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Howard's Home Improvement
5.0(
2
)
Concrete Driveways - Install

Serving Austin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Marty, Andy, Marty and Mike have all been great. They have been working in and around my house for the last month. They are all very personable, friendly and respectful of us, our home, our pets...............Everything. They are on time, do great work and they do not waste any time. The work they have done is above and beyond what we ever expected. I will personally recommend Howard's Home Improvement to anyone."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for CanDoKen&Son
CanDoKen&Son
2.8(
29
)
Gate for Driveway or Security - Install or Replace

Serving Austin, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very well. I really admire Ken because he traveled a long, long way to do this work. He is very thorough and identified a much larger problem than the one I thought I had. Ken does nice work and sincerely tries to help. The only knock I have is that he was 2 hours late to the appointment. In fairness to him, he had to travel at least an hour to get to me and was unfamiliar with the roads, and he did keep in contact. That said, he was late starting the job."
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+11

Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Asphalt Driveways questions, answered by experts

New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer—generally from 30 days to a year.

During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.

The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.

A solid driveway starts with the right asphalt mix, and for most homes, dense-graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) is the most recommended. It’s both durable and flexible, making it a reliable choice for residential use. A properly compacted 2-3 inch layer on a well-prepared crushed stone base will hold up for years. In areas with harsh winters or scorching summers, a slightly modified mix can help prevent cracking and rutting. No matter the climate, quality installation is just as important as the material itself, so hiring an experienced contractor ensures a smooth, long-lasting driveway built to last.

New asphalt goes through two stages: drying and curing. Drying typically takes 24 to 72 hours, after which the surface is solid enough for light use like walking or careful driving. While you may be able to park on it after 72 hours, the surface is still soft and should be treated gently. Full curing is a much longer process, taking anywhere from 30 days to a full year for the asphalt to reach maximum strength. During this extended curing period, the asphalt is susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, sharp objects, and high temperatures. Factors like weather, the specific asphalt mix, and application thickness all influence drying and curing times. For the most accurate timeline and to ensure the longevity of your new asphalt, it is always best to consult with your installation contractor for their specific recommendations.

Wet cutting is usually the preferred method. It controls dust, which helps protect your lungs and makes for a cleaner working environment. Plus, the water cools the blade, preventing overheating and prolonging its life while providing smoother, more precise cuts. The downside is the mess—water and asphalt sludge can be messy to clean. Dry cutting, though convenient if water isn’t available, creates a lot of dust, which can be harmful. This also increases the risk of blade damage due to overheating. So, if you have the option, wet cutting is the better method for most asphalt jobs.

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

  • How many years of experience do you have?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • Do you have worker’s compensation?

  • Do you use subcontractors on your projects?

  • Do you clean up after the job is done?

  • Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?

  • Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?

  • Do you give free estimates?

  • What is the timeline for completion?

  • How do you handle change orders?

  • Can you provide at least three references?

  • Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

The Austin, PA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.