• A paved driveway provides a more durable surface for snow removal.cleaning driveway image by samantha grandy from Fotolia.com
  
  Driveway paving offers a variety of benefits to a home. A paved driveway improves the functionality of the driveway by providing a more durable surface for access, parking and snow removal. It also adds to the aesthetic value of the home, improving curb appeal. Installation of a paved driveway is a project many homeowners decide to undertake, but it's important to keep these tips in mind during the project.
  
  

Remove organic material from subgrade

• The ground that the paved driveway is laid upon is referred to as the subgrade. As with any building project, the foundation that the project is built upon is critical to the quality of the finished project. The subgrade should be not only solidly compacted and smooth, but all organic material should be removed; this includes removing all topsoil and clay. Any organic material left on the subgrade can retain water, which can lead to damage of the driveway.
  
  

Repair subgrade soft spots

• Once the subgrade area has been cleared of all organic material, soft spots should be repaired with crushed aggregate. If these areas are not repaired, they are likely to settle and compact after the driveway has been paved. This can lead to cracking of the pavement, as well as sink holes.
  
  

Design the driveway for proper drainage

• Ensuring the driveway is pitched properly for drainage will prevent damage not only to the driveway, but also to surrounding structures. The driveway should be pitched from the center of the driveway (the crown) to the outside edge to allow drainage off the surface. A pitch of 1/4" for each foot in width will allow water to run off the driveway surface. In addition, pitching the driveway to slope away from the home at a rate of at least 18 inches for every 100 feet in length will drain water away from the home.
  
  

Wait for ground to settle

• When installing a paved driveway for a new home, it's important to wait for the ground to settle. Although new homeowners may be anxious to get their house completed, including the driveway, waiting a few months before paving will save time and money later. If the driveway is installed before the ground has settled, future settling can negatively affect the pitch of the driveway, which will affect drainage. Ground settling can also cause cracking and splitting of the pavement if one area settles more than another.
  
  

Chip seal for better weather protection

• In areas of the country where weather can be hard on a driveway, chip sealing is a possible option. In chip sealing, the asphalt mixture contains more water. While the asphalt is still hot, a layer of crushed stone is placed on top, then compressed with a drum roller, embedding the stone in the asphalt. This process results in an extremely durable finish that will better withstand the freezing and thawing conditions of many areas of the country.