"I can't recommend Rich and his crew enough! Professional, accommodating to project changes, organized and meticulous with their work. Rich is very knowledgeable and his experience made the process so much easier for us. We're looking forward to enjoying our new patio for years to come!"
"Thank you Omni Sealcoat! Great job in sealing my driveway. You did an excellent job in preparing the driveway before sealing it. The driveway looks like it was just paved. Thanks for coming out and doing the estimate and your clear communication."
"The team showed up last Friday to start prepping a large driveway job… Came on Monday and Tuesday to work and by the time they were finished on Tuesday afternoon, our 800 foot driveway was completed!"
"Our split rail fence was damaged in a storm and A Touch of Nature did a great job with the repair. Justin gave us many options that were very cost effective. We were so impressed that we also hired them to clear out some scrub growth and small trees in the back of our property. The job they did exceeded our expectations and we will be hiring them for more projects...hopefully soon! 100% recommend A Touch of Nature."
"Curt installed low voltage landscape lighting in front and back of our house. The lights transformed the house. Beautiful effect and just the right amount of light. Truly enjoyed working with Curt who continues to demonstrate excellent customer service with our maintenance needs. Would highly recommend."
"The entire process from the quote to the work being completed was a great experience. Henry genuinely cared about making sure we got what we wanted and needed and that the job was done right. He was friendly, kind and very professional. He and his crew did an excellent job and worked hard. The driveway is absolutely beautiful, graded perfectly and radically transformed the look of our 1800s farmhouse. I'm recommending Henry's to everyone I know."
"We chose Plymouth Landscaping because we have worked with them before and have always been completely happy. This time was no different; they did a terrific job. The crew (Jose, Arturo and Bulmaro) started on a Monday. They began work on time and worked efficiently and quietly. At the end of every day they left the front of the house as neat as a pin. Old shrubs had to be removed, as did the old front steps and walk, and they had this completed by the end of the first day. They blocked off the front door and entrance to the walk so that no one could make a mistake and get injured. During the project, there were several days of rain -- and here I want to mention the owner of the company, Joe, because his communication with us was excellent. During the days of bad weather, we knew when the crew was coming and when they weren't; we didn't have to rely on the weather to tell us, or make us guess. During the rainy days, the walkway remained very neatly blocked off. Once the weather improved, the crew finished the work just as efficiently and quietly as they began it. They also weeded the beds around the house, which improves the look of things quite a bit. I want to mention Joe again for two reasons. One is that he designed the top step to make it safer for a family member who uses a cane. He put the top step at the level of the doorstep, eliminating a potential trip hazard. The other reason is that he redesigned the drainage from one of our gutters so that rainwater and snow melt now disperse into the yard, as opposed to draining on the driveway, which in winter always left a hazardous patch of ice. This wasn't actually part of the project but he saw a problem and took steps to fix it. I would also like to mention that Jose, Arturo and Bulmaro were very friendly and thoughtful. Every day that they were here they brought our newspapers to the back door, which was very helpful. Even such a small gesture shows the kindness of the crew, and reflects the character of Joe, the man who hired them."
In most cases, you don’t need a permit to repave your driveway, although some exceptions exist. If you’re widening your driveway and plan on widening the apron as well, you’ll usually need a permit from the Department of Transportation in your area. This permit costs between $50 and $300 in most cases. Most municipalities will also require a certified and insured contractor do the work relating to the apron and curb cut. You can contact your building department or ask your paving company if you need a permit. Your driveway professional will usually pull the permit for you.
Many asphalt companies have experience with tar and chip paving, but not all. The process is unique enough—and not incredibly common enough—that you may have to look around for a tar and chip specialist. However, speaking with a driveway company is a great place to start, especially if they have experience with multiple materials.
Recycled asphalt is not better than gravel, but can be a good alternative. It is inexpensive, but not as low-cost as gravel, and doesn’t tend to last as long. Recycled asphalt isn’t as dusty as gravel and is more environmentally friendly. The black look can be something that homeowners prefer. No matter what, ensure you choose an experienced recycled asphalt contractor.
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.
There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.
The Furlong, PA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Use our guide to calculate the cost to seal an asphalt driveway in Philadelphia, PA. Prices vary based on the type of sealant and the size of the driveway.
Find out the average concrete driveway repair cost in Philadelphia, PA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local concrete repair services and fix your slab.
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.
