Asphalt Paving in Rio Hondo, TX

Asphalt paving in Rio Hondo deals with some of the lowest ground in our area. The city sits at about 26 feet above sea level, and of its 1.81 square miles, about 0.13 square miles is water. Rio Hondo had 2,021 residents and 797 housing units in 2020. Many properties are rural or semi-rural, with caliche drives and older asphalt.

Building above the water

On ground this low, water is the main threat. We build driveways with enough base to keep the asphalt above soft, wet soil, and grade them so rain runs off rather than toward the house. Where a drive crosses a ditch, we discuss whether a culvert is needed; Angi lists driveway culverts at about $1,500 to $5,000.

Caliche drives

Caliche loses strength when wet. Before paving, we test which sections are firm enough to keep and replace the rest with compacted base.

Older asphalt

Driveways that have been patched repeatedly on soft ground usually need the base rebuilt. We show you what we find before recommending repair or replacement.

Permits

Approaches on city streets are handled by the City of Rio Hondo, and state roads by TxDOT.

When to pave

Asphalt goes down best on dry ground. On land this low, we try to schedule paving after a dry stretch rather than right after heavy rain, so the base can be compacted properly.

Maintenance

Once the driveway is in, the cheapest protection is crack sealing before the rainy months and a sealcoat every few years, so water stays out of the base.

Call (956) 741-2928 or get a free estimate.