Don’t Fall for the “Leftover Asphalt” Trick
Published: June 24, 2025
It happens more often than people realize: a truck pulls up out of nowhere, and someone tells you they’ve got “extra asphalt” from another job and can give you a great deal. Sounds like a win, right? Not exactly.
These types of scams have been going on for years. They target homeowners with aging or damaged driveways and offer what seems like a bargain. But here’s the reality:
- That “extra asphalt” may have been sitting in the truck bed for 4–6 hours, cooling down and losing its ability to bond and hold up.
- They promise to “grade and prep” your driveway but usually just scrape the surface and barely shape it.
- You’re told you’re getting 2 inches of asphalt, but in reality, it’s often less than ½ inch — just enough to look smooth for now.
- Once they finish and drive off, your new driveway might start falling apart within months.
- And when it does? Good luck finding them — the company name and number are usually gone by then.
A proper driveway requires real grading, compaction, and correct material thickness. If you're offered a “deal” on leftover asphalt with no prep work or contract, it’s a red flag. Cheap now often means costly later.
At ProGrade & Asphalt, we do things the right way — no shortcuts, no surprises, and no tail light warranties.
Scam Example: $10,000 Driveway After 1 Year
These photos were taken just one year after a homeowner in Rockmart, GA paid $10,000 to one of these “leftover asphalt” crews.
Lesson learned: Always hire a licensed and insured contractor — and ask for a written contract with material specs and expectations.
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