If you have never had a driveway paved before, the process may seem mysterious. Harrison Paving believes informed homeowners are happier homeowners, so here is a complete step-by-step walkthrough of how we install a new asphalt driveway at your South Jersey property — from the first phone call to when you drive on your finished driveway.
Everything starts with a phone call to (856) 694-4181. We schedule a convenient time for our estimator to visit your property — typically within a few days of your call. During the visit, we measure the driveway area, assess existing surface and base conditions, evaluate drainage patterns, note any access challenges, and discuss your preferences. You receive a detailed written estimate on the spot that breaks down every cost: demolition, base preparation, materials, labor, and cleanup.
Once you accept the estimate, we schedule your project based on weather conditions and our current workload. During the prime paving season (April through October in South Jersey), typical wait times are one to three weeks. We confirm your specific date a few days in advance and provide a morning time window for crew arrival.
On paving day, our crew arrives early morning with all necessary equipment. The first step is removing the existing surface. For asphalt driveways, we use skid steers and excavators to break up and load the old pavement into dump trucks for recycling. For concrete removal, we may use hydraulic breakers. Old material is hauled away and recycled — we never leave demolition debris on your property. This phase typically takes one to three hours depending on driveway size and existing material thickness.
After surface removal, we excavate the subsoil to the required depth and grade the surface for proper water drainage. Every Harrison Paving driveway is graded so water flows away from your garage and foundation — typically toward the street or an approved drainage swale. Proper grading prevents water from pooling on the driveway surface, which is the number one cause of premature asphalt failure in South Jersey's wet climate. We use laser-guided equipment for precise grading on larger projects.
The base is the most critical component of your driveway — it is what supports every vehicle that drives on the surface for the next 20 to 30 years. We install 6 to 8 inches of NJDOT-specification dense-graded aggregate (crushed stone) in lifts, compacting each layer with a vibratory plate compactor to achieve maximum density. This prevents the settling and shifting that cause surface cracking and potholes in poorly built driveways. On properties with clay-heavy soils common in Gloucester County, we may install geotextile fabric beneath the stone to prevent soil migration.
With the base prepared, the paving crew arrives with fresh hot-mix asphalt from a local NJDOT-certified plant. The asphalt is delivered at approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit and must be placed and compacted while still hot. Our crew uses a paving machine to lay an even thickness of 2.5 to 3 inches, hand-raking material at edges, transitions, and tight areas. Vibratory rollers then compact the asphalt to achieve proper density — typically 95 percent of maximum theoretical density.
After compaction, we finish the edges, smooth transitions at the garage apron and sidewalk crossings, and ensure the surface drains correctly. The crew sweeps all adjacent areas, removes any stray asphalt from your lawn or walkways, and conducts a final quality inspection. We walk the completed driveway with you to point out curing guidelines and answer any questions.
Your new driveway can be walked on within a few hours of completion and driven on within 24 to 48 hours. Full curing takes approximately 6 to 12 months, during which the surface will gradually harden. During this period, avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary and do not park heavy vehicles in the same spot for extended periods. Schedule your first sealcoating 12 to 18 months after installation. Call Harrison Paving at (856) 694-4181 for a free estimate on your South Jersey driveway project.
Contact Harrison Paving at (856) 694-4181 for a free estimate.