If you’ve just signed a contract with a driveway company in Hershey, congratulations—your home’s curb appeal is about to get a serious upgrade.
But what happens next?
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance Inc., we’ve worked with countless homeowners from neighborhoods like Palmdale and Ridge Road to the quiet cul-de-sacs near Cocoa Avenue, and we know that transparency and preparation make all the difference.
That’s why we walk you through each step before we even fire up a roller.
From site prep to sealing, here’s exactly what to expect once you partner with a trusted local asphalt contractor.
Key Takeaways
- A full walkthrough happens right after signing to check things like drainage, terrain, and driveway layout in Hershey.
- Utility lines are marked, and local rules are handled so your driveway project stays safe, legal, and stress-free.
- Grading, base prep, and paving follow local weather needs to build strong, long-lasting driveways across Hershey neighborhoods.
- Your driveway gets sealed and checked again after curing, with tips and follow-up to help it stay protected.
1. Pre-Installation Walkthrough and Site Inspection
Once you’ve signed the agreement, the first thing we do is schedule a detailed walkthrough of your property. In Hershey, terrain can vary quite a bit—steep driveways in areas like Bullfrog Valley Road or tree-lined edges near Shank Park require unique prep strategies.
We’ll check drainage patterns, access for our equipment, and note anything that could affect the paving schedule, like low-hanging limbs or existing surface issues. This step ensures that when the asphalt installation begins, there are no surprises—just smooth operations.
2. Utility Marking and Municipal Coordination
Before breaking ground, we coordinate with PA One Call (also known as 811) to have all underground utilities marked.
Whether you live near Hershey High School or along Fishburn Road, it’s the law in Pennsylvania—and it keeps everyone safe. We’ll also check if your area falls under any local HOA regulations or borough permit requirements.
In some parts of Derry Township, for example, driveway expansion or apron work might require extra documentation. We handle those details so you don’t have to.
3. Grading and Ground Preparation
Proper grading is critical in Central PA, especially with Hershey’s freeze-thaw cycles and occasional heavy rains from summer storms. We’ll start by excavating any existing material if needed, then grade the area to promote water runoff and prevent pooling.
If your property sits lower—like many do near Swatara Creek—we might also recommend adding a thicker base layer to handle occasional water table fluctuations. Our goal is a stable foundation that can handle everything from daily parking to Pennsylvania winters.
4. Base Layer Installation with Local Climate in Mind
Next comes laying the aggregate base.
In Hershey, we typically use crushed limestone sourced from local suppliers familiar with our region’s soil composition. The base is compacted using heavy-duty rollers, which you might see parked outside properties near the West End or Briarcrest Square.
We factor in the specific slope and sun exposure of your lot—shady areas behind Milton Hershey School, for example, may require a slightly different approach to ensure longevity.
Every detail matters when building a driveway that lasts.
5. Asphalt Paving and Finish Work
Once the base is solid and cured, we begin applying hot-mix asphalt using commercial-grade paving machines. The asphalt is raked, leveled, and rolled for a smooth, durable finish.
In neighborhoods like Waltonville or areas near Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, we often add hand-finishing around sidewalks and garage aprons to keep things clean and precise.
Depending on the season, we may adjust the mix slightly to accommodate temperature swings—something we’ve learned through years of working in South Central Pennsylvania.
6. Curing, Sealing, and Final Walkthrough
After asphalt paving, your driveway needs time to cure—typically 24 to 72 hours, depending on the weather. During this time, we’ll provide clear care instructions tailored to the season.
For instance, if we pave during one of Hershey’s hot July spells, we’ll recommend extra caution with parked vehicles or sharp objects. About 6 months later, we’ll follow up to schedule sealcoating, which protects the surface from salt, oil, and UV damage.
Before wrapping up, we walk you through the final result, answer any lingering questions, and leave you with maintenance tips to keep your new asphalt in top shape for years.
Ready to Get Started on Your New Driveway?
Your driveway is the first thing people see when they pull up to your home—so it’s worth getting it done right the first time.
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance Inc., we specialize in asphalt driveways built for Hershey’s unique climate, terrain, and community standards.
Whether you’re upgrading an older surface near Chocolate Avenue or installing a brand-new drive in a newer development off Middletown Road, we’ve got the experience and equipment to make the process smooth from start to finish.
Don’t waste weekends trying to manage a project this big on your own.
Let us handle the prep, the paperwork, and the paving—so you can enjoy a better-looking, longer-lasting driveway without the hassle.
Contact us today to schedule a site visit or request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a new asphalt driveway usually last in Hershey?
With proper maintenance like sealcoating every few years, most asphalt driveways in Hershey last 15 to 20 years—even with freeze-thaw cycles and salt exposure during Pennsylvania winters.
Can you widen or redesign my existing driveway before paving?
Yes, we can adjust the layout, expand parking space, or change the shape during prep work as long as it meets Hershey’s local codes and HOA guidelines.
What type of asphalt mix do you use for Hershey driveways?
We use hot-mix asphalt blends designed for Central PA weather, including local DOT-approved materials that handle both summer heat and freezing conditions around Derry Township.
Do you offer driveway repairs or patching instead of full replacement?
Yes, we handle crack filling, pothole repair, and patching for driveways in any Hershey neighborhood if the surface doesn’t yet need full replacement.
