Asphalt Paving & Seal Coating FAQ
Straightforward answers about asphalt paving, seal coating, repairs, pricing, and the neighborhoods we cover across Concord, Charlotte, and the surrounding North Carolina communities. Have a question that isn't here? Call us for a free on-site estimate.
Pricing & Estimates
How much does asphalt paving cost in Charlotte / Concord NC?
Asphalt paving in the Charlotte/Concord NC area generally runs $3–$7 per square foot for standard residential driveways and $2.50–$5 per square foot for commercial parking lots, depending on whether it's an overlay or a full tear-out and on how much grading is required. Seal coating typically runs $0.15–$0.25 per square foot. Around Town Paving provides free on-site estimates so you know the number before any work begins.
How much does it cost to seal coat a driveway or parking lot near Charlotte?
Seal coating in the Charlotte/Concord area generally runs about $0.15–$0.25 per square foot, depending on the surface condition, the number of coats, and how much crack filling or oil-spot priming is needed first. Larger commercial lots often price toward the lower end per square foot. Request a free on-site estimate for a figure matched to your pavement.
What factors affect the price of an asphalt paving project?
Pricing is driven by square footage, whether the job is a resurfacing overlay or a full tear-out, the condition of the sub-base, drainage and grading needs, site access for equipment, and the asphalt thickness your use calls for. Because these vary from site to site, we quote each project after walking it in person.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Every estimate is free, on-site, and itemized — no obligation. Jesse Broadway, the owner, personally walks most jobs so you get an accurate quote from the person doing the work, not a salesperson.
Can I get a written, itemized estimate?
Yes. We provide a free, itemized written estimate that breaks out the scope so you can see what's included before any work begins. Jesse, the owner, walks most sites personally so the quote reflects the actual job in front of us.
Asphalt Paving
Do you do residential driveways or only commercial parking lots?
Both. Around Town Paving handles residential driveways and large commercial parking lots with the same commercial-grade equipment, sub-base preparation, and hot-mix asphalt. Whether it's a single driveway in Concord or a 100-stall lot in Charlotte, the spec is the same.
What is the process for installing a new asphalt driveway or parking lot?
A typical install starts with removing the old surface or vegetation, then cutting and shaping the sub-grade, placing and compacting an aggregate stone base, and paving with hot-mix asphalt in one or more lifts. Edges are shaped and the surface is compacted with rollers to help it hold up under traffic and weather.
How thick should an asphalt driveway or parking lot be?
As a general guide, residential driveways are often paved around 2–3 inches of compacted asphalt over a solid stone base, while commercial lots that carry heavier vehicles are typically thicker. The right depth depends on your soil, drainage, and expected traffic, which we spec during the estimate.
Can you pave over an existing gravel, concrete, or old asphalt surface?
In many cases, yes — an overlay can work when the existing base is stable and drains properly. When the surface underneath has failed or holds water, a tear-out with a new base usually gives a longer-lasting result. We assess the base on-site and recommend the option that fits the condition.
Do you install recycled asphalt (millings) driveways?
Yes, asphalt millings are an option for driveways and rural access areas where a lower-cost, compacted surface makes sense. Millings are spread and compacted so they lock together; they're a budget-friendly alternative to hot-mix, though the finish and lifespan differ. We can walk through the trade-offs during your estimate.
How long does a paving project take?
A standard residential driveway is typically 1–2 days from start to finish, including tear-out, grading, and paving. A commercial parking lot ranges from 2 days to about a week depending on square footage, sub-base condition, and whether the lot needs to stay partially open. We can phase commercial jobs to keep your business operating during the project.
How long will my new asphalt driveway or parking lot last?
Properly installed asphalt over a solid base typically lasts 20–30 years with regular maintenance — including seal coating every 2–3 years and crack filling as needed. Skipping seal coating tends to shorten that lifespan considerably.
Seal Coating & Maintenance
When should I seal coat my parking lot or driveway?
Wait at least 6 months after new asphalt is installed before the first seal coat. After that, reapplying every 2–3 years helps protect against UV damage, water, gasoline, and freeze-thaw cracking. Seal coating on a regular schedule can meaningfully extend the life of your asphalt.
What does seal coating actually do for my asphalt?
Seal coating adds a protective layer over the asphalt that helps shield it from UV rays, water intrusion, oil and gas spills, and freeze-thaw stress. It also restores a dark, uniform look and can slow the surface wear that leads to cracking when it's kept on a regular schedule.
How soon can I drive on asphalt after seal coating?
Seal coat generally needs about 24–48 hours to cure before vehicle traffic, and warm, dry weather helps it set. We'll give you a specific window based on the conditions the day it's applied.
How do I maintain my new asphalt to help it last?
