Paving my parking area

[mbrule]

Another question for the TBN brain trust. It looks like I am looking at about $2.00 a square foot in Massachusetts (2 estimates so far). For grading, I presently have reground asphalt in the areas, that will need to be properly graded with some likely removed to get the right height / grade, 1.5" or binder and 1.5" of topcoat.

My question is is this the correct amount of asphalt for my application, which is parking, the heaviest vehicle is my 3/4 ton pickup at 5700 lbs or so.

One guy, with a poor reputation in the area quoted a single 3" application of topcoat for $1.50 a square foot, as the regrind was adequate for a base.

Opinions?

 

[sweettractors]

Will you have propane, fuel oil or service trucks coming in that drive. I would build for the heaviest incoming. Ken Sweet

 

[mbrule]

Will you have propane, fuel oil or service trucks coming in that drive. I would build for the heaviest incoming. Ken Sweet

Nothing in this part of the drive heavier than my pickup it is a parking area only. Fuel trucks and the garbage truck come on the drive but not this area of it.

 

[kennyd]

If the truck will be parked in the same spot, day after day, then you WILL have indents in the asphalt, even a car is heavy enough to do it in the summer.

 

[mbrule]

If the truck will be parked in the same spot, day after day, then you WILL have indents in the asphalt, even a car is heavy enough to do it in the summer.

Yes, I expect that, would that be avoided with a thicker application of binder or topcoat or ?

 

[kennyd]

Yes, I expect that, would that be avoided with a thicker application of binder or topcoat or ?

I doubt it

 

[Egon]

Base preparation is critical to how well the asphalt covering will last.

And the asphalt mix components and compaction are critical to the performance of the asphalt. [One may not get proper mixes all the time for smaller jobs]

Probably the compacted depth of asphalt should be no less than 2 inches for just adequate performance.

It's been almost 40 years since I was blessed with laying asphalt and I don't miss one day of it. My information recall may be a little rusty though.

 

[NSBound]

Is the cost of cement in your budget? I'm going though the same thought process and about a year ago I was quoted (I think) $5.00 a square foot (boy the memory is going bad here). All I remember for sure is that it was too expensive for the area I want to cover and I know I don't want asphalt for the reasons mentioned here, as I'm a creature of habit and often park in the same spot, so I'm left with my gravel driveway/parking area.

 

[mbrule]

Cement is Waaaaaay out of my budget, **** I can't even afford the asphault! But I am sick of tracking the regrind everywhere! Hence the reason for paving it.

I now have 3 quotes

1. - $1.50 a square foot "cash done next week" for light grading and 3" of topcoat.

2. - $2.00 a swuare foot to re-grade, saw-cut where it meets the main drive, 1.5" binder 1.5" top.


3. - $2.50 a square foot to re-grade (cost higher if base found to be poor) and put 3" of "grade A" (I think that is what he said) asphaut, which is made without Rap (better mix) about a 3/8 mix.

Number one is a guy known for doing substandard work, but very cheap. Though he was recommended by a friend. I couldn't stand him, he won't be doing it.

Number 2 seems like a decent guy, been in business a for many years and is the closest. I am leaning toward thsi guy. This is a duplex that I do not plan to live in forever (I hope!!!), so I think it is a reasonable choice.

Number 3 decent guy, been in business 40 years appears to do only top notch work. This guy would win hands down, if I wnated to stay here forever.

I may qoute a couple more....

 

[Freds]

I just had my driveway/parking area concreted. I had gotten a price last year for asphalt at 34,000. This year I called two different companies. One was 17,000 something and the other 41,000! Yeehaw. Upon looking at the bids more closely I saw that one was going to grade the existing and the other take it down 10" and build it back up... and neither one would guarantee me over 14-16 years before I would need to repave with another topcoat...
So anyway, I called my neighbor, who does concrete work. not quite 19,000. It was a no brainer. Someone once before had told me that blacktop and concrete had come together a little closer in their costs. At least in my area.

As far as the square footage, I couldn't tell you because none of the bids had that written in, but it was just a litte over 90 yards of concrete, 4" min.
Guess who won't be raking gravel out of the yard next year ;^)