"Nick and his crew installed a new exposed aggregate concrete driveway in our home. He and his crew were professional and prompt throughout the entire process. We had gotten numerous bids for the job and his bid was competitively priced especially for the experience he has. The quality of work is exceptional and we get numerous compliments from neighbors daily on our new driveway. I would recommend Nick Scotti Concrete Contractor for any concrete work."
"Cullen and his team were total pros and did a fantastic job from planning to pricing to construction. I’d hire him again and would recommend him for any retaining wall/patio/driveway/landscaping work."
"We needed as asphalt apron added to our driving after having the concrete driveway installed and not being level with the road. Our vehicles would scrape upon entering the driveway every time. We called around and had a hard time finding anyone to take this job. P&M took the job and not only fixed the transition from the road to the driveway, but also paved to the drainage inlet to stop the pooling of water at the bottom of the driveway."
"Lou and his crew were great. Knowledgeable, easy to work with and quality. Lou came out measured everything up and gave me a quote over the phone later that day. Got me in the schedule and we coordinated around his other projects. Removed old asphalt driveway and installed new concrete slab in 3 days. Would hire Goodfellas again and recommend."
"Rowdy Williams and crew were fantastic. Rowdy himself always answered the phone. There was a lot of grading on this job, including a compound drainage path, which Rowdy designed. They team worked fast and produced a great looking driveway. They did the job the day after I signed the work order. The price was very, very good. Finally, this is a family operation. I could not have been more pleased."
"Driveway looks amazing! Brendan provided a great experience all around. Was able to stop by the same day for an estimate and was back the next day to complete the work. He listened to my concerns about a mess a previous contractor made and provided all the answers/suggestions I needed to hear. Showed up exactly when he said he would and did a great job with prep. Will definitely be saving his info for next time the driveway needs sealed or patched up. TL;DR: High quality product, high quality work, high quality guy 👍🏻"
"Brandon and his team showed up day to start the work a few days before I asked them to begin which was a plus because our concrete church ramp needed repaired soon for safety reasons. The work was completed with professionalism and did not interfere with our church services. Brandon was also easy to contact and returned calls and text messages in a timely manner"
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.
Concrete is typically the best material for a driveway if you’re looking for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. But, it’s not ideal for areas with annual freeze-frost cycles, nor is it the most attractive option—although you can get it stamped or painted. If your location is consistently below freezing, asphalt may be a better choice.
It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on your priorities for your driveway. Gravel won’t be an appropriate choice if your driveway experiences heavy traffic. You’ll find that you need to level and top it off regularly, which could make the material a much more expensive option.
Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.
Chip seal layers gravel and a liquid bitumen one at a time on-site, while asphalt directly pours a pre-combined mixture. Asphalt must be sealed, but it will last up to four times as long as chip seal driveways. Aesthetically, chip seal has a natural, rustic look compared to the traditional asphalt slab.
The Etna, PA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.
