What questions should you ask an asphalt driveway contractor?

<div><p>When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:</p><ul><li><p>How many years of experience do you have?</p></li><li><p>Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?</p></li><li><p>Do you have worker’s compensation?</p></li><li><p>Do you use subcontractors on your projects?</p></li><li><p>Do you clean up after the job is done?</p></li><li><p>Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?</p></li><li><p>Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?</p></li><li><p>Do you give free estimates?</p></li><li><p>What is the timeline for completion?</p></li><li><p>How do you handle change orders?</p></li><li><p>Can you provide at least three references?</p></li><li><p>Can I see some of the work you’ve done?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

<div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

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Q: How long does asphalt last?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-an-asphalt-driveway-last.htm">asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years</a>, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.</p></div>

Q: What is the price per square foot of asphalt?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">asphalt driveway costs</a> about <b>$7 to $15 per square foot</b>, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about <b>$4,740</b>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in South Lake Tahoe, CA

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in South Lake Tahoe, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in South Lake Tahoe, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on April 09, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
API is terrific to work with. They were clear communicators, responsive to my questions and their team is nothing but professional. They pack a ton of industry experience and capability and it really shows. Highly recommend working with their team.
Asphalt Protectors Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2023
Paul Stanley is my hands down person to go to for any concrete or asphalt work! He has such a wonderful team and fulfilled what needed to be done above and beyond. Got the job done in a very nice timely matter. Was very clean with his work, also moved things for me that I couldn’t move. 5/5
Pacific West Asphalt
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Reviewed in July 2017
Pricing was very good. James from Great West came out that same day to measure the driveway and discuss costs of replacement and sealing. Great West was able to complete the driveway quickly after receiving the go ahead, and they sealed it the next day. I wish I had before pictures to show you...
Great West Asphalt
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Reviewed in August 2014
Their drivers are very good. They were on a snow. They clear the driveway. They have very good service, and basically no damage. It was very good. They do a new ceiling in the summer time, and very good of that.
Waltman Construction Inc
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Reviewed in November 2012
At every stage of the project, from the initial contact and initial estimate, Lakeside personnel were highly professional, responsive and courteous. They are understanding of special situations and flexible, making them easy to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
LAKESIDE PAVING AND SEALING, INC
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Reviewed in August 2012
I have used them for a long time, since 2003. They do a good job. The sealcoat usually lasts for two years so I have it done every two years.
North Skylake Sealcoating
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Reviewed in August 2009
We had a large crack that ran the entire width of the driveway as well as some settling or sinking near the entrance to the garage. Shaffer Paving came out promptly, gave us excellent advice on how to best go about the repairs, provided a competitive estimate and then completed the job expertly,...
Shaffer Paving
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Reviewed in March 2014
They were punctual and did a good job of seal coating the driveway and filling in the cracks of an old asphalt driveway
Cruz Construction Co. Inc
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Asphalt driveway pros in South Lake Tahoe

Asphalt driveway services FAQs

An asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

How many years of experience do you have?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have worker’s compensation?
Do you use subcontractors on your projects?
Do you clean up after the job is done?
Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?
Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Do you give free estimates?
What is the timeline for completion?
How do you handle change orders?
Can you provide at least three references?
Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

An asphalt driveway costs about $7 to $15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about $4,740.

The homeowners guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Apr 2, 2025

How Long Until You Can Drive on New Asphalt?

Asphalt driveways take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to dry enough for vehicles. Stay tuned to learn more about how long before you can drive on asphalt.