Asphalt Paving in Cascade Township, MI

Asphalt paving in Cascade Township usually means replacing or renewing driveways on established, owner-occupied homes. About 91 percent of homes in the township are owner-occupied and 93 percent of residents lived in the same house a year earlier, according to Census figures. The Thornapple River splits the township into east and west halves, and the township owns the Cascade Dam on it.

A regional inspection office

Cascade Township runs an inspection department that handles building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits not only for Cascade but also for Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, East Grand Rapids, Ada, Vergennes and Plainfield townships. If you have a permit question about work in any of those places, it may end up at the same office. Approaches onto county roads are separate and need a Kent County Road Commission permit.

Near the river

Homes along the Thornapple, or near the creeks that feed it, can fall within 500 feet of a stream, where the county requires a soil erosion permit for activity. We look at the map for your address before planning a tear-out.

Wooded lots

Mature trees are part of what people like about Cascade. They are also hard on asphalt: roots lift it, shade keeps it damp, and leaves hold moisture on the surface. When we replace a driveway near big trees, we avoid cutting major roots where possible, add base depth where roots have lifted the old drive, and recommend clearing leaves before winter.

Snow and freeze

The Grand Rapids area averages about 75 inches of snow and roughly 138 nights below freezing each year. A Cascade driveway that drains well and gets its cracks sealed every fall holds up far better than one that does not.

Costs

National guides put new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot, sealcoating at about $1 to $2 per square foot, and crack sealing at about $0.50 to $3 per linear foot. Replacement costs more up front; maintenance stretches the time until you need it. The written estimate sets the price.

Approaches onto county roads

Many Cascade roads are county roads. The Kent County Road Commission requires a permit for any work in its right-of-way, including residential driveways. If your project includes rebuilding the approach, that permit is part of the plan.

Leaves and shade

Shaded drives under mature oaks and maples stay damp and collect leaves that hold moisture on the surface. Clearing leaves before winter and sealcoating on a schedule help those drives last.

Timing

Paving here runs from late spring into early fall. Crack sealing fits late summer and fall, and sealcoating fits warm, dry days. Quotes are free and can be done any time of year, so winter is a good time to get on the schedule.

Overlay or replace?

If your driveway is gray and cracked on the surface but firm underneath, an overlay can add years for less than replacement. HomeGuide puts an overlay roughly 20 to 30 percent below the cost of full replacement on a driveway in reasonable condition. Widespread alligator cracking or sinking means the base has failed, and an overlay will crack the same way.

Call (616) 984-1897 or

Get a Free Estimate

for a free estimate in Cascade Township.