# Questions about excavation and paving in Laval | National Asphalte

National Asphalte, an excavation and asphalt paving contractor in Laval, the North Shore and Montreal.

National Asphalte answers the questions its customers ask before their project.

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](tel:+15148123445), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We call you back to answer your questions and, if needed, schedule a visit.

[Request a free estimate](/en/request-a-quote)

## 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.

[See: when to pave in Quebec](/en/guides/when-to-pave-in-quebec)

## 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](/en/guides/driveway-ground-preparation)

## 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](/en/grading). 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.

[See: excavation](/en/excavation)

## 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](/en/window-wells) during the excavation, along with the drain.

[See: French drains](/en/french-drains)

## 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](/en/asphalt-paving) gives a black, continuous surface that is repaired in sections. [Interlocking pavers](/en/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](/en/guides/asphalt-or-pavers)

## 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.

[See: driveway maintenance](/en/guides/driveway-maintenance)

## 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.

[See: repairs](/en/repairs)

## 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.

[See: the cities we serve](/en/service-areas)

## Common questions

### Do you do natural stone work?

Yes, National Asphalte installs natural stone for walls, steps, walkways and landings. Like a driveway, it rests on a base that is dug out and then compacted. It pairs well with an asphalt or interlocking paver driveway. Request a free estimate with a few photos of the area.

### Do you install curbs?

Yes, National Asphalte installs curbs. A curb holds the edge of a driveway or parking lot and defines its shape. It keeps asphalt from crumbling at the edges and pavers from spreading apart. Ask for it along with the estimate for your driveway.

## Which cities do you work in?

National Asphalte works mainly in Laval, on the North Shore and in Montreal. On the North Shore, we work in places such as Terrebonne, Mascouche, Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse, Saint-Eustache, Mirabel and Repentigny, and farther north up to Saint-Jérôme. Your city isn't on the list? Write to us anyway, with the job address. A question about your property? Describe it in the form, with a few photos.

Call us at 514-812-3445

Page: https://www.nationalasphalte.com/en/faq