxy. You embed stones and sand in the fresh epoxy to completely hide the crack. Blacktop Crack Filler - Use Epoxy and Small Stones DEAR TIM: I've struggled for years trying everything to permanently fill aggravating cracks in blacktop. The magic caulks sold at the big boxes have provided Read More »
Peter Zawisha is getting ready to put in a new asphalt drive and he wants to prevent cracks on the sides of it at his home in Hardyston, NJ. Here's what he told me: "I'm having driveway redone. Should I install 4x4 or 6x6 pressure treated lumber to help keep the asphalt stay tight together? Or Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Install a blacktop driveway over gravel Is additional gravel needed You need the right gravel, installed in layers Dawn Coleman, from Munford, TN, is about to install a new blacktop asphalt hot top driveway. But she doesn't feel good about the estimate she received. Let her tell the story. "I currently have Read More »
Quick Column Summary: Can asphalt drive be covered with crushed rock Make sure there are 4-6 inches of angular stone A thin layer of stone will eventually expose asphalt The new stone will not interlock with the asphalt Karen Cesar, who lives in sunny and warm Tuscon, AZ, is getting ready to tackle a paving Read More »
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