Asphalt Driveways in Buena Park, CA

Asphalt driveways in Buena Park are usually replacements. Most homes in the city were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and the driveways in front of them have been cracked, patched and sealed for sixty years. Some were concrete to begin with and have broken into slabs; some are asphalt overlaid so many times they sit above the garage floor. Either way, the job starts by taking out what is there and looking at the ground underneath.

When to replace instead of repair

• The surface is cracked into small connected pieces
• Patches have been patched again
• Water stands in the same low spots after every storm
• The driveway is higher than the garage slab or the sidewalk
• Tree roots have lifted sections

If only the surface is worn and the base is still firm, resurfacing or a seal coat may be enough. We tell you which at the site visit.

The base is the driveway

Cost guides describe a standard residential section as 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel, or 3 to 4 inches over 8 to 10 inches for driveways that carry work trucks, RVs or boats. Where we find soft soil, we remove it and replace it with compacted base rock. The base is graded so water runs toward the street, not toward the house or garage.

Concrete to asphalt

Plenty of Buena Park homeowners replace a cracked concrete driveway with asphalt. Asphalt usually costs less up front and can be repaired in sections. It does need sealing every few years in this sun, and it softens slightly on the hottest days, so it is not the right choice for everyone. We go through both options honestly.

Garage, walk and apron

The finished driveway has to meet the garage slab, the walkway and the concrete apron at the street without a lip. We cut the old material back to a clean edge and taper the new asphalt to match. The apron and sidewalk are city property; if they need work, we confirm Buena Park's current requirements before scheduling it.

After paving

Fresh asphalt is soft in summer heat. Keep turning tires still while parked, keep heavy loads and trailer jacks off it for the first weeks, and let it cure for three to six months before the first seal coat.