Re-asphalting my driveway...?

Question

I recently put in a retaining wall and plan to get my driveway paved. My existing aphalt is in bad condition (huge dips/pothole-like). One contractor said the entire thing needs to be dug out and a new base (3 inches of large grade gravel/3 inches of small grade) followed with 3 1/2 inch of binder/asphalt. his theory is the driveway does not have a strong base so needs one to prevent the dips. Another contractor wants to use the existing as the base and simply patch the dips with binder, level off the high areas and put 1 1/2-2 inches of asphalt over the existing driveway. he stated the driveway has already settled (hence the existing dips) and digging up will actually "unsettle" the ground. Any thoughts/opinions will be greatly appreciated. The driveway is 11 ft by 46 ft and i live in western PA. The contractor that wants to dig it all up is asking for $3,800 while the contractor who wants to coover the existing is asking $2,800.

Answer 1

It depends on the reason you have dips in the driveway and what soil conditions exist. I would be suspicious of the cheaper quote since he is only going to cover up what is there and is only going to put 1 1/2 inches of asphalt. The 1 1/2 inches will compact to about 1 inch. This is a favourite trick. They say 1 1/2 inches but neglect to tell you that the  depth is before compaction. A 1" lift will look just fine until you drive on it for a couple of years and then it will probably start to break up. The complete replacement sounds like a better deal for the extra $1,000.00. You would be getting a new 6" base and over twice the asphalt thickness.

Answer 2

This is just a suggestion...try calling an asphalt plant and see if they will answer your questions. I recently started working for a company reselling limestone, dirt and gravel and just went to visit the limestone yard. The owner told me that if I needed him to go out and estimate a job, he'd be glad to help me out. So they may do this from a consumer's perspective, it's worth a shot.

If not, try getting at least 2 more estimates and go with the more popular of them.  

Answer 3

remember,anything is only as good as with what you start with.(BASE),sounds like the first contractor is wanting to do it the right way.

  just like bldging a house,its only as good as the foundation. may cost a little more to start with,but 10yrs.,down the road,it will still be flat.  

Answer 4

i agree with frozens answer, but to it sounds like retaining wall was built to stop the problem that damaged your driveway.my advice, which ever one you choose try to be there when they do the job make sure you get what they say you paid for.