Before you pave or dig, keep in mind that a driveway lasts because of what is under the surface.
Digging down to firm ground and a well-compacted crushed stone base carry the weight of vehicles and hold up better through our winters.
National Asphalte works for homes and businesses alike.
How much does an estimate cost?
It costs nothing. The estimate from National Asphalte is free, and so is our advice. Describe your project in the quote request form, with a few photos of the property. Or call us at 514‑812‑3445, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We call you back to answer your questions and, if needed, schedule a visit.
When can you pave a driveway in Quebec?
You can pave from spring to fall, when the ground is thawed and dry. Asphalt goes down hot and must be compacted before it cools, which takes mild weather. Interlocking pavers and concrete also need thawed ground. You can send your estimate request at any time, even in winter, to plan your work ahead.
How is the ground prepared under a driveway?
The ground is prepared in two stages, the excavation and then the base. The crew removes the old surface and the soil that can’t carry weight, then levels the bottom with a slope so water drains away. Next, the crew spreads crushed stone and compacts it, layer by layer. The asphalt, paver or concrete surface comes last.
See how to prepare the ground under a driveway
What excavation work do you do?
National Asphalte digs to prepare a driveway or parking lot before the surface goes on, with its own equipment. We also dig to install French drains, and we grade lots. Good excavation removes the topsoil and soft soil, and makes room for a stone base that drains. The surface then shifts much less when the ground freezes.
How do I know if my French drain needs replacing?
Water or dampness in the basement is the most common sign, especially in spring. Other causes exist, so the drain should be checked before any digging. A French drain is a perforated pipe laid at the foot of the foundation, in clear stone. That is crushed stone with no fine dust, so water drains through it. It picks up water from the soil and carries it to the storm sewer or to a sump pit, a pit dug in the ground. National Asphalte digs along the foundation to replace it. We also install basement window wells during the excavation, along with the drain.
Asphalt or pavers, which should I choose for my driveway?
It all depends on the look you want and how much upkeep you’re willing to do. Asphalt gives a black, continuous surface that is repaired in sections. Interlocking pavers offer colours and patterns, and you can replace a damaged paver on its own. National Asphalte can estimate both.
See asphalt or pavers, which to choose
How do I maintain my driveway?
Have cracks repaired as soon as they appear, because water that seeps in freezes in winter and widens them. In hot weather, new asphalt stays softer, so avoid turning the steering wheel while stopped or putting a motorcycle kickstand on it. Also direct water from the eavestroughs away from the surface. For interlocking pavers, weed the joints and top them up with sand as needed.
Do you repair cracked or sunken driveways?
Yes, National Asphalte does repairs of all kinds, on asphalt as well as on interlocking pavers. A crack is repaired at the surface when the ground underneath holds firm. A sunken area often comes from a base that has given way, and then what’s underneath has to be redone. Attach a few photos to your request so we can see the condition of your driveway.
Do you also do commercial work?
Yes, along with residential, we do commercial, industrial and municipal work. We pave a home driveway as well as a business parking lot. The base is prepared for what it will carry, cars or trucks. The estimate is free for all of this work.