Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Homer, PA

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.

With proper maintenance, asphalt milling driveways can last 30 years or more. Over time, you’ll need to regularly sealcoat your driveway. You should also have your driveway inspected every few years and make any repairs as soon as they are necessary; this will prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

If you’re looking for a similar, eco-friendly driveway material, you might consider one of these options:

• Permeable pavement: This material is sometimes called “pervious” or “porous” pavement; it allows stormwater to drain into the subbase, eliminating storm drain costs. 

• Gravel: Consider paving your driveway with locally sourced gravel. By sourcing from a nearby source, your money won’t fund international shipping and will be invested back into your local community.

• Natural stone pavers: Because natural stone pavers are made from organically-produced stone, there’s no new manufacturing required, limiting the environmental impact. In addition, water easily flows and drains through the gaps in the pavers.

Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.