Is it OK to lay an asphalt overlay (driveway) when it is damp from rain the day before? Does the outside temp. need to be a particular minimum?

You can't just put down a fresh coat of asphalt over damp old stuff. Aren't they quoting a binder coating and maybe a membrane? How thick will the overlay be?

The overlay is to be 1 and 1/2 inches. The old asphalt has cracks and I'm sure there will be dampness in the cracks. The contractor says that he has 37 years of experience and that it will be OK. It doesn't seem right to me but I'm not the expert. There is nothing stated on the proposal about a binder coat. Please advise.

Get a written warranty!

Don't let him talk his way around it,print it up yourself if you have to,an make him sign before starting.

Also,Does this contractor have local clients,and a history in the area?

Its your home,protect it.

Ken

Ken is giving you good advice. I would not allow this contractor to perform the job until you get a written warranty and some names of current clients who can tell if the job held up. Even a written warranty may fail you unless this contractor is a well established company with an office and not just a truck with a name on it.

He does not offer a warranty but is the second of a generational business that was founded 35 years a go by his father who is still involved. It does not seem like a guy with a truck. His price is about 1/2 of others that offer a "warranty" (companies I've never heard of). Your advice?

You are going to get what you pay for,without a written warranty you might as well roll the dice at the casino and see if you win or lose!

Why won't he give a warranty?If this is a family business and 2 generations are going to do the job,what possible reason can they give for not guaranteeing their work,other than they are not sure of what they are going to be installing and it is inferior and don't believe their work up to the norm of reputable outfits?

My advice,look for others to do the job,

Ken

I'm with KBC on this. There is no warranty for a reason.