In cold weather they have to do it really fast. An asphalt plant will not start for small amounts under around 75 and usually 100 ton. The cost of preheating the equipment is costing more than the sale for anything less, and at that amount of tons is only a break even deal, usually at the plant foremans option. Deals like this are only if you know how much you want and do not come back later and tell me you need a few tons more or you don't need what you ordered. The paving contractor will pay for what they ordered knowing with weather changes, they may not get any mix till spring. Usually pay for the amount in advance. Anyway, you get the use of the drive till the finish lift is placed for free (and any subgrade problems back to the contractor before they lay it) and you didn't have mud to drive on till then. If the drive was indeed finished, it sounds like you had someone doing it right. Most of the honest people running plants also know the people they sell to at that time of year and their reputaion. My personal name is my reputation no matter who I work for, so if their is a problem with something as small as a drive it also comes back to me. Your name is your word.
When is it too cold to pave a driveway?
- Thread starter gregfender
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In cold weather they have to do it really fast. An asphalt plant will not start for small amounts under around 75 and usually 100 ton. The cost of preheating the equipment is costing more than the sale for anything less, and at that amount of tons is only a break even deal, usually at the plant foremans option. Deals like this are only if you know how much you want and do not come back later and tell me you need a few tons more or you don't need what you ordered. The paving contractor will pay for what they ordered knowing with weather changes, they may not get any mix till spring. Usually pay for the amount in advance. Anyway, you get the use of the drive till the finish lift is placed for free (and any subgrade problems back to the contractor before they lay it) and you didn't have mud to drive on till then. If the drive was indeed finished, it sounds like you had someone doing it right. Most of the honest people running plants also know the people they sell to at that time of year and their reputaion. My personal name is my reputation no matter who I work for, so if their is a problem with something as small as a drive it also comes back to me. Your name is your word.
A solid base is important any time of year. I worked for a municipality and we had a large traffic island being taken out (middle of summer) and the guy who worked on site was told to put 12" of item 4 down. We came in with the paver and as the thing gets out in the middle of where this big island was, it starts making waves like it's on the ocean and eventually got stuck. Had to pull it out with a loader. We dug it all out and it turns out the guy put 4" down instead of 12. he couldn't be trusted to do anything right. He cost the county a few extra coins that day and many others. I think he's finally gone now.
well said and don't forget the moisture factor.
Soundguy
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if it's wet.. go soil cement 
