Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial Paving · Asphalt Driveways

Below are questions we frequently receive about residential and commercial paving. If your question does not appear below or the answer is not satisfactory, please contact us.

• What is your service area?
  Harris Blacktopping provides residential and commercial paving services for clients throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and select New Jersey counties.
  
  
• How much do asphalt driveways cost?
  Pricing for asphalt driveways varies depending on the size of the driveway and the amount of base preparation needed. Harris Blacktopping offers free initial consultations to clients in Bucks County, PA and the surrounding area.
  
  
• How long will my new driveway last?
  A well-maintained asphalt driveway can last up to 20 years, depending on the climate, base conditions, and traffic. More humid climates tend to shorten the life of blacktop driveways, as moisture permeates the surface of the asphalt and causes tiny cracks to expand. The more traffic you have on your driveway, of course, the faster these tiny cracks develop. Having your asphalt driveway installed on a level, solid base will go a long way towards keeping cracks to a minimum.
  
  
• Which is more expensive: resurfacing driveways or installing new driveways?
  Resurfacing existing driveways costs about one third as much as installing a completely new driveway. Completely new asphalt driveways last longer than resurfaced ones; however, you can lengthen the life of your resurfaced driveway by addressing any existing foundational problems before adding a new layer of asphalt.
  
  
• How long do you have to let blacktop paving dry before you can walk or drive on it?
  For a new asphalt driveway, you should wait one or two days to walk or drive on it (depending on how hot the weather is). For resurfaced driveways and parking lots, you should wait two to six hours (depending on the weather) before walking or driving on them. The rule is, the hotter the temperature, the longer it takes for blacktop to dry. If you get a sealcoat on your blacktop (recommended), you will need to wait a full 24 hours for the sealcoat to dry before allowing any foot or automobile traffic.
  
  
• Does asphalt paving require maintenance and if so, how expensive is it?
  Asphalt paving does require maintenance, but the good news is that the better you are at maintaining your blacktop, the less it will cost you in the long run. As soon as you start to see noticeable cracks in your asphalt paving, you should contact Harris Blacktopping for a free quote on having those cracks filled and sealed. This will significantly lengthen the life of your parking lot, driveway, tennis court or roadway, and it is much less expensive to repair cracks than it is to replace asphalt paving completely.
  
  
• Do you provide free estimates on road paving?
  Yes, Harris Blacktopping provides free estimates on road paving as well as driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, and more. Your satisfaction is our priority, and to that end we will meet with you in person and provide you with a free, written estimate of the cost and timeline of your project.
  
  
• How long will it take to pave my business' parking lot?
  The length of time needed to pave your business' parking lot will depend on the size of your parking lot and the amount of base preparation needed. Harris Blacktopping is able to complete most parking lots and driveways, however, you will receive a specific timeline for your project as part of your free quote.
  
  
• Can you do blacktop installation on my circular driveway if it's currently paved with concrete?
  Harris Blacktopping can install an asphalt driveway over your existing concrete circular driveway, however, this is not recommended if you have a lot of cracks or unevenness in your concrete driveway. Laying asphalt over a problematic concrete base can cause it to shift and crack within a couple of years of installation.
  
  
• Is commercial paving more expensive than residential paving?
  Harris Blacktopping offers competitive pricing to both commercial and residential paving clients alike. The cost of a job is based on a number of factors including size and base conditions, and free estimates are always given well before work begins.

For more information about Harris Blacktopping, roadway paving, driveways, tennis court construction, commercial applications, or for answers to general questions, please contact us.