How to Mix Your Own Driveway Asphalt

A stone driveway is sufficient but treacherous when it snows or rains, so it is better to use driveway asphalt. Driveway asphalt is less aesthetically pleasing but offers traction in snow and other bad weather. Driveway asphalt can last for years without needing to be repaired, as it is a form of concrete. Having someone come out to your home to apply driveway asphalt can cost you thousands of dollars. This is unnecessary since you can make your own driveway asphalt at home and do it yourself. The article below will show you how to mix your own asphalt.

Step 1 – Heating the Crude Oil

The main part of driveway asphalt is the crude oil. This oil is typically the remnants left after the processing of oil has been completed. Crude oil is very thick when it has cooled, so it has to be heated in order to be used. A furnace is the best place to heat it in, but an oven will also work if you are only patching driveway asphalt. Place the crude oil in a metal drum and inside the furnace (kiln or oven) and heat it to 300-degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the oil begins to loosen up and can be poured.

Step 2 – The Base

Driveway asphalt consists of whole pieces of gravel and crushed gravel. Both of these materials can be found at your local home improvement center. Typically, the material will be located in the landscaping section. Add one part whole gravel to two parts crushed gravel. Another method, if you choose to do so, is to dig out the area for the driveway and place a layer of whole gravel. You would then only mix crushed gravel and pour on top of the whole gravel. Once the two gravels are inside the wheelbarrow, mix them up with a rake. Try to get a good mixing, as the whole gravel will sink to the bottom, but it is a good idea to keep a good portion at the center for strength. Mix this while the crude oil is heating.

Step 3 – Mixing Driveway Asphalt

Now that the gravels are mixed together and the crude oil is liquid, you can mix the two together. Make sure you are wearing your old clothes, preferably layers and other safety articles. If this oil were to get on your clothing or skin, it would severely burn you, so be very careful with it. When you are confidant that you are ready to proceed, remove the oil from the furnace. Take it to the wheelbarrow and slowly pour it over the gravel. Use the rake to properly mix it until there is no stone color remaining. You now have made your own driveway asphalt.