About Sarah Leech Expertise Our family asphalt business has been proudly installing and sealcoating driveways and commercial parking lots for over 40 years. I welcome any and all questions about the asphalt sealcoating and/or asphalt paving of your driveway and/or parking lot. How to's for do it yourself sealcoaters, professional advice for your commercial parking lots, what products and tools to use; and what not to use. Tips, tricks and general useful knowledge in an area where most people don't know where to look for help!
Experience I grew up in the family business of asphalt paving. For 11 years I was the VP of the family asphalt business and now at 34, I own my own company, ASAP Asphalt Sealing And Paving Co. Currently, ASAP Asphalt is one of the largest asphalt sealcoating companies in Western PA!
Organizations Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
Building Trades Association
Education/Credentials Graduated from Peters Township High School 1992
BA in Psychology from Slippery Rock University 1997
National Pavement Expo Convention 2006
Awards and Honors Member of Manchester Who's Who
Past/Present Clients Babies-R-Us
The Home Depot,
Liberty Mutual,
Consol Development,
PNC Bank,
Kohl's,
Sheraton,
Red Roof Inn,
Michael's,
I live in Southwest Florida. Our driveway is about 100' by 16' of what I'll call 1/2 inch river rock (it could be "chat"). The driveway is at least twenty years old and was significantly degraded by heavy equipment in the months after hurricane Charley tore up our neighborhood in 2004. The current price of this stone is about $90 a yard and, in my estimation, would take at least 20 yards to bring it back up to new looking. Even then, however, due to the roundness of the stone, each time a vehicle traveled over it ruts would result. And, of course, weeds would grow through. We were wondering whether a "tar and chip" asphalt drive where the stones show through would be possible without major work involving scraping out all the existing material. I would think that all the stone that has been ground into the earth under the current drive would be a good base. Any idea on whether such a drive would hold up to UPS trucks and the like and what it might cost a square foot?
Answer Hi Dave,
A tar and chip driveway is a great alternative to asphalt paving and/or gravel alone. It would definitely hold up to the UPS trucks, etc.
What I don't know is what the cost should be per square foot. If it's one thing I learned in all my training/seminars--it's that prices for all paving materials vary greatly in different parts of the country.
My suggestion is to get a couple of bids and compare and contrast them. Make sure that you are comfortable with your contractor and that he presents you with a warranty--up front, and insurance also.
You shouldn't have to take out any of the material on your driveway now, as a good base has been established.
If I were you, I would also consider the cost of actually doing asphalt, as there may not be that much of a price difference.
Good luck Dave and if through the process of finding a contractor, you have any more questions--please don't hesitate to ask.
Sarah Leech
ASAP Asphalt Sealing And Paving Co.
"We're Kickin' Asphalt!"
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