Hello,
Live outside of Boston.
Have just started trying to learn about driveway re-paving, as my driveway is ready for a new re-do as it's pretty bad by now.
Know nothing about the various options, pros and cons, etc. Trying to learn prior to calling in some Contractors.
Saw this ad by one Contractor, and was a bit surprised to see that they make a big deal regarding "Hot Mix" asphalt.
Isn't ALL asphalt driveway paving done with a hot mix ? Are there other type of driveway asphalt paving I should be considering ?
Any help in understanding all of this, or comments on what they are talking about (I appended a bit below) would be most appreciated.
It is an engineered mixture of aggregate, or stones and sand, with liquid asphalt cement, a petroleum product. Varying sizes of aggregates are heated, then mixed, in exact proportions, with asphalt cement that has been liquified at about 300 degree's. While the Mixture is still hot, it is delivered to your driveway and paved on top of a base or subgrade that has already been prepared. Soon after paving, the mixture cools and hardens, you will then be able to drive on it in 3-4 days.
Would like to also ask one other item.
Have a dry well in the driveway. Made 35 yrs ago apparently with flat stones, built up into a cylindrical shape, maybe 4 feet deep, and with a heavy metal grate on top. Originally, was flush with the asphalt I imagine, but there has been a lot of degredation around the metal grate, and possibly a "bit" of sinking of the whole configuration.
Questions:
Isn't the ground around this system always likely going to be "mushy" and result in depressions and a small amount caving in ? The draining is apparently just around the opening of the stones; no pipe from it leading anywhere.
Should I just seal the whole thing over ? It does seem to help in heavy rains, though from keeping the garage dry.
Thoughts on ?
Much thanks, Bob