Driveway Paving

A driveway takes cars, delivery trucks, snow ploughs and freeze-thaw cycles every year. When it starts to crack, sink or hold puddles, the problem is usually below the surface. We install and replace asphalt driveways for homes across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, starting with the part that decides how long it lasts: the base.

Signs it is time for a new driveway

• Wide or spreading cracks, and "alligator" cracking that looks like a web
• Potholes, sunken areas or ruts where tyres travel
• Water pooling on the surface or running toward the garage or house
• Crumbling edges and loose stone on the surface
• A driveway that has been patched and sealed many times and keeps failing

Our driveway paving process

1. Site visit and layout. We measure the driveway, check the slope and drainage, and talk about whether you want to widen it, add a parking pad or change the shape.

2. Removal and excavation. The old asphalt or concrete is removed and recycled where possible. Soft or unstable soil is dug out so the new driveway is not built on a weak foundation.

3. Stone base. We install and compact a crushed stone base. This is the most important layer; a thin or poorly compacted base is the main reason driveways sink and crack early.

4. Grading for drainage. The base is shaped so water runs off the driveway and away from your home rather than pooling or heading toward the foundation.

5. Asphalt paving. Hot asphalt is laid to the planned thickness and rolled while it is still hot for a dense, smooth surface.

6. Edges and finishing. We finish cleanly at the street apron, walkways and the garage, and clean up the site.

Asphalt or concrete?

Asphalt costs less to install, is quick to repair and handles freeze-thaw cycles and road salt well, which is why it is so common in our region. Concrete can last longer but costs more and is harder to repair when it cracks. We can talk through both for your property.

What affects the cost

• Driveway size and shape
• Removing the old surface and any poor soil underneath
• Base depth, which depends on soil and the vehicles using it
• Slope, drainage work and access for equipment
• Any work at the street apron that needs a town permit

Caring for a new driveway

New asphalt stays soft for a while, especially in hot weather. Keep heavy vehicles off it for the first few days, avoid turning your steering wheel while parked, and keep kickstands and trailer jacks off the surface. Sealcoating after the asphalt has cured, and then every few years, helps protect it from water, sun and salt.