Driveway Paving in Peoria, AZ

Driveway paving in Peoria starts with two questions: where does the water go in a monsoon storm, and what is under the surface? The asphalt itself is only a few inches thick. Beneath it is a compacted aggregate base, and beneath that is native desert soil, often with caliche. A driveway that is gray and crumbling, sunken near the garage or broken into small pieces usually has a base or drainage problem. A new driveway fixes that first.

Signs it is time

• Gray, rough surface shedding stones
• Cracks that join into a web or blocks
• Low areas where water collects after storms
• Ruts where cars park
• Edges breaking off into the gravel landscaping

If the surface is worn but level, a sealcoat with crack sealing may be enough. When the base has failed, replacement is the better investment.

Caliche and base

Caliche, a hard, cemented layer common in desert soils, can be a mixed blessing. It is firm, but it can block water from draining down, and it is hard to dig. We excavate to the depth the base needs, break through caliche where grading requires it, and compact aggregate base in lifts. HomeGuide describes the typical residential build as 2 to 3 inches of asphalt over 6 to 8 inches of base; for trucks, RVs and trailers, 3 to 4 inches over 8 to 10.

Monsoon drainage

Monsoon storms drop a lot of water fast. We slope the driveway toward the street or a landscaped retention area, never toward the house, and set the joint at the garage so water stays out. Where the lot falls toward the garage, a trench drain may be needed.

Heat and new asphalt

Fresh asphalt in summer heat stays soft for a while. Keep cars off it for a few days, avoid turning the wheel while parked for the first weeks, and put a board under trailer jacks and motorcycle stands. Sealcoat waits until the asphalt has cured, 3 to 6 months per HomeGuide.

HOA approval

Many Peoria subdivisions require HOA approval for driveway replacement or widening. We give you a written scope with materials and dimensions to submit, and we schedule after approval.

Pricing

National guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 (Angi). HomeGuide notes that extreme climates can add 10 to 20 percent, and some contractors set a minimum charge of $2,000 or more. Your quote lists each part of the job.