Asphalt Paving in Carlisle, IA

Asphalt paving in Carlisle starts with water. Carlisle lies between the North River and the Middle River near where they meet the Des Moines River, at 771 feet, the lowest elevation of any town we serve. Its predecessor, Dudley, was destroyed by the Flood of 1851, and Carlisle was laid out that year by Jeremiah Church and David Moore on the third try. When the railroad arrived in 1871, the main business district moved down into the valley. The 2020 census counted 4,160 residents.

Low ground and driveways

On low, river-influenced ground, soil stays wetter longer. Water in the base freezes and heaves the asphalt in winter, then leaves soft spots in spring. On Carlisle driveways we dig out soft material, use more crushed stone, compact it in layers and slope the surface to drain. A well-drained base outlasts extra asphalt thickness.

Two counties

Carlisle sits in Allen Township in both Warren and Polk counties. Rural properties outside town on Warren County roads fall under the county's Chapter 19 entrance ordinance: a permit before work, culverts of at least 18 inches where needed, and residential paved entrances with at least 8 inches of asphalt. Entrances must be at least 300 feet from intersecting roads.

Older homes

Carlisle has a long history, including the Carlisle Flouring Mills building completed in 1856 and a schoolhouse from 1853. Many homes are older, with driveways that have been patched repeatedly. We tell you whether the base can be saved.

Trails and traffic

The Summerset Trail has its northern end in Carlisle. Lots near the trailhead and in town see cars, bikes and walkers; clear striping and smooth surfaces help.

Our approach

We start with drainage, then base, then asphalt. You get a written quote with every part listed.

Older homes and new

Carlisle's population has grown steadily, from 3,497 in 2000 to 4,160 in 2020. New homes up on the hills have different needs from the older houses in the valley. Valley homes need the most base and drainage work; hillside homes need supported edges and runoff control.

Planning

In spring, after the frost leaves the ground, is the best time to look at a heaving driveway. The damage is easiest to see then, and work can be scheduled for early summer.

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