"Leveling was done well and at a reasonable price. It took a bit more mud (6 tons instead of the 4 that was estimated), but that's life. I was surprised that the estimate did not include sealing of floor cracks, but we took care of that on another work order. That sealing was thorough and fairly priced, but not exactly cosmetic. We may need to add a top coating for that."
"Found Rock-A-Fellas on Angies List and I'm glad I did. Bob examined thoroughly and patiently explained the construction flaws in the carport built in the rear of my home by another contractor back in 2009. Because the original contactor did not follow standard building codes and use proper construction techniques and materials, I was cited by the City of Philadelphia. Bob spoke to the Licenses and Inspections Inspector and tried very hard to figure a way to save the carport. Unfortunately, due to the poor prior construction, demolition was the only option left to me.
Bob and his three man crew arrived 30 minutes early and for the next three and a half hours methodically and carefully removed the carport, which included a roof and sides. I was very impressed with their attention to detail such as avoiding damaging the power and cable lines, reassembling the downspout, tying back the power lines after the demolition was over/
After the demolition was over, you couldn't tell there was ever a structure.
I hired Rock-A-Fellas to remodel/reconstruct my nephew's bedroom, which had termite and moisture damage. I'm also considering having Bob and his crew do a complete remodel of my kitchen, basement, and a new carport.
This was my best experience with a contractor. I give Rock-A-Fellas an A+++++ rating. "
"The guys did a great job on my driveway. They asked how it looked as they went, listened to special requests, and did a professional job. I am very happy with the result. They were timely and efficient. The price was right followed by quality work."
"Gino's crew did a great job with the new siding and other features. His employees work well together and were very helpful with suggestions. The siding looks great and I am quite happy with the job performed. "
"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."
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.
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.
Asphalt driveways last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but if you don’t stay on top of repairs, you may find yourself spending extra to replace your driveway before its typical lifespan. Stay on top of repairing cracks and potholes by routinely inspecting your driveway once or twice a year. It’s a good idea to pressure wash your asphalt driveway at least once a year to keep it clean. Apply a sealer every one to five years, based on your climate.
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.
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.
The Tidioute, 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.