Asphalt paving looks simple. A truck pulls up and a smooth black surface appears. But most of the work happens before the asphalt ever goes down.
This guide is for York homeowners and business owners. It walks through how a paving job works, what to check before you say yes, and how to compare quotes.
What Does Asphalt Paving Cover?
Asphalt paving means laying a hot asphalt mix over a prepared base. It is used for many kinds of surfaces:
- Driveways and driveway extensions
- Parking lots for shops, offices, and churches
- Resurfacing jobs, where a new layer goes over an old one
Nathan’s Paving & Seal Coating handles both residential asphalt paving and commercial asphalt paving.
Step 1: Look at the Site
Every good job starts with a walk around. The crew looks at the size, the slope, and how water moves across the area. They check the old surface and the ground under it.
This is the time to tell them your plans. Do you want a wider driveway? More parking spaces? A new drain? Say so now, since it is hard to change later.
Step 2: Fix the Base
The base is the layer under the asphalt. It holds the weight. If the base is weak, the new surface will crack or sink, no matter how good it looks on day one.
Base work can include:
- Removing the old surface if it is too far gone
- Grading, which means shaping the ground so water runs off
- Adding stone where the base needs it
- Packing the base down so it is firm
This step is often where quotes differ. A low quote may skip base work. Ask what is included. Our guide on what to include in an asphalt paving estimate can help.
Step 3: Lay and Roll the Asphalt
The hot mix is spread over the base in an even layer. Then a roller presses it down. Rolling makes the surface tight and smooth.
Timing matters here. The mix has to be hot enough to be worked. Cold or wet weather can cause problems. That is why paving season in Central PA runs mostly from spring to early fall. See how late you can pave a driveway in Pennsylvania for more.
Step 4: Edges, Drainage, and Cleanup
Edges need to be shaped so they do not crumble. Water needs a place to go. A good crew checks both before they leave.
For businesses, this is also when lines and parking spaces can be painted. See our parking lot striping page.
How Long Before You Can Use It?
New asphalt needs time to cool and cure. Do not drive on it until the crew says it is ready. Heavy trucks need more time than cars. Read when you can drive on new asphalt for the basics.
What Should You Ask Before You Hire?
Use these questions with any paving company in York:
- What will you do to the base?
- How thick will the new layer be?
- How will water drain off the surface?
- What is included in the price, and what is not?
- When can the work start, and how long will it take?
- Who do I call if I have a question after the job?
Write the answers down. Then compare each quote side by side. Our list of 10 questions to ask a paving contractor goes deeper.
New Surface or Overlay?
Sometimes the old asphalt can stay. An overlay puts a new layer on top. It works when the base is still firm and the cracks are small. If the surface is sinking or broken up in many places, the old asphalt usually has to come out.
For driveways, read driveway paving in York: new drive or overlay. For the full list of options, see asphalt paving in York.
Plan Ahead
Paving crews book up in the busy months. Calling early gives you more choices for dates. It also gives you time to get more than one quote.
Nathan’s Paving & Seal Coating has worked in Central PA for over 20 years. We will look at your site, explain what it needs, and give you a clear quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between asphalt and blacktop?
People use the words for the same thing. Blacktop is just a common name for asphalt paving.
Can asphalt be laid over my old driveway?
Sometimes. If the base is firm and cracks are small, an overlay can work. If not, the old surface needs to come out.
Does weather affect paving?
Yes. Rain and cold can stop a job. Crews pick dry, mild days.
Can you pave a parking lot too?
Yes. We pave lots for businesses, churches, and more. See our commercial paving page.
Get in Touch
Call Nathan’s Paving at (717) 648-5030 or email nathanpaving@gmail.com. You can also request a quote online.
