A properly installed asphalt driveway does more than just look good. It handles Pennsylvania’s brutal winters without the cracking and heaving you see with concrete. The right base preparation and asphalt thickness mean you’re not dealing with potholes every spring.
You get a surface that flexes with temperature changes instead of breaking apart. That means fewer repairs, lower maintenance costs, and a driveway that actually improves your property value instead of becoming a liability.
When it’s done right, your driveway becomes the foundation for everything else looking better too.
We’ve been solving driveway problems since 1948. That’s three generations of learning what works in Pennsylvania’s climate and what doesn’t.
We’re not the biggest paving company around, and that’s intentional. We work on one project at a time because your driveway deserves the same attention whether you’re spending $3,000 or $30,000.
VillageShires homeowners know that winter weather separates the good contractors from the ones who cut corners. We’ve seen what happens when base preparation gets rushed or when someone uses the wrong asphalt mix for our climate.
First, we excavate and remove your old surface if needed. The base is everything – we install 4-6 inches of properly compacted stone base because Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles will find any weak spots.
Next comes the asphalt installation. We use hot mix asphalt delivered at 275-300°F and maintain that temperature for proper compaction. The thickness depends on your specific needs, but residential driveways typically get 2-3 inches of surface material.
Finally, we handle the details that matter. Proper grading for water runoff, clean edges, and a surface that’s ready for traffic in 24-48 hours. You’ll know exactly what to expect and when you can use your new driveway.
Ready to get started?
Your driveway project includes complete excavation, proper base preparation, and professional asphalt installation. We handle all the details – permits, proper drainage, and cleanup when we’re done.
VillageShires properties often have specific drainage challenges because of the local topography. We address water management from day one because standing water is asphalt’s biggest enemy. That means proper grading and sometimes additional drainage solutions.
You also get transparent communication throughout the project. No surprises about timing, costs, or what happens next. We treat every client like our most important client because that’s how you build a reputation that lasts 75 years.
Driveway paving in VillageShires typically costs $3-5 per square foot for standard residential installation. A typical 600 square foot driveway runs $1,800-$3,000, depending on the specific conditions and preparation needed.
The final cost depends on factors like excavation requirements, base thickness, and drainage needs. Properties with poor existing drainage or unstable soil may need additional preparation work. We provide detailed estimates that break down all costs upfront so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Spring through early fall offers the best conditions for asphalt paving in Pennsylvania. We need air temperatures above 50°F and ground temperatures that won’t cool the asphalt too quickly during installation.
Late fall can work if temperatures stay consistently above 50°F, but winter paving is generally not recommended. The asphalt needs time to properly cure and compact, which requires stable temperatures. We’ll be honest about timing – rushing a paving job in poor conditions costs more to fix later than waiting for proper weather.
A properly installed asphalt driveway lasts 15-25 years in Pennsylvania’s climate with appropriate maintenance. The key is proper installation and regular sealcoating every 3-5 years to protect against water infiltration.
Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles are tough on pavement, but asphalt handles temperature changes better than concrete. The flexibility prevents the cracking and heaving you see with rigid materials. Regular maintenance like crack sealing and sealcoating extends the life significantly and prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs.
Asphalt performs better than concrete in Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw climate. Concrete tends to crack and heave when water freezes in the pavement, while asphalt’s flexibility allows it to expand and contract without breaking.
Asphalt is also more cost-effective – roughly half the price of concrete installation. It’s easier to repair when damage does occur, and the dark color helps melt ice and snow faster in winter. While concrete might last longer in ideal conditions, Pennsylvania winters aren’t ideal conditions for rigid pavement materials.
You can typically drive on your new asphalt driveway 24-48 hours after installation, depending on weather conditions and asphalt thickness. We’ll give you specific timing based on your project conditions.
The asphalt continues to cure and harden for several months, so avoid sharp turns, heavy vehicles, or parking in the same spot repeatedly during the first few weeks. Hot weather can soften the surface temporarily, so be extra careful on very hot days during the first month.
Yes, we handle all necessary permits and drainage requirements for your driveway project. Many VillageShires properties have specific drainage challenges that need to be addressed during installation.
Proper drainage is critical for asphalt longevity in Pennsylvania. We evaluate your property’s drainage patterns and incorporate solutions like proper grading, catch basins, or drainage pipes as needed. All permit requirements are handled as part of our service – you don’t need to navigate local building departments or worry about code compliance.
Local Resources
Useful Links
Other Services we provide in Villageshires
