Auckland Asphalt Services

On an accessible residential site, a typical asphalt driveway in Auckland costs between $120 and $450 per square meter. This price range includes labor, material delivery, sub-base laying, asphalt pouring, and final touches, covering the entire installation process from start to finish. Asphalt driveway cost estimates generally consider the following factors:

• The size of your driveway
• The slope of your driveway or the area you want to asphalt
• The extent of excavation required
• The type of asphalt materials selected
• Drainage planning
• The condition of the installation site and the amount of preparation needed
• Removal of old asphalt, debris, and soil
• Manual labor involved in areas where machines cannot operate

A few pricing considerations: If your quote is extremely low, it might not include all prices per square meter. When the total cost is tallied, the per square meter price often ends up being much higher.

We aim to provide you with an all-inclusive price per square meter, but the exact cost cannot be determined until we arrive on-site and assess the scope of the work.

For more detailed information, see our full guide to the cost of an asphalt driveway in NZ.

When looking for a dependable, trustworthy, reputable, and high-quality asphalt contractor, consider the following factors:

• Client testimonials, previously completed projects, and before-and-after photographs
• Understanding of asphalt driveway planning and installation methods
• Years of experience laying asphalt and installing driveways

Unfortunately, a newly laid asphalt driveway will deteriorate over time. A skilled asphalt contractor will take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of your driveway cracking:

• Ensure the site is properly prepared before installation.
• Set up control joints to manage expansion and contraction.
• Use a strong base layer to support the asphalt.
• Segment the asphalt into sections or add joint reinforcements to allow for thermal movement.
• Use plenty of high-quality asphalt mix.
• Allow at least one week for the asphalt to cure before allowing normal traffic; for heavy equipment, allow 14-30 days. Keep heavy equipment, tracks, and garbage cans away from your asphalt driveways.

The thickness of an asphalt driveway should be determined based on the load it will support and the soil conditions of the installation site. Generally, for residential driveways where light vehicles are expected, an asphalt layer of about 2 to 3 inches (50 to 75 mm) on top of a well-compacted base layer is adequate. For driveways that expect heavier vehicles, a thickness of 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125 mm) may be necessary to ensure durability and longevity. Proper base preparation and drainage are critical to prevent sagging and cracking.

Caring for a new asphalt driveway involves several key practices to ensure its longevity and appearance:

1. Avoid Heavy Use Initially: Keep vehicles off the new asphalt for at least 3 days after installation. For areas with hot weather, consider extending this period since asphalt takes longer to cure in high temperatures.

2. Sealcoat the Driveway: Apply a sealcoat to the asphalt within 6 to 12 months after installation and then every 2 to 5 years thereafter. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from UV rays, oil spills, and water penetration.

3. Clean Regularly: Sweep the driveway regularly to remove debris and clean any spills as soon as possible to prevent staining and deterioration.

4. Repair Cracks Promptly: Check for cracks and repair them promptly to prevent water from seeping into the base which can cause further damage.

5. Avoid Spills and Leaks: Protect your asphalt from spills such as oil, gasoline, and chemicals which can degrade the surface. Place a plywood sheet under motorcycles or other small vehicles if they tend to leak oil.

6. Protect the Edges: Avoid driving on the edges of the driveway, which are more vulnerable to cracking. Consider installing a border or edge support for added stability.

7. Prevent Water Accumulation: Ensure proper drainage around the driveway to prevent water accumulation, which can weaken the asphalt base over time.

By following these care guidelines, you can significantly extend the life of your asphalt driveway and maintain its pristine condition.

The time required to lay an asphalt driveway can vary based on the size of the driveway and the complexity of the project. Generally, the installation process can be completed in one to two days. This includes preparing the base, laying the asphalt, and compacting it. However, it’s important to note that the asphalt needs additional time to cure before it can be used. For residential driveways, it's typically recommended to wait at least 72 hours before driving on the new asphalt to allow it to fully set and harden.

Whether you need council approval for installing asphalt footpaths typically depends on the location and the scope of the work. For footpaths on private property, council approval may not be necessary unless the work affects public utilities or drainage. However, for any work that extends onto public land or alters the existing landscape significantly, you will likely need to obtain permission from your local council. It’s important to check with your local council for specific regulations and requirements before starting your project to ensure compliance with local ordinances.