Driveway Paving

A worn driveway can make every arrival feel rough and leave water collecting in weakened areas. Professional driveway paving creates a smoother surface designed around the property’s access and drainage requirements. A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. approaches driveway paving by evaluating how the existing ground will support the new pavement. Our team prepares the base carefully so the finished surface performs consistently across the full driveway.

Call (815) 966-0164 to discuss your driveway project.

Plan Your New Driveway

When Should a Driveway Be Replaced?

A driveway should be replaced when widespread cracking or deep surface failure affects more than a limited area. Repeated repairs can become less effective once the base begins shifting beneath the pavement because damage can return when the surface no longer has even support.

Replacement allows the damaged surface and unstable material below it to be removed. A rebuilt base gives the new driveway stronger support and helps restore a more even driving surface.

What Driveway Paving Options Does A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. Provide?

Driveway projects vary based on the condition of the existing pavement and the goals for the property. Some surfaces need full reconstruction, while others can support a new paved layer over a stable base.

We coordinate driveway paving around the selected material and the conditions found on the property. Our team plans the surface to provide reliable vehicle access while directing water away from vulnerable areas, which helps limit moisture-related pavement damage.

Our driveway paving options include:

• Asphalt paving: Creates a smooth blacktop surface for residential vehicle traffic
• Concrete paving: Provides a rigid driveway surface suited to long-term use
• Driveway replacement: Removes failed pavement before rebuilding the surface
• Driveway repaving: Adds new pavement where the existing base remains suitable
• Driveway extensions: Expands the paved area to support additional parking or access

How Is an Asphalt Driveway Installed?

Installing an asphalt driveway involves several steps to ensure a smooth, durable, and properly graded surface. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Site Preparation:
   • Clear the area: Remove any vegetation, rocks, debris, and old pavement if necessary.
   • Grade the area: Ensure proper drainage by grading the site to direct water away from buildings and towards proper drainage systems.
2. Subgrade Preparation:
   • Compact the soil: Use heavy machinery to compact the soil to create a solid base. This helps prevent settling and unevenness in the future.
3. Base Installation:
   • Add aggregate: Install a layer of crushed stone or gravel to create a stable base for the asphalt. The thickness and type of aggregate will depend on factors like the soil composition and expected traffic load.
4. Grading and Compaction:
   • Grade the aggregate: Use machinery to create a smooth and even surface, taking into account proper drainage.
   • Compact the base: Use rollers or compactors to thoroughly compact the aggregate, creating a solid foundation for the asphalt.
5. Installation of Binder Course:
   • Apply binder asphalt: A thicker layer of asphalt mix, called the binder course, is laid over the compacted base. This layer provides additional strength and stability to the driveway.
6. Compaction and Grading:
   • Roll and compact: Heavy rollers compact the binder course to create a smooth and level surface. This step also helps to ensure proper compaction.
7. Installation of Surface Course:
   • Apply surface asphalt: A final layer of finer asphalt mix, known as the surface course, is applied on top of the binder layer. This layer gives the driveway its finished appearance.
8. Compaction and Finishing:
   • Final compaction: The surface course is compacted using rollers to achieve the desired density and smoothness.
   • Edge treatment: The edges of the driveway are shaped and compacted to create a neat and clean appearance.
9. Curing and Setting:
   • Allow time for curing: Depending on the type of asphalt used, the driveway needs time to cool and set. During this period, it's important to avoid heavy traffic and other stressors.

How Can a Properly Paved Driveway Reduce Surface Damage?

Surface damage often begins when water settles in low areas or enters small openings in the pavement. Repeated vehicle pressure can then widen weak spots and make the surface less stable. Proper paving creates a compacted surface with grading suited to the property. This helps water move away from the driveway and limits the conditions that contribute to potholes or uneven settling.

How Can Professional Paving Help Prevent Premature Cracking?

Cracks can form early when the pavement lacks consistent support underneath. Thin sections or poorly compacted areas can flex under vehicle weight and begin separating from the surrounding surface. Professional paving prepares and compacts the base before the binder and surface courses are installed. Consistent compaction and suitable pavement depth help distribute weight across the driveway instead of concentrating stress in weaker sections.

Can an Existing Driveway Be Repaved?

An existing driveway can often be repaved when the underlying base remains stable. Surface wear alone doesn’t always require the entire driveway to be removed and rebuilt. Repaving places a new surface over pavement that can still provide dependable support. The existing driveway must be prepared carefully so the new layer bonds correctly and follows the intended grade.

Build a Smoother Driveway

A successful driveway paving project depends on a stable base and grading that supports proper drainage. A.A.T. Infrared, Inc. plans each stage around the site so the finished surface performs as intended for everyday driving and seasonal weather exposure.