Regular upkeep goes a long way: keep the surface clean, address oil spots, fill cracks as they appear so water can't reach the base, and reapply seal coat on a routine schedule. Correcting small issues early tends to be far less costly than waiting until the base is affected.
What is crack filling and when do I need it?
Crack filling seals gaps in the pavement with a flexible material so water, ice, and debris can't work into the base and widen the damage. It's a smart step once cracks begin to show, especially before winter, since freeze-thaw cycles tend to expand untreated cracks.
Repairs & Problems
What's the difference between asphalt repair and full replacement?
Repair (patching, hot-mix infill, crack filling) is the right call when damage is localized and the underlying base is still solid. Full replacement — milling off the surface or tearing out down to the base — is needed when the pavement has failed across a wide area, when alligator cracking is widespread, or when the base itself has failed. We'll tell you honestly which one you need after walking the site.
Can you repair potholes in a commercial parking lot?
Yes. We patch potholes with hot-mix asphalt and can saw-cut and rebuild failed sections when the base underneath needs attention. For a lot that stays open to customers, we can schedule the work to limit disruption.
What causes asphalt to crack, and can it be fixed?
Cracking comes from sun and weather aging the asphalt, water reaching the base, heavy loads, and freeze-thaw movement. Many cracks can be filled or the area patched when caught early; widespread interconnected (alligator) cracking usually signals a base problem that calls for a section rebuild. We'll tell you which applies after looking at it.
Do you fix low spots or areas that hold water after rain?
Yes. Standing water (sometimes called birdbaths) points to a grading or drainage issue. Depending on the cause, we may correct it with a leveling patch or by reworking the base and grade so water drains the way it should.
Curing, Weather & Timing
How long does new asphalt take to cure in North Carolina?
You can typically walk on new asphalt after about 24 hours and drive on it after 2–3 days. Full curing takes 6–12 months as the asphalt oxidizes and hardens in the Carolina climate. That's why you shouldn't seal coat new asphalt right away — it needs at least 6 months to cure first.
What's the best time of year to pave asphalt in North Carolina?
March through November is ideal for asphalt paving in NC. Asphalt needs ambient temperatures above about 50°F to compact and cure properly. We can pave through much of the year in the Charlotte/Concord area, but extreme cold snaps and heavy rain windows are scheduled around.
Can asphalt be paved in the rain or during cold weather?
Hot-mix asphalt works best in dry conditions with ground and air temperatures above roughly 50°F, so heavy rain and hard cold snaps are scheduled around. In the Charlotte/Concord climate there's a long working season; we time the pour to give the mat the best chance to compact and cure.
How soon can I park a vehicle on my new driveway?
As a general rule you can walk on fresh asphalt after about a day and drive on it after 2–3 days, though warm weather can extend that. We suggest keeping heavy vehicles and sharp turning off the new surface a little longer while it continues to harden.
Service Area & Near Me
Do you offer asphalt paving near me in Charlotte, NC?
Yes. We serve Charlotte and its surrounding areas, including North Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, Northwest Charlotte, and the University City area, along with nearby Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson. Based in Concord, we come to your property for the estimate and the work.
Do you pave driveways and parking lots in Concord and Kannapolis, NC?
Yes. Concord is our home base, and we regularly work throughout Cabarrus County, including Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, and Mount Pleasant, for both residential driveways and commercial lots.
Do you work in North, Northeast, and Northwest Charlotte?
Yes. We take projects across the north side of Charlotte — including North Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, Northwest Charlotte, and the University City area — as well as the northern suburbs of Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson. Reach out for a free on-site estimate in your neighborhood.
What areas do you serve?
We're a service-area business based in Concord, NC — we come to you. We serve the Greater Charlotte / Concord region in North Carolina, including Concord, Charlotte, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Statesville, Salisbury, Harrisburg, Midland, Mount Pleasant, China Grove, Landis, Locust, and Denver — across Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Stanly, and Lincoln counties. We do not service South Carolina.
Working With Us
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Around Town Paving is fully licensed and insured for both residential and commercial asphalt work across North Carolina. Proof of insurance and licensing is available on request — we provide it standard for any commercial bid.
Are you a local, owner-operated paving company?
Yes. Around Town Paving is a locally based, owner-operated business run out of Concord, NC. Jesse Broadway is hands-on with most jobs, so you're working directly with the person responsible for the results.
Do you offer a workmanship warranty on paving?
Workmanship coverage depends on the type and scope of the project, and any terms are put in writing as part of your estimate rather than offered as a blanket policy. Ask us about coverage for your specific job when we walk the site.
How quickly can you provide a quote and get started?
We aim to respond promptly to estimate requests and can often schedule an on-site visit within a few days. Project start times depend on the season and current workload, which we'll go over with you when we provide the quote.
Do you offer a Veteran or First Responder discount?
Yes. Around Town Paving offers special discounted pricing for active and former military, police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel. Just mention it when you request your free estimate.