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You can judge a paving job before the asphalt even shows up by merely looking at the dirt. The real work, the work that determines the longevity of your pavement, occurs below the surface. This would be known as the excavation and grading stage, where a truly great asphalt paving job actually begins.

Starting From the Ground Up

Underneath a new asphalt surface is a battle with the forces of nature: shifting soils, water intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy traffic loads. If you start with a weak foundation, all the quality in top-layer materials will only delay the failure as opposed to preventing it. We emphasize proper excavation, removal of bad subgrade, and exacting grading to give the pavement the most solid base.

Our crews remove all unstable material until we reach firm ground, then rebuild with the right aggregate mix for the site conditions. Once the new base is in, it’s compacted in layers to create the strength that keeps pavement from flexing and cracking later. Every lift, every pass of the roller, is part of building that foundation.

Grading: Shaping for Performance

Grading defines how the finished pavement will perform once the base is in. We shape the lot or driveway to match the design elevations and establish the subtle slopes that carry water where it needs to go. The surface should shed water instead of holding it.

That process involves constant checking – the lasers, levels, and experience, to make sure the grade is consistent and the transitions are clean. A good grade is what keeps water from pooling, curbs from collecting debris, and edges from crumbling.

Compaction: Locking in the Foundation

After the grading is complete, the base is then compacted until it’s firm and unyielding. Every pass of the roller adds density and strength. The finished base should feel solid underfoot and capable of handling weight without movement. Density is what allows the asphalt layer to remain stable and fight against rutting and cracking as time goes by.

We take our time here because this stage drives how well the paving will go. When the base is level, dense, and dry, the asphalt will spread evenly and bond properly.

The Foundation for Long-Term Results

What you observe when looking at a freshly paved surface is really the culmination of everything that transpired beforehand. Excavation, grading, and compaction are the silent steps that ensure long pavement life. They dictate how the lot drains after a rain, how it handles a loaded truck in summer heat, how well it stands up to another tough winter.

The Asphalt Maintenance & Paving has built our reputation on doing that groundwork right. Each phase, starting from the first excavation cut to the final strip of asphalt, works in sequence to produce the strongest and longest-lasting pavement we can build.

Are you planning a paving project? Contact us to schedule a site visit. We’ll evaluate your base and build a foundation that’s ready for the long haul.

If you’ve just had a new driveway poured in Spring Valley and you’re already spotting cracks, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. From homes off County Road B to neighborhoods near Crystal Cave or just down the street from Spring Valley High School, cracking in new driveways is a common concern for local homeowners.

But don’t worry—most of the time, those cracks are preventable once you understand what’s causing them.

Let’s break down what’s really behind those frustrating cracks, and more importantly, how you can stop them from forming in the first place.

Key Takeaways

• Spring Valley’s freeze-thaw cycles cause driveways to crack early by shifting the ground beneath concrete and asphalt.
• Poor base preparation in clay-heavy neighborhoods leads to uneven settling and early cracking in driveways.
• Driving on new pavement too soon weakens the surface, especially in busy areas like Main Street or McKay Avenue.
• Extreme temperatures during installation mess with curing, especially in open, sunny areas like East Akers Street.
• Tree roots near Spring Valley Elementary can lift and crack pavement as they grow and search for moisture.

Common Reasons New Driveways Crack in Spring Valley (and How to Prevent Them)

Even a brand-new driveway isn’t immune to cracking—especially in Spring Valley, where dramatic temperature swings, shifting soils, and premature traffic can all take a toll within the first year.

Let’s explore the causes—and how to prevent them.

1. Freeze-Thaw Cycles: The #1 Culprit in Western Wisconsin

Here in Spring Valley, we deal with a lot of freeze-thaw action—especially in that late-winter/early-spring stretch. One day it’s sunny and 50 degrees, the next night it’s dipping below freezing.

This cycle causes the ground beneath your driveway to expand and contract, which can shift the concrete or asphalt and lead to early cracking.

Driveways near Eau Galle Dam or homes on the shaded hillsides off County Road CC are particularly vulnerable due to fluctuating soil temperatures and higher moisture retention.

How to prevent it:

• Make sure your driveway has proper drainage and grading.
• Choose a paving contractor who uses weather-appropriate mixes and includes a solid gravel base to resist shifting.
• Sealcoating asphalt regularly can help it resist moisture penetration and temperature swings.

2. Poor Base Preparation Before Paving

This is a big one. If the contractor rushed the job or skipped proper compaction of the soil and gravel base, the ground will settle unevenly over time. That causes your driveway to flex—and eventually crack.

In areas with clay-heavy soil like parts of downtown Spring Valley and the neighborhoods near the Spring Valley Golf Course, this is even more of a risk. That soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry.

How to prevent it:

• Hire a contractor who takes the time to do soil compaction and uses a well-graded, thick gravel base.
• Ask questions about the base prep process before signing a contract.

3. Heavy Vehicle Traffic Too Soon

If you had a concrete driveway poured and drove your truck or trailer on it too soon—say within the first week or two—you may have weakened the surface before it had a chance to fully cure.

That’s especially true for asphalt driveways in high-traffic zones like homes near Main Street or businesses along McKay Avenue.

How to prevent it:

• Follow the contractor’s instructions on curing time (typically 7–10 days for concrete, 2–3 days for asphalt).
• Keep heavy vehicles off your driveway until it’s fully set.

4. Temperature at the Time of Installation

This might surprise you, but if your driveway was poured during extreme weather—either too cold or too hot—it could impact how well it sets. Asphalt in particular doesn’t compact well in cold weather. Concrete, on the other hand, can crack if it cures too quickly in hot, dry conditions.

Spring Valley’s weather can be unpredictable in spring and fall, especially with strong sun exposure in open areas like the lots off East Akers Street.

How to prevent it:

• Schedule your paving project during moderate temperatures—ideally late spring or early fall.
• Ask your contractor about additives or curing methods they use to account for temperature swings.

5. Tree Roots and Underground Movement

If you’ve got large trees nearby—like the old oaks lining the streets near Spring Valley Elementary—roots may be creeping under your driveway. Over time, they can shift or lift the pavement, especially as they grow and seek moisture.

How to prevent it:

• Remove problem trees before installing your driveway or install a root barrier if removal isn’t an option.
• Avoid planting large trees too close to the driveway edge.

6. Lack of Joint Control (for Concrete Driveways)

Concrete needs expansion joints to help control where cracking will occur. Without them, it cracks randomly—and often very visibly.

If your home was built recently in the newer subdivisions east of Highway 29, and your contractor cut corners on joint placement, that’s probably what you’re seeing now.

How to prevent it:

• Make sure joints are cut within 24 hours of pouring.
• Spacing between joints should generally be about 10–12 feet apart.

Don’t Let Small Cracks Turn into Big Headaches

Cracks can lead to a lot of ugly things to happen. They let in water, which freezes, expands, and makes the damage worse over time. If left alone, those small hairline cracks can turn into life-threatening potholes or spalling, especially after a wet winter like the ones we’ve had lately.

Keep Your Driveway Looking New—Without the Stress

At AMP Team Asphalt, we help Spring Valley homeowners avoid costly driveway repairs by doing the job right the first time—whether it’s new asphalt installation, sealcoating, or crack filling. We know the impact Spring Valley’s freeze-thaw cycles, heavy clay soils, and rural terrain can have on your pavement—and we tailor every job to local conditions.

Give yourself peace of mind and a driveway that lasts. Call us today to schedule a free estimate or maintenance inspection. Let’s keep your driveway smooth, solid, and looking great for years to come.