Building and Construction - Asphalt paving: top coat to solve water pooling and other problems?

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Asphalt paving: top coat to solve water pooling and other problems?

keeena

2006-06-08, 3:21 pm

Let me start w/ facts:
Asphalt base coat, 1yr old. 25'x60' driveway size. Massachusetts.
Soil has high gravel content. I'm unaware of how the earth was
prepped. Slopes slightly down from the road to the garage (1' tot over
the 60' length).
Base coat meaning first layer of coarser asphalt. ~2.5"
Top coat (not applied) meaning 1-1.5" of finer-textured finish asphalt.

So, after 1 year I've noticed some problems. Surface has become
irregular, probably due to ice heaving and settling IMO. The surface
pools water: 2" deep and spans the width of the driveway. Probably
because of the lumpy surface and because its not graded well. I've
also got these holes opening up in the asphalt right at the edge of the
garage. The holes are 4-5" deep before hitting the earth underneath.
It looks like little sink-holes / cave-ins, but probably due to poor
fill/prep, not due to the earth settling.

I had 1 company come in so far. They want to put down 1-1.5" of top
coat. They say this will be graded to fix the problem. They suggested
a raised portion at the entrance (berm) to prevent water running in
from the street. Quoted $3300.

I'm concerned that this is not the right approach. I think the base
(beneath asphalt) may be suspect; I kinda doubt it was prepared
properly. The asphalt may be applied right on the soil. I raised this
question and it was kind of dismissed. I also raised suggestions of
adding a grated drain trench at the foot of the garage...also dismissed
as unecessary.

Does it seem like the TC will solve my problems or will I be throwing
money away? Does the quote seem reasonable? I do want other
contractors to come in...but can I get sound engineering advice from
the town/state...NG?

A big THANKS for any input.

CWatters

2006-06-08, 4:21 pm

"keeena" <keeena@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1149788907.916097.202640@i39g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

> Slopes slightly down from the road to the garage (1' tot over
> the 60' length).

The minimium recommended grade (in the UK at least) ie 1:40. If you can't
slope it lengthways enough it should be graded sideways as well. Ideally lay
a drain down the side - plan where the water will go.

> I had 1 company come in so far. They want to put down 1-1.5" of top
> coat.
>
> I'm concerned that this is not the right approach. I think the base
> (beneath asphalt) may be suspect; I kinda doubt it was prepared
> properly. The asphalt may be applied right on the soil. I raised this
> question and it was kind of dismissed.

You are right to be concerned. Find another company. A good company would
dig a trial hole to inspect the existing base. It will cost more to rip the
lot out and do it right but that might be the right thing to do.

> I also raised suggestions of
> adding a grated drain trench at the foot of the garage...also dismissed
> as unecessary.

If this area is likely to collect water due to the grade then insist.

This UK web site is a goldmine of information on how to build paths,
driveways and drainage. In addition to advice they have sample
specifications you can give the company to quote against. See the index for
a list of everything covered.... Note that Ashpalt is frequently called
Tarmac in the UK..There are likely to be other UK specific technical terms
but I'm sure someone can translate for you..

Home page..
http://www.pavingexpert.com/

Ashpalt/Tarmac driveway spec (UK)
http://www.pavingexpert.com/specs01.htm#specmac

Sub-grades
http://www.pavingexpert.com/subgrade.htm

Sub-bases
http://www.pavingexpert.com/subbase.htm

Draining towards a building. Scroll down..
http://www.pavingexpert.com/drain01.htm#grad

Site Index
http://www.pavingexpert.com/pavindex.htm

Colin

Dan Deckert

2006-06-09, 2:21 am

Find a different paving contractor right frickin NOW. End of
story..............

Dan

"keeena" <keeena@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1149788907.916097.202640@i39g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Let me start w/ facts:
> Asphalt base coat, 1yr old. 25'x60' driveway size. Massachusetts.
> Soil has high gravel content. I'm unaware of how the earth was
> prepped. Slopes slightly down from the road to the garage (1' tot over
> the 60' length).
> Base coat meaning first layer of coarser asphalt. ~2.5"
> Top coat (not applied) meaning 1-1.5" of finer-textured finish asphalt.
>
>
> So, after 1 year I've noticed some problems. Surface has become
> irregular, probably due to ice heaving and settling IMO. The surface
> pools water: 2" deep and spans the width of the driveway. Probably
> because of the lumpy surface and because its not graded well. I've
> also got these holes opening up in the asphalt right at the edge of the
> garage. The holes are 4-5" deep before hitting the earth underneath.
> It looks like little sink-holes / cave-ins, but probably due to poor
> fill/prep, not due to the earth settling.
>
>
> I had 1 company come in so far. They want to put down 1-1.5" of top
> coat. They say this will be graded to fix the problem. They suggested
> a raised portion at the entrance (berm) to prevent water running in
> from the street. Quoted $3300.
>
>
> I'm concerned that this is not the right approach. I think the base
> (beneath asphalt) may be suspect; I kinda doubt it was prepared
> properly. The asphalt may be applied right on the soil. I raised this
> question and it was kind of dismissed. I also raised suggestions of
> adding a grated drain trench at the foot of the garage...also dismissed
> as unecessary.
>
> Does it seem like the TC will solve my problems or will I be throwing
> money away? Does the quote seem reasonable? I do want other
> contractors to come in...but can I get sound engineering advice from
> the town/state...NG?

A big THANKS for any input.
>

keeena

2006-06-14, 12:21 pm

Thank you very much for the links Colin. Good information. Now to
find someone in the states...

Dan Deckert wrote:
> Find a different paving contractor right frickin NOW. End of
> story..............

I'll keep looking.

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