wrote in message
ups.com...
I've had an asphalt driveway for about 12 years (New Jersey). Several
years ago several cracks started appearing, and in winter you can see
dirt come up through the drive when wet. I pulled up and replaced one
10 square foot cracked section (there are several others); in places it
was only 3/4 inch thick. I'm guessing that this is the cause of the
cracks and that the base is good. The original drive was supposed to be
2 inches thick.

I'm planning on having it paved over with an additional 2 inch finish
coat of asphalt. Here are my questions:

1. Should I have contractor pull up remaining cracked sections and make
sure base there is sound?

2. Should I ask for the end at driveway entrance and end at garage be
pulled up so new layer is at the proper height?

3. Is 2 inches a good thickness to request? How can you tell if they
deliver the correct thickness?

4. Any other recommendations?
Thanks...
Tom


1. If it is just cracks and no little sink holes or other unevenness, the
base is probably fine. but only you can make that call

2. The other poster gave a good reason to do this, drainage

3. I don't know what is the appropriate thickness but if you calculate the
area they need to cover and divide that by the number of cubic yards (or
feet) of material you buy (may need to convert from tons) you will have an
average thickness. As to whether they apply it evenly, thats another
question. You can also shove a stick in it.

4. If you ever wanted to change the shape of the drive, now is the time to
consider it. Many people have insufficient parking or poor access to the
garage.