Why Our Driveways Cost More, And Why That Matters

Most paving contractors focus on the surface.
We focus on what’s underneath.

Removing weak base material. instead of paving over it.

Rebuilding and compacting the foundation properly.

Correcting drainage issues, before asphalt is installed.

Installing asphalt at the thickness your driveway actually needs.

This approach takes more time, more material, and more expertise, but it’s why our driveways last decades, not just a few seasons.

If you’re looking for the cheapest price, we’re probably not the right fit.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We didn’t go with the cheapest quote, and we’re glad we didn’t. A&D Asphalt took the time to rebuild the base properly and work out drainage issues that would have caused problems later. The driveway looks great and feels solid"
- Homeowner, Vernon

If you want your driveway built once, and built right, that’s where we come in.

👉 See how our process prevents cracking, sinking, and premature failure.

Call for a Free On Site
Evaluation
250-546-6610

Why Asphalt Fails. And How We Fix It Properly

Real projects showing what happens below the surface and why base prep matters.

Most failed driveways weren’t cheap, they were built wrong.

Before - Failed & Uneven Asphalt

The surface was breaking down due to poor drainage and an unstable base beneath the asphalt.

After - Proper Base Prep & New Asphalt

Most asphalt failures start below the surface.
This driveway failed because the base was unstable and drainage wasn’t corrected.
We rebuilt the foundation properly and installed premium asphalt for long term performance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Best paving experience we’ve had
‍The difference is night and day. Our old driveway kept sinking and cracking. A&D Asphalt rebuilt the base properly and it’s been solid ever since."
- Homeowner, Vernon

Residential Driveway Paving. Built to Last Decades.

For homeowners who want their driveway built once, and built right.

We specialize in long lasting residential driveway construction across Lake Country, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Blind Bay.

Every project starts by removing weak base material, rebuilding the foundation correctly, correcting drainage, and installing premium asphalt at the proper thickness for your usage, not the minimum.

The result is a driveway that stays solid, drains properly, and looks great for years to come.

We specialize in long lasting driveway construction:

Full driveway removal and rebuilds.

Driveway extensions and turnaround pads.

Drainage correction and water control.

Premium asphalt installation.

Request a Free On-Site Evaluation.

Call 250-546-6610

Asphalt Paving FAQs

Q: Can you lay asphalt directly over dirt?

A: Short answer: No, and that’s why most driveways fail.
Asphalt should never be laid directly on dirt. Without a properly built and compacted base, the pavement will crack, sink, and hold water. At A&D Asphalt Solutions, we rebuild the base correctly before any asphalt is installed. That’s the difference between a driveway that fails in a few years and one that lasts decades. If a quote doesn’t include base prep, it isn’t a real solution.

Q: How thick should asphalt be for a driveway?

A: Most residential driveways require 2", 2-1/2", or 3 inches of compacted asphalt, installed on a solid base. Two inches works for light residential use.
Three inches provides added strength, durability, and resistance to cracking, especially in our freeze thaw climate. We recommend thickness based on your traffic, and long term goals, not a one size fits all number.

Q: I'm planning new construction. Do you offer asphalt paving for new construction projects?

A: Yes. We work with homeowners and builders on new construction projects. This includes: New driveways, Parking areas, Access roads, Complete base construction, and paving. We coordinate with site grades, drainage, and other trades to ensure the asphalt is installed at the correct time, not rushed or compromised.

Q: How long does asphalt paving last?

A: A properly built asphalt driveway typically lasts 20–30 years, and often much longer. The key factor isn’t the asphalt itself.
It’s the base prep, drainage, and installation quality underneath. Many of the driveways we replace aren’t old, they were simply built wrong.

Q: What if my soil has clay in it?

A: Clay soil is common in the Okanagan and Shuswap, and it’s one of the biggest reasons driveways fail. During our evaluation, we assess: Soil composition, Drainage behavior, Load bearing strength. If clay heavy soils are present, we may recommend deeper excavation and rebuilding the base with properly placed and compacted 3" Minus and 3/4" minus crushed aggregate. Why this matters:
Clay holds water and shifts. Addressing it upfront prevents cracking, sinking, and costly repairs later. We explain all options clearly before work begins, no surprises.

Q: What types of asphalt do you use?

A: We use high quality hot mix asphalt, selected based on how the surface will be used. Residential driveways:
Smooth, clean finish driveway mix designed for daily vehicle traffic.
Commercial & heavy use areas:
Tougher transport grade asphalt built for trucks, turning, and wear. The right mix combined with correct thickness is critical to long term performance.

Q: What does your free evaluation include?

A: Our free evaluation includes:
On site inspection of your existing surface or site.
Assessment of base conditions and drainage.
Discussion of your goals and usage.
A clear, written quote with recommended options.
There’s no pressure and no obligation, just straightforward advice so you can make an informed decision.

Q: When is the best time of year to pave asphalt?

A: The best time to pave asphalt is spring through summer, when temperatures consistently support proper compaction. While paving can be done in cooler conditions, optimal temperatures produce the best long term results. We’ll always be honest about timing, if conditions aren’t right, we’ll tell you.

Q: Can new asphalt be laid over existing asphalt?

A: Sometimes. But only if the existing base is solid. An asphalt overlay can work when:
The underlying structure is stable.
Drainage issues are addressed.
Cracks and failures aren’t structural.
If the base has failed, an overlay only hides the problem temporarily. We’ll advise you honestly on what makes sense for your situation.

Q: When should asphalt be sealed?

A: New asphalt should be sealed about 12 months after installation, once it has fully cured.
After that, sealing every 2 to 3 years helps:
Protect against moisture and UV damage.
Maintain appearance.
Extend surface life.
We’ll provide care guidance after your project is complete.

Q: Why is your price higher than some other quotes?

A: Because we rebuild driveways properly.
We don’t pave over problems, cut base thickness, or skip drainage steps to win jobs on price. Our work costs more upfront, and far less over time.
If you want the lowest number, we may not be the right fit.
If you want a driveway built to last, we should talk.

Premium Driveway Paving Built Right the First Time

Why Our Driveways Outlast Typical Asphalt Jobs

Built Right. Every Time.

Learn More

Why Our Driveways Cost More, And Why That Matters

👉 See how our process prevents cracking, sinking, and premature failure.