Why the base matters in Staunton
Staunton drains west through tributaries of Ginseng Creek toward Cahokia Creek, and its easternmost part drains south toward Silver Creek. Clay-heavy soils common around St. Louis hold water, and freeze-thaw winters lift any pavement sitting on a wet base. We grade so runoff leaves the surface, remove soft soil and compact rock in layers.
When you compare bids, ask each contractor for three numbers in writing: the compacted asphalt thickness, the base depth, and what happens to the water. Those three decide how long the surface lasts.
Compacted asphaltTypically 2 to 3 in. for a car drive
Stone baseTypically 4 to 8 in., compacted
Drive on itUsually 2 to 3 days, longer in heat
First sealcoatTypically 6 to 12 months after paving
Typical ranges. Your Staunton estimate is sized to the soil, the traffic and the drainage on your property.