Concrete
While concrete is more expensive than asphalt, it is also typically more durable. Concrete is the material of choice for heavy duty driveway or parking lot applications because it is versatile. While concrete is low maintenance, it is prone to cracking due to expansion and contraction from the New Jersey climate. When concrete cracks, it is not easy to repair. Asphalt maintenance is more frequent, but the cost savings received by switching to an asphalt driveway make sense in the long run. Asphalt sealcoating is cheap, and looks great when applied.

Pavers
Pavers are the most unique material for redoing your driveway, new patio, or other project. Pavers offer industry leading warrantees as well as amazing color combinations, textures, and finishes. Reliable is a trusted name in the New Jersey masonry and paving industry. We have completed hundred of paver projects. Utilizing pavers for your project allows you to express your style, selecting from a number of artistically made and installed stone creations. Our talented designers and master masons will work with you every step of the way

Step 1:
After you hire Reliable Paving & Construction to complete your new driveway replacement project, the first phase is to excavate the old driveway. This means removing the asphalt and any unsuitable base if encountered before replacing asphalt. After we excavate any material, if the driveway needs any base, we will add RCA base to support the new asphalt driveway. It is important to note that in some cases it may be stronger to leave the existing driveway base, as it is unlikely to settle any more, and may increase the durability of the new asphalt. Our excavation crews will be able to assess your project and recommend an appropriate method of replacing your driveway.

Step 2:
After Reliable Paving & Construction excavates your old driveway, our masons will install any new driveway aprons, concrete sidewalks, driveway borders, stoops, walkways, patios, and more. This is the right time to incorporate any custom masonry elements you may like. There are endless possibilities with the Nicolock or Cambridge Paving Stone offerings, and we’d be happy to show you some samples and suggest creative ideas that will improve your driveway’s curb-appeal. There are many asphalt paving contractors on New Jersey, but Reliable Paving will treat your project with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Step 3:
Sometimes, it is more effective for Step 3 and Step 4 to be combined. Maximizing compaction before the paving process will lead to a more durable asphalt driveway. Regrading the RCA base after masonry is an important aspect of the driveway replacement process. We adjust the pitch of the asphalt base before paving, and this allows us to calculate the optimal direction of water flow for drainage.

Step 4:
The final step of driveway replacement is the paving. When we install asphalt, we can rake the asphalt by hand or use a paver machine. Both methods work well – and ultimately the most important factor to the quality of the driveway is compaction. Our paving crews will compact the driveway three times – once before we install any asphalt, again while we are installing the asphalt with a vibratory hand compactor, and a third time when the driveway is installed and the paving project is complete

It is important to note that Reliable Paving recommends a minimum two weeks of cure time before you can drive on the new asphalt. Thank you for considering Reliable Paving of Central New Jersey for your new driveway project! We know there are many blacktop driveway contractors on New Jersey, but we would love to work with you on your project!

If you’d prefer to repair a driveway instead of replacing it, there are many options. In some cases, it is cheaper and easier to repair asphalt than it is to replace pavement. Call us today for a free assessment to see which option is the right one for your asphalt paving or driveway project.

Paver Borders
A paver driveway apron or paver borders on your new driveway will help to lock the asphalt in place. Pavers are chosen by many of our clients because you can choose your color, texture, finish and design. With pavers, the opportunities are endless. We’d love to show you some photos of driveway projects we have completed – and can offer samples that match with your home.

Belgian Block Borders
Belgian Block Borders are the cheapest driveway border available. They are a natural stone, cut from the side of a mountain, and imported specifically for your driveway project. Cobblestones are a timeless classic that will last until you are ready to replace your driveway again. These stones never fade, and will help your driveway to look new for years to come.

Concrete Curbing
Concrete curbing is a tried and true approach to installing a driveway border. While concrete curbing is more expensive than paver borders or Belgian Block Borders, it does provide an industrial look that is different from other offerings. Concrete curbing is very durable, and can be installed with or without metal reinforcement, depending on the location’s traffic.

No Driveway Borders?
While it is recommended that you install a driveway border, we do run into pavement projects where we can install the asphalt up to your existing border – or to no border at all. A driveway border will help to minimize the likelihood of the asphalt failing prematurely, and will add significant curb appeal to your home. While it is possible to install a new asphalt driveway without a border, it is best practice to use pavers, concrete, or cobblestones.

Not thrilled with the idea of asphalt for your driveway? There are other options – concrete and pavers also act as great materials for parking or for your driveway, but are not as cheap as asphalt. There are advantages and disadvantages to asphalt driveways, concrete driveways, and paver driveways. If you need help deciding which material is right for your project, click below – or call Reliable today to schedule your free estimate with our team!