Driveway width is important so that vehicles have enough space to drive on and off of the driveway. Most experts recommend at least 10 feet for a driveway, but 12 feet is even better. This will give cars plenty of room to move around and turn without hitting the sides of the driveway.
But how thick should the asphalt driveway be? Read more as we’ll tackle the details of this topic in today’s article.
What Is The Recommended Thickness Of A Driveway?
When it comes to asphalt thickness, the rule of thumb is that it should be at least 4 inches thick. This will ensure that the driveway is durable and can withstand heavy traffic. If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, you may want to consider a thicker driveway so that it can better handle the weight of plows and snow removal equipment.
No matter what thickness you choose for your driveway, make sure that it is appropriate for the climate and traffic in your area. A thicker driveway may be necessary for a colder climate so that it does not crack or break during freezing temperatures. Likewise, a thinner driveway may be better suited for a hotter climate so that it does not soften and become damaged from the heat.
Will The Thickness Of The Driveway Differ If It’s For Residential Or Commercial Use?
The thickness of an asphalt driveway will vary depending on if it is for residential or commercial use. A driveway for a home will be much thinner than one for a business. This is because a home typically doesn’t have as much traffic as a business. A commercial driveway will need to be able to withstand more wear and tear, so it will be thicker.
Will The Thickness Change Depending On The Base Soil?
It is also important to remember that the thickness of an asphalt driveway can vary, depending on the type of soil base. If the soil is sandy, for example, the driveway will need to be thicker, in order to prevent shifting and sinking. Conversely, if the soil is clay-based, a thinner driveway would be sufficient.
What If You’re Not Sure How Thick Your Driveway Will Be
When in doubt, consult with a professional driveway contractor to find out what asphalt thickness is best for your specific needs. They will be able to assess your climate, traffic, and soil conditions to determine the ideal thickness for your driveway.
And when it comes to having a contractor construct your driveway, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, the contractor will need to know the dimensions of your driveway in order to give you an accurate estimate. They will also need to know if you would like it paved in asphalt or concrete.
Once they have all of this information, the contractor will be able to go about constructing your driveway. They will first grade the area and remove any obstacles that may be in the way. Then, the contractor must compact the base before building the driveway because if they do not, the weight of the driveway could cause the base to sink. This would create an uneven surface and could lead to cracking or other damage. By compacting the base first, it ensures that the driveway will be stable and long-lasting.
Next, they will lay down a layer of gravel to provide a stable foundation for the asphalt or concrete. Finally, they will pave the driveway with your desired material.
The cost of building a driveway will vary depending on the size and thickness of the driveway. Asphalt is a popular choice for driveways because it is durable and easy to maintain. A typical driveway costs around $5-10 per square foot to install, so a 10’x20′ driveway would cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
Tips In Selecting A Contractor To Build Your Driveway
When it comes to selecting a contractor to build your driveway, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to ask for referrals from friends or family members who have recently had a driveway built. This can help you get started with a shortlist of qualified contractors.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few candidates, be sure to ask for references and past project portfolios. This will give you a good idea of the quality of work the contractor is capable of delivering. Finally, be sure to get quotes from all of the contractors on your shortlist, and compare pricing as well as the quality of materials being used.
By following these tips, you should be able to find a contractor who can build you a beautiful new driveway that will last for years to come and with the right thickness.