Asphalt Paving Contractor in Bergen County

A properly installed, paved, and maintained asphalt residential driveway should last a minimum of fifteen to twenty (15 to 20) years. This is determined by the stability of the sub-grade, the quality of the installation, the types and frequency of maintenance, proper drainage and the climate of the area you are located in.

To help you understand the full benefits of an asphalt driveway installation, we have put together 8 steps to follow on asphalt driveway installation, repair and maintenance to ensure the maximum life and usability from your investment. Images utilized are from a recent residential driveway paving installation in Riverdale, N.J.

Starting with a new driveway paving installation and considering grade and runoff thru asphalt paving maintenance.

We examine the installation site and determine the pitch and slope for appropriate water runoff. Water is the one of five enemies of asphalt pavement, and should be considered before any installation begins.

Asphalt Foundation Installation

After the grade is carefully determined, the foundation of the driveway, or sub-base, will be laid. The sub-base is an important part of driveway installation for two key reasons:

1. It provides a stable surface to support the pavement.
2. It provides a frost barrier to help reduce winter damage due to freezing and thawing.

During the sub-base installation, there are key issues that must be addressed, including: drainage, base thickness, base stability, dimensions and compaction. The minimum thickness of the sub-base for most driveway installations is approximately 3.5 to 4 inches. The thickness of the base is often based on what the driveway will be used for. A normal residential driveway for car and SUV traffic, for example, usually requires 4-6 inches of sub-base. For heavy equipment, trailers or trucks, a deeper base is recommended.

Compaction is a very important step in the driveway installation process. If the sub-base is not appropriately prepared, the asphalt surface on the top will not provide you with years of durability.

Asphalt Installation Practices

Perhaps the most important aspect of driveway installation is a reliable installation team and a reputable asphalt contractor. James Kurpiel Inc; with their experienced crews can insure that your driveway asphalt will be crafted perfectly to meet your drainage and surface needs.

We follow proper installation guidelines, like installation temperature and timelines, and proper surface preparation, will ensure that your driveway surface will be looking great for years to come.

Regular Sealcoating

To maintain the strength and durability of your asphalt driveway surface, it is important to follow the maintenance recommendations of your installation team. This includes making a point to sealcoat your asphalt driveway 1-2 years after installation and every 5-10 years after that time. A sealcoat application helps protect the asphalt surface, reducing water penetration and the harmful effects associated with UV rays and harmful car pollutants.

Crack filling To Prolong Durability

In addition to sealcoating, it is important to crack-fill as cracks begin to appear in the surface. Cracks in the asphalt allow water to get into the sub-base and compromise the integrity and strength of the asphalt surface on top. Regularly filling cracks and applying sealcoat will ensure that water is not able to get under the surface and cause damage.

Fill Potholes As They Appear

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of water after it has entered into the ground under the pavement. The pothole repair process involves four important steps: clean, heat, add the new custom aggregate mix, and cool. Potholes should be repaired as soon as possible to help mitigate larger, more costly repairs.

Consider An Asphalt Overlay To Prolong Lifespan

If your asphalt surface is looking dull or worn due to improper maintenance or initial installation, an asphalt overlay is a great option to give it a refreshed look. In many instances, an asphalt overlay can add 5-10 years to the lifespan of the asphalt surface.

Always Hire A Reputable Contractor

Whether you are using James Kurpiel Inc of Hackensack, N.J. for your asphalt driveway installation or another local contractor, make sure you do your research. There are specific qualities you should look for in a residential paving contractor, including: ratings and customer feedback and experience with your type of asphalt paving project.