This article focuses on the asphalt removal and demolition process. If you’re here to find out more about the procedure, you’re definitely at the right place.

Asphalt and concrete are some of the common materials used for driveway installations. These have a varying lifespan after which they’ll need to be removed or demolished.

Asphalt removal can be quite challenging, hence the costs involved when hiring an asphalt demolition contractor.

However, having damaged asphalt removed is worth the cost. Plus, there’s a DIY option you can adopt to have asphalt removed at zero costs.

More about this will be discussed as you read on.

The Need to Have Asphalt Removed

Asphalt demolition is often required when problems are detected.

Asphalt problems faced by homeowners are never always the same. In other words, different clients may face a varying degree of problems that will require action.

Sometimes, asphalt resurfacing may require a certain degree of demolition.

At other times, complete demolition and replacement may be needed. Speaking of common asphalt problems, they include cracking, distortions, and disintegrations.

Common types of asphalt cracks include slippage cracking, transverse cracking, edge cracking, block cracking, longitudinal cracking, and fatigue cracking.

Asphalt distortions include rutting depressions, upheaval, as well as corrugation & shoving.

Disintegration is another type of asphalt problem that may require demolition. Examples include raveling, oil spots, potholes, polished aggregate, streaking, and loss of cover aggregate.

These are common asphalt issues you find when it’s not properly maintained.

When to Demolish Asphalt

Asphalt demolition is only necessary when it’s found to be unstable. It’s also performed during replacement.

However, a homeowner will hardly know what to do when faced with a damaged asphalt driveway until a professional is called.

A demolition contractor assesses the asphalt condition intending to fix it.

Part of fixing may include demolition or removal. So, having called a technician to carry out some repair work, you’ll have to wait for their recommendation on what action(s) to take.

When the driveway pavement is beyond repair, it will need to give way. A demolition procedure is performed to remove the old for resurfacing to occur. An asphalt driveway should be sealed every 3 to 5 years.

It becomes due for demolition when it’s about 3 decades old.

Planning For Asphalt Demolition

A great asphalt demolition job starts from the planning stage.

Here, everything regarding its execution is considered. Planning your demolition project includes identifying the extent of demolition.

Other key components include finding the right contractor, getting a written contract, and obtaining a permit.

  • Identifying the Extent of Demolition

Asphalt removal and demolition are best managed when you know the extent of demolition work ahead of time.

This is only possible when you have demolition a contractor visit to assess the state of your driveway.

Here, the entire driveway may be earmarked for demolition.

It’s based on the condition that asphalt removal costs are calculated and the extent of demolition is known. To better work out this detail, it’s best to have the demolition contractor come around for assessment.

  • Finding the Right Contractor

There’s never a lack of demolition contractors within your city. However, their capabilities differ. Some of these contractors may sound convincing when marketing their services.

However, a totally different picture scenario is observed when a closer assessment is done.

So, how do you find the right demolition contractor? It’s not so difficult. You’ll need to find verified customer reviews about their services. There are lots of online reviews regarding each service.

It’s also better to patronize a contractor that has been in business for a considerable number of years.

In other words, the years of experience should be significant enough. This isn’t to say that fairly new demolition companies won’t perform an excellent job.

They might, but most of the reputable demolition services have existed for several years.

  • Getting a Written Contract

It’s best to get a written contract for your asphalt demolition job. This has several benefits and helps avoid sharp practices by some demolition contractors.

Before signing the asphalt removal contract, you should ask whatever questions you have with satisfactory answers given.

  • Obtaining a Permit

Asphalt demolition jobs might require obtaining necessary permissions. It all depends on your location. Certain locations require permit issuance for demolition jobs while others don’t.

Your contractor should handle the permitting process.

If you’ll be performing a DIY procedure, then you’ll be responsible for obtaining the permits required.

DIY or Hiring an Asphalt Demolition Contractor?

There are basically two options when it comes to asphalt removal.

One is the DIY approach while the other involves calling a pro. These options are viewed differently by different segments of the population.

Some property owners might be interested in getting their hands dirty.

They want to get in the mix and carry out demolition work themselves. Still, some prefer having the experts perform the task.

Having demolition contractors carry out demolition projects themselves is the better of the two as the job is properly done.

Asphalt Demolition Procedure

Do you have the right tools to get the job done?

This refers to basic tools like a tractor. You won’t have to buy a tractor for this job. All you need is to find a tractor and demolition equipment rental service.

When you do find one, the next challenge is how to transport the tractor to the demolition site.

Most rental services will provide transport and hauling service for clients. This helps with conveying the tractor to the site. A trailer may be used for transporting the tractor which is loaded onto it.

  • Removing Asphalt

With demolition equipment safely arriving at the demolition site, what remains is the removal or demolition of asphalt. Starting from the lower end of the driveway, the procedure should move upwards.

The backhoe arm and scarifier bit need to be lowered.

The scarifier bit is pushed or sunk into the asphalt followed by arm retraction. This flips over the asphalt chunk removed. A dump truck needs to be kept nearby to help collect removed asphalt.

Of course, you’ll need to know how to operate a tractor.

If you don’t, it’s pointless to want to perform a DIY asphalt removal procedure. With the process completed, the demolition equipment is returned to the rental company.

  • Replacing Asphalt

Asphalt replacement is preceded by demolition. This is mostly handled by trained technicians. Having demolished the structure, what remains is the need to have a new asphalt surface installed.

This is a whole new process that involves leveling the area and applying a new layer.

Digging Up Asphalt Using Alternative Methods

There are times when demolition jobs need you to get physical.

Here, you won’t need to hire costly tools like tractors, but use digging bars and picks to remove asphalt. These are used to target cracks which are then used to lift asphalt chunks.

However, the chunks may be too large for lifting and need to be broken into manageable pieces.

Here, a sledgehammer comes in handy. When breaking these asphalt chunks, tiny bits are likely to shoot out which raises injury risks.

You’ll need to have your safety gear on. These include goggles, gloves, and boots. Also, performing asphalt demolition yourself will require getting a full-size pickup truck for hauling the debris away.

Several trips may be required for the completion of the job.

  • How long does it take to Complete?

Whenever you use the alternative method to asphalt removal, it tends to take longer. This is understandable because it’s a manual procedure. So, a typical job may last anywhere from a day to 4 days or more.

The duration largely depends on the size of the project.

How much of your driveway is covered with asphalt? Do you need to demolish the entire driveway? Are there any automated tools being used?

All of these questions will help you estimate the time taken for demolition jobs to be completed.

Asphalt Disposal

Asphalt disposal can be performed by having it dropped at a dumpsite.

However, that isn’t the best as there are more effective and environmentally-friendly methods of disposal. So, instead of having your asphalt debris dumped or buried, you can locate the nearest asphalt recycling center.

Taking this debris to a recycling center solves a whole lot of problems. Plus, such asphalt gets recycled and reused.

If hauling asphalt seems like too much work for you, consider hiring a contractor to convey debris from the demolition site to the asphalt recycling center.

You’d have made a whole lot of difference to the environment.

Asphalt removal and demolition processes have been discussed with two major options provided. These include the DIY option and professional demolition. Demolition only serves the purpose when it’s properly done.

A lot of times, asphalt removal is performed alongside resurfacing.

Replacement of the old with the new asphalt surface naturally involves more work. This method cannot be performed through DIY techniques. Rather, a contractor is hired for both demolition and resurfacing.

Of significant importance is the need to hire the right hands for the job. When carrying out this demolition yourself, a lot more work is involved. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about how the process is done.