Frequently Asked Questions

National cost guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi), with Angi's average project around $4,904. Steep grades, removal of the old surface, rock, drainage and apron work move the price. We give you a written number after seeing the site.

HomeGuide's per-square-foot range of $5 to $12 works out to roughly $10,000 to $24,000 for 2,000 square feet. A long, level driveway with a good existing gravel base lands lower; a steep one needing excavation and drainage lands higher.

Reuse what is still good. A sound gravel base can be regraded and topped off rather than replaced, and a solid old asphalt surface can take an overlay, which HomeGuide estimates saves 20 to 30 percent over full replacement. Keeping an existing driveway sealed and crack-free is the cheapest option of all.

Be careful. Asphalt is only as good as the base under it and the thickness after rolling. Ask for the base depth, the compacted asphalt thickness, the company's address and a written contract before anyone starts. If they cannot provide those, keep looking.

Yes. It takes a well-compacted base, careful placement and rolling, and drainage at the top, along the edges and at the bottom. Very steep sections may need extra measures, and we tell you up front if yours does.

Cost guides put asphalt driveway life at 15 to 30 years. Base quality, drainage and upkeep decide where a driveway lands. In a climate with long freezing winters, sealcoating every few years and sealing cracks each fall make a real difference.

Generally late spring through fall, when the ground is warm and dry enough for hot asphalt to compact. Sealcoating needs dry weather between about 50 and 95 degrees. Emergency patching can happen in cold weather, with permanent repairs in season.

National guides list about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi). Steep grades, ledge or large stones, and drainage work push costs up; a level driveway with a reusable base comes in lower.

Many Connecticut driveways get a binder course and a finer top course. The scope states the compacted thickness of each so you can compare quotes.

Usually, yes, if there is room. A flat area to turn around means you never have to back down the hill onto the street.

Steel blades and skid shoes can scuff fresh asphalt in its first winter. Raising the blade slightly or using poly edges helps.

Most residential jobs take one to three days. Steep or rocky sites can take longer.

HomeGuide lists $1 to $2 per square foot, with an average of about $600 and $580 to $1,200 for a 24 x 24 foot driveway. Crack sealing is priced separately.

Every few years for most driveways. HomeGuide gives a range of two to ten years depending on product and conditions. Sunny, busy driveways need it sooner.

You can, but most of the result depends on preparation: cleaning, priming oil spots and sealing cracks first. Thin, even coats in the right weather matter more than the product.

After three to six months, once the asphalt has cured.

Usually. HomeGuide estimates 20 to 30 percent savings. The savings shrink if a lot of patching is needed first.

It depends on the transitions. Once the surface is too high at the garage or the street, the old layers need to come off.

A few potholes can be patched first. Widespread potholes and cracking mean the base has failed, and replacement is the better choice.

Some cracks can reflect through over time. Sealing them before overlaying slows that down.

HomeGuide lists $100 to $400 for a typical pothole repair, and $4 to $12 per square foot for larger saw-cut patches, plus a minimum service charge.

We can cold-patch to keep the driveway usable, then make a permanent hot-mix repair when the weather allows.

Water is running along it and washing out the base. Rebuilding the edge and adding a berm or wedge curb to channel the water usually solves it.

New asphalt starts darker. A sealcoat after it cures evens out the color.

HomeAdvisor lists about $2 to $4.50 per square foot or $400 to $1,130 per space nationally. Truck areas, drainage and milling change the number.

Yes. The Department of Justice says restriping triggers the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible parking.

Yes. We phase the work and keep at least one entrance open.

On the low side of the lot where meltwater can drain away rather than across the parking. We can suggest a spot during the estimate.

A raised apron or a crown at the top, and a trench drain across the bottom in front of the garage, are the common fixes. We look at the slope and the street before recommending one.

A low, rounded asphalt curb placed along a driveway edge. It guides water to a planned outlet and protects the edge from washing out.

If your driveway crosses a ditch or natural drainage path, yes, or it will act as a dam. Angi lists culverts at about $1,500 to $5,000.

Often. Berms, swales and trench drains can be added to an existing driveway that is in good shape.