Residential Driveways in Owensboro, KY

Residential driveways in the Owensboro area range from short city drives off a residential street to quarter-mile lanes running back to a farmhouse. They fail for the same handful of reasons: a thin or soft base, water that sits on or beside the pavement, and asphalt that was not compacted well enough to stand up to summer heat. A new driveway is the time to fix all three.

When it is time to replace

• Cracks that link up into a pattern across much of the surface
• Potholes that keep coming back after patching
• Ruts or dips where water collects
• Edges crumbling into the yard
• A surface that is more patch than original

Isolated cracks can be sealed and small failed spots patched. When the damage is widespread, replacing the driveway usually costs less over time.

Base and drainage

We remove the old surface and look at the ground under it. Soft or wet spots are dug out and replaced with compacted crushed stone. On flat lots, the base is shaped so the finished driveway has a crown or a steady cross-slope; even a small slope keeps rain from standing on the surface. HomeGuide describes a typical residential build as 6 to 8 inches of compacted gravel under 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt, with more of both for heavier vehicles. We tell you exactly what we plan for yours.

Rural driveways and gravel conversions

Out in the county, many driveways are long gravel lanes. Converting one to asphalt is often less expensive than people expect, because good existing gravel can become part of the base once it is regraded and compacted. Long driveways also need a plan for water along their length: ditches, culverts where they cross a drainage line, and a crown so the edges do not wash out. Angi lists driveway culverts at about $1,500 to $5,000. Long drives can be paved in stages.

The entrance

Where your driveway meets the road matters. On a city street, the apron meets the curb or road edge; on a county road, there may be a ditch and a culvert; on a state highway, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet requires a permit for access, and its Permits Manual covers entrances. We look at which applies to your property at the estimate.

Summer care

Fresh asphalt is softest during its first hot season. Stay off it for a few days, longer in July. For the first months, vary where you park, avoid turning the wheels while stopped, and keep trailer tongues and kickstands on a board. Seal it after three to six months, then every few years.