What site preparation is necessary before asphalt can be installed?

The area must be excavated to proper depth, existing vegetation and unsuitable soil removed, and an aggregate base installed and compacted to provide stable support for the asphalt layer.

How thick should residential driveway asphalt be for normal use?

Most residential driveways perform well with two to three inches of compacted asphalt over a four to six inch aggregate base, adjusted based on soil conditions in San Antonio.

When can I drive on a newly paved driveway?

Asphalt is trafficable within 24 to 48 hours in most weather conditions, though full curing takes several months and heavy loads or sharp turns should be avoided initially.

How does resurfacing compare to full replacement for an aging driveway?

Resurfacing involves applying a new asphalt layer over the existing surface and costs significantly less, but it only works if the current base remains stable without major cracking or settling.

What maintenance does asphalt require to stay in good condition?

Sealcoating every two to three years protects against UV damage and moisture intrusion, while prompt crack filling prevents small surface failures from expanding into structural problems.

Residential Paving Services

A well-constructed driveway handles vehicle weight without cracking, drains water away from the home's foundation, and maintains a clean appearance that supports property value. Gentz Paving offers residential paving services in San Antonio for homeowners who need durable asphalt surfaces installed, repaired, or resurfaced to meet those standards. The difference becomes obvious after installation: smooth transitions from the street to the garage, consistent slope that prevents water from pooling near entry points, and a finished surface that requires minimal maintenance while withstanding daily traffic and exposure to Texas heat.

Residential paving includes new driveway construction, overlay resurfacing for aging asphalt, pothole and crack repairs, and routine maintenance services such as sealcoating. Each project begins with site preparation—evaluating soil conditions, addressing drainage concerns, and ensuring proper base compaction—because these factors determine whether the pavement performs as expected or develops premature failures.

Request a project estimate based on your property's grading, access requirements, and surface condition.

Driveway construction involves excavating to the required depth, installing and compacting an aggregate base layer to provide stable support, and applying hot-mix asphalt at a thickness suited to residential traffic loads, typically two to three inches for standard driveways. Quality installation depends on achieving proper compaction at each layer, which prevents settling and surface cracking, and establishing correct drainage slope so water moves away from structures rather than collecting along edges or near the garage.

After paving is complete, your driveway provides a firm, level surface for parking and maneuvering vehicles, resists damage from oil drips and tire scuffing, and sheds rainwater quickly without forming puddles that accelerate surface deterioration. The new asphalt appears dark and uniform immediately after installation, then gradually lightens as it cures and oxidizes, a normal process that does not affect structural performance.

Residential paving addresses surface access and appearance but does not solve underlying site drainage problems or foundation issues, which must be corrected separately if they exist. Longevity depends on initial installation quality, local soil stability, and whether homeowners maintain the surface with periodic sealcoating and prompt crack repair when minor damage appears.

What site preparation is necessary before asphalt can be installed?
The area must be excavated to proper depth, existing vegetation and unsuitable soil removed, and an aggregate base installed and compacted to provide stable support for the asphalt layer.
How thick should residential driveway asphalt be for normal use?
Most residential driveways perform well with two to three inches of compacted asphalt over a four to six inch aggregate base, adjusted based on soil conditions in San Antonio.
When can I drive on a newly paved driveway?
Asphalt is trafficable within 24 to 48 hours in most weather conditions, though full curing takes several months and heavy loads or sharp turns should be avoided initially.
How does resurfacing compare to full replacement for an aging driveway?
Resurfacing involves applying a new asphalt layer over the existing surface and costs significantly less, but it only works if the current base remains stable without major cracking or settling.
What maintenance does asphalt require to stay in good condition?
Sealcoating every two to three years protects against UV damage and moisture intrusion, while prompt crack filling prevents small surface failures from expanding into structural problems.

Driveways Designed for Daily Use