Q & A

We realize that you probably have many questions as you are selecting a paving contractor. The page below has been designed to answer some of those very questions.

If you have further questions or would like to schedule a free estimate, please feel free to contact us in our Dallas office at 214-653-3000 or in our Fort Worth office at 817-608-0000. For your convenience, you may also request services from this site.
Buchanan Paving Group
What is the difference between asphalt & concrete?

Asphalt is made by mixing aggregate with bitumen, a sticky black hydrocarbon which is extracted from natural deposits or crude oil. Concrete is made by mixing an aggregate material with a cement binder and then allowing the mixture to harden and form a rock-like substance. Although asphalt and concrete are used interchangeably to create a variety of surfaces, there are certain applications where one may be preferred over the other. There is also a difference in appearance, cost, maintenance, and longevity.


What is the process to complete my driveway?

Our estimator will first measure the area to be paved and inspect the sub-grade for suitable material. Then he will determine if proper drainage is in place. If needed, appropriate steps are taken to ensure proper drainage has been implemented. If the sub-grade is not stable, our estimator will determine how much needs to be removed and replaced with structural fill to achieve a compact and stable sub-grade. Finish grade base rock and water are compacted to a smooth tight grade, which is now ready to be paved. Soil sterilization is then placed on top of base rock to prevent weeds from coming through the asphalt. Typically, a 2" thick asphalt is applied and finally the job site is cleaned up and edges are backed with rock.


What preventative maintenance can I do for my new driveway?

Do not drive on your newly paved driveway for 24-48 hours.
Do not make any stop turns on your newly paved driveway. This means turning your wheels when not in motion. This is especially important in hot weather.
Seal any cracks that may appear to prevent damage from water, freezing, and thawing.
Let the asphalt cure for the first year, and then seal coat every 2-4 years depending on traffic and weather.

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What are the benefits of paving my driveway?

Paving is more cost-effective than concrete. Paving also provides a clean, dust-free environment and value to your property. Paving will reduce weed kill, new rock, and grading each year and paving is easily shoveled, plowed, or snow-blown in the winter.


What is the average price per square foot for concrete work?

Costs vary for each job due to the amount of labor and material needed. The majority of variation lies in the amount of preparation work needed for the existing surface.


Why does concrete crack over a short period of time?

Concrete is guaranteed to do two things: Get hard and crack! Concrete has to crack because it contracts during the drying, curing, hardening process, and the bond between the cement paste and the aggregate is not strong enough to withstand that stress. We can not guarantee that the concrete will not crack, but we will do our best to control the process by adding control and expansion joints to help prevent stress on the concrete and force any cracks to happen in the control joints.

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How do you know where to put the joints?

To determine the joint placement you must multiply the depth of your concrete by 2.5 or 3 to provide you the distance in feet that should be between each joint. For example, a four inch thick concrete slab should have joints every 10 to 12 feet.


How soon can I drive on my new concrete driveway?

During the summer, a new driveway may be used in approximately 10 – 14 days from the date of installation. In the cooler weather you should wait an extra 7 days.


How thick should the concrete be?

A minimum of 4 inches is generally thick enough for a residential driveway or garage floor. A parking area that is used by both cars and medium to heavy trucks should have a slab 6 inches thick. Frequent use by heavy trucks may require a slab that is 6 to 8 inches in depth.

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Should I use fiber or wire mesh for reinforcement?

Since all concrete cracks, wire mesh can be placed in the slab to prevent heaving if the ground surface below shifts or settles unevenly. Usually, wire mesh can be hard to control during installation and is difficult to keep in the middle of the slab. Though wire mesh also strengthens the concrete it will not help hold it together if the concrete heaves or separates.


How long will a new asphalt driveway or parking lot last?

A properly installed driveway should last 25-30 years, with adequate care and maintenance. Overlays can be expected to last 10-15 years, depending on the condition of the original pavement.

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Each of us at Buchanan Paving Group hope that this page has answered some of the questions that you may have. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a free estimate, please feel free to contact us in our Dallas office at 214-653-3000 or in our Fort Worth office at 817-608-0000. For your convenience, you may also request services from this site.

Thank you for your interest in Buchanan Paving Group. We look forward to taking care of all your paving needs!


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