Commercial asphalt repair vs. resurfacing: learn the difference and what’s right for your lot.

Driveway Installations: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Everything homeowners need to know before a new driveway install.

A new asphalt driveway does more than give your home a place to park—it boosts curb appeal, adds property value, and provides long-term function for your family.

But if you’ve never had one installed before, it’s normal to wonder:

What happens during installation? How long does it take? What do I need to do beforehand?

At Reid Paving, Inc., we’ve helped thousands of Georgia homeowners plan, prep, and complete driveway projects smoothly. This new driveway installation guide covers everything you need to know—from site prep to sealing—so you feel confident every step of the way.


🛣️ Why Choose Asphalt for Your Driveway?

Asphalt is the most popular driveway material in Georgia for good reason:

  • Durable: Withstands heat, rain, and years of vehicle traffic

  • Flexible: Handles soil shifts better than concrete

  • Cost-effective: Lower installation and maintenance costs

  • Fast: Usable within 1–2 days of install

  • Attractive: Smooth, black finish boosts curb appeal instantly


📋 Step-by-Step: The Driveway Installation Process

Here’s what to expect when you choose Reid Paving for your new asphalt driveway:


1. Site Inspection & Quote

We begin with a thorough inspection of your property to assess:

  • Grading and slope for proper drainage

  • Soil condition and base strength

  • Driveway length, shape, and obstacles

You’ll receive a detailed quote and timeline so there are no surprises.


2. Clearing & Excavation

Before paving begins, we:

  • Remove grass, old pavement, or gravel

  • Excavate the area to the proper depth (typically 6–12 inches)

  • Re-grade the soil to ensure water flows away from the home

Proper drainage is critical for long-term performance.


3. Base Installation

We lay down a thick, compacted base layer of crushed stone or gravel. This base supports the asphalt and prevents settling or potholes.

Reid Paving uses high-compaction equipment to ensure the strongest foundation possible.


4. Asphalt Installation

Once the base is prepped, we apply hot-mix asphalt in one or more layers:

  • Smoothed and leveled for even thickness

  • Rolled and compacted to bond with the base

  • Edged for clean lines and a polished look

Our crew works quickly but carefully—your new driveway will be usable within 24–48 hours, depending on weather.


5. Final Touches & Curing

We’ll give you curing instructions and recommend a waiting period before driving or parking on it (usually 24–48 hours). We may also recommend sealcoating after 6–12 months to protect the surface from UV rays and water damage.


🏡 What Homeowners Should Do to Prepare

To make installation day go smoothly, here’s how you can prepare:

✔️ Clear the area – Remove vehicles, trailers, toys, and trash bins
✔️ Mark sprinkler heads or invisible fencing to avoid damage
✔️ Inform neighbors if access may be temporarily affected
✔️ Secure pets away from the work zone
✔️ Plan for parking elsewhere for 2–3 days

We’ll handle the rest—from permits (if needed) to debris cleanup.


⏱️ How Long Does It Take?

Most residential driveway installations take 1–2 days, depending on:

  • Size and shape of the driveway

  • Weather conditions

  • Soil prep or grading needs

We schedule strategically to minimize disruption to your daily routine.


🧱 Add-Ons That Enhance Your Driveway

Want more than just the basics? Ask us about:

  • Extended parking pads

  • Turnaround loops or “T”s

  • Decorative curbing

  • Drainage solutions (like catch basins or swales)

We custom design each project to meet your property’s needs.


💪 Why Choose Reid Paving for Your New Driveway?

We’ve been installing asphalt driveways across Atlanta and West Georgia since 1977. Our customers choose us for:

✔️ Local expertise in Georgia soil and weather
✔️ Family-owned service and honest quotes
✔️ Modern equipment and trained crews
✔️ Long-lasting results backed by experience

Your driveway should be more than a patch of pavement—it should be built to last.


📞 Ready to Start Your Driveway Project?

Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an aging driveway, now’s the time to get it scheduled. Summer is the best season for asphalt installs—and our calendar fills up fast!

📞 Call Reid Paving at (770) 834-8303
🖱️ Request your quote online: https://reidpaving.com/contact-us
📍 Serving Carrollton | Douglasville | Bremen | Atlanta | Villa Rica & surrounding areas
🔗 Learn more: https://go.reidpaving.com/asphalt


Final Thoughts

Installing a new driveway doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right team and a little prep, it can be a quick, affordable upgrade that lasts for decades.

Let Reid Paving guide you through the process—from prep to perfection.