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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should I know about and expect when I get a new asphalt driveway? Answer

A. According to the Asphalt institute:

Gravel must be installed on a properly prepared sub-base (firm ground no topsoil or wet clay).

Asphalt must be installed on a proper gravel base that consists of 4”-6” limestone (best choice), crushed concrete or asphalt (second best), or crushed stone, not road gravel with a high clay content.

Asphalt installation should equal a minimum of 3” compacted asphalt (not un-compacted), installed in two separate lifts to achieve maximum compaction.

Finished elevation should facilitate water runoff and eliminate the possibility of water ponding. Contractor will guarantee 95% water drainage off the surface of the asphalt: Contractor will guarantee 100% water drainage away from structures. (Sidewalks, garage, barn, house, ect.)

Customer should be supplied with asphalt weight tickets to ensure the proper quantity of asphalt was used to facilitate the proper thickness of asphalt according to the square footage of the project.

Q. What is hot mix asphalt? Answer

A. Hot mix asphalt is a combination of approximately 95% stone, sand, or gravel bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil.

Q. What is R.A.P.? Answer

A. R.A.P. is a Recycled Asphalt Product; it is old asphalt that is ground into gravel. This product has much of the original oils still in it.

Q. Can I use R.A.P. for my driveway? Answer

A. Yes, at Creative Asphalt we install the R.A.P. with our automated paver. This process helps ensure that the material stays uniform and consistent. By using the paver and vibrator roller, the finished product is level & smoother than R.A.P. installed with just a tractor or dozer. A R.A.P. driveway is a gravel drive. It is not going to be a hot mix asphalt driveway, but in most cases it cost half the price, and a R.A.P. driveway is more stable than most other types of gravel.

Q. What are the benefits of asphalt pavement? Answer

A. Asphalt pavement is economical as well as extremely durable for the northern climates and 100% recyclable.

Asphalt retains heat more efficiently so that snow and ice does not form as quickly and melts faster.

Asphalt drives are usually easier and cheaper to maintain. With a fresh coating of sealer every other year, you can get that “like new” look again and again.

Q. When should I seal cracks? Answer

A. As soon as possible; once any crack is ¼“ or wider throughout the pavement, have the cracks sealed.

Q. Is it cost effective to seal cracks? Answer

A. Absolutely, by crack sealing regularly, you will prolong the life of the pavement by not allowing plant growth and water to penetrate though the crack and cause further deterioration of the pavement.

Q. What is one of the best ways to crack seal? Answer

A. The first step for proper crack repair is to ensure that the crack is clean and dry. At Creative Asphalt, we use a machine that produces 2800 deg. at 90 cfm. This ensures that the cracks will be cleaned of all debris and vegetation and dried. The final step is sealing the cracks with a hot rubber sealant. Hot rubber crack sealant is an elastic material designed to stay flexible in our forever changing weather in Michigan. The material you may find in your favorite home center typically are not as flexible.

Q. What are some of the main causes of asphalt failure? Answer

A. Inadequate thickness of pavement in the original construction.

Lack of maintenance.

Excessive deterioration of the pavement due to inadequate drainage.

Weak or unstable base materials.

Q. Can you pave on top of a broken concrete driveway? Answer

A. At Creative Asphalt we do not like to pave over concrete. If you pave over the top of broken or cracked concrete, you will see reflective cracking in your asphalt in a very short time. We recommend that the old concrete is removed. This is something that Creative Asphalt can do for you.

Q. What determines if I can resurface my existing asphalt surface? Answer

A. The condition of the asphalt mat as well as the condition of the stone base course will be primary factors. If there is a large amount of alligatoring present, or if it is evident that there is base failure, you probably should not consider an overlay/cap.


“Creative Asphalt Strives to achieve customer satisfaction. With a large quantity of work done in Michigan, we will be sure to not let you, the customer, down.”

-Creative Asphalt

Phone: 810.245.3090    Toll Free: 800.269.6836    Fax: 810.245.3094    E-Mail