Yes, I got screwed by the asphalt con-artists. We were in the process of finishing a new barn on our property and we thought it would be nice to have an asphalt driveway instead of dirt. One day these contractors come by and tell me they will pave the entire thing for $1 per square foot. (I have 16,000 square feet). To make a long story short, they paved it and it looked good. That was in 1999. Less than 8 years later, it has disintegrated. They only laid about 1" thick in most places.

Can I lay a nice thick slab of concrete over the top of this spider-webbed mess?

Any other suggestions? It is still usable and intact in about 70%.

Asphalt Paving Company in Casper Wyoming. CON-ARTISTS! The come to Denver to turn their tricks.

For what it's worth and not knowing how it looks, most of these con artist's jobs don't last a full year. You might be well served to call a few reputable companies in your area, ask neighbors, co-workers, check the yellow pages, and schedule them all for advice and estimates. It won't cost you anything for a consult. Make sure you have at least three companies, the more the better. The info they come back with will let you know what the best method would be. If 3 out of 5 say you just need to repave and it will hold for another 7 years, then you know that would be a good solution. If they all come back telling you it needs to be entirely dug up, then you will know what you have to do.

I know it is hard, but don't be too unhappy. Most asphalt driveways don't have an 8 year lifespan. Depending on where you live, they have to be patched every few years and repaved at some point.

I hope this helped ease your pain somewhat. :)

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Originally Posted by Qwazi

Yes, I got screwed by the asphalt con-artists. We were in the process of finishing a new barn on our property and we thought it would be nice to have an asphalt driveway instead of dirt. One day these contractors come by and tell me they will pave the entire thing for $1 per square foot. (I have 16,000 square feet). To make a long story short, they paved it and it looked good. That was in 1999. Less than 8 years later, it has disintegrated. They only laid about 1" thick in most places.

Can I lay a nice thick slab of concrete over the top of this spider-webbed mess?

Any other suggestions? It is still usable and intact in about 70%.

Asphalt Paving Company in Casper Wyoming. CON-ARTISTS!! The come to Denver to turn their tricks.

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Thanks for the reply. It helps a little. I just think that 1" is very thin for a driveway I paid $16,000 for. Oh well. It is still in tact somewhat and it is almost 8 years old.

I'll suck it up and go on with life.

Thanks again.

You are welcome Qwazi. I just found a link that might interest you and help you a bit.
Asphalt Guide

Now of course all asphalt needs regular maintenance, normally a recoat and seal every few years. If you have not been taking care of it, it will crack, chip and break apart after a number of years.

One inch is thin, but also how prepared was the service, packed, layers of gravel under and the such will make a difference also.

I coat mine at least every two years using crack sealer and heavy commercial coating ( not the walmart stuff)

So I would say 8 years with no maintenance and almost any would be looking very bad.

(Old thread, plus 2 thousand miles away.)

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