Hear from Our Customers
A driveway that doesn’t buckle after one winter. That’s what happens when the base is done right.
Most paving companies near you skip proper excavation or use thin asphalt layers to save time. You end up with standing water, cracks by spring, and a full replacement bill within five years. We’re not doing that to your property.
When we install asphalt in Franklin Center, you get 3-4 inches of compacted hot mix over a properly graded stone base. That means water drains where it should. The surface stays level. And you’re not calling us back next season because everything’s already falling apart.
Your driveway should protect your investment, not become another headache. With homes in Franklin Center averaging over $540,000, the last thing you need is shoddy work that tanks your curb appeal and costs you twice to fix.
Platinum Paving operates throughout Morris, Somerset, and Sussex Counties. We’re not a national chain that doesn’t understand how New Jersey clay soil shifts or what happens when you don’t prep for freeze-thaw cycles.
We’ve been handling residential and commercial paving in Franklin Center long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. Most of our work comes from referrals because we do what we say we’ll do. You’ll get written documentation of materials used, warranty information, and our actual phone number.
We’re licensed, insured, and we answer when you call. If you request a quote online, expect a callback within 24-48 hours. No runaround, no disappearing after the deposit clears.
First, we evaluate your site and identify any drainage issues or permit requirements. Franklin Center has specific codes, and we handle that paperwork so you don’t have to chase down approvals.
Next comes excavation and grading. This is where most contractors cut corners, but it’s the most important step. We remove old material, grade for proper water runoff, and compact a stone base that won’t shift under your new asphalt. If the base fails, everything on top fails with it.
Then we apply high-grade hot mix asphalt at the right temperature using commercial equipment. We’re installing it thick enough to handle New Jersey winters—not the bare minimum to pass inspection. Most residential driveways get finished in one day, weather permitting.
After installation, we handle cleanup, haul away debris, and do a final grading check. You’ll get documentation on materials and maintenance recommendations. Small investments in sealcoating and crack repair down the line will keep your driveway performing for 20+ years instead of 10.
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Every project includes site preparation, excavation, proper grading, stone base installation, and professional-grade asphalt application. We’re not just spreading blacktop over whatever’s there and calling it done.
You also get permit handling when required, which matters more than most homeowners realize. Franklin Center has regulations around drainage and setbacks. We make sure your project meets local codes so you’re not dealing with violations or forced removal later.
For Franklin Center properties, drainage is critical. The area’s clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly, so if your driveway doesn’t slope correctly, you’ll have standing water that seeps into cracks and destroys the base layer. We grade everything to move water away from your foundation and off your pavement.
Pricing for residential driveways typically runs $3-7 per square foot installed, depending on site conditions and access. A standard two-car driveway in Franklin Center usually falls between $1,800-4,200. We’re not the cheapest option, but you won’t be calling other asphalt companies near you for repairs next year because we cut corners.
A properly installed asphalt driveway lasts 15-25 years in New Jersey’s climate if you maintain it. That means sealcoating every 2-3 years and fixing cracks when they’re small.
A neglected driveway might only make it 10 years before you’re looking at full replacement. The difference comes down to how well the base was installed and whether you stay on top of minor repairs. Water is your enemy—once it gets under the surface and freezes, it expands and creates bigger problems fast.
Franklin Center’s freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on pavement. If your contractor didn’t prep the base correctly or used thin asphalt, you’ll see damage much sooner. We install thick enough to handle the stress, and we grade for drainage so water doesn’t pool and work its way into cracks.
Late spring through early fall is ideal for asphalt paving. You need consistent temperatures above 50°F for the asphalt to compact and cure properly.
Summer is actually the best time for repairs and sealcoating because the heat helps the sealer bond to the surface. But for full installations, late spring and early fall give you the right conditions without the extreme heat that can make the asphalt too soft during installation.
Winter paving is possible but not recommended. Cold temperatures prevent proper compaction, and you’re more likely to end up with a surface that doesn’t hold up. If you’re planning a project, reach out in early spring so we can get you on the schedule before the busy season fills up.
It depends on the scope of work and whether you’re changing drainage patterns or expanding the footprint. Most simple repaving projects over the existing driveway don’t require permits, but any work that affects stormwater runoff might.
Franklin Center has specific regulations, and Somerset County has its own requirements depending on your property’s zoning. We identify permit needs during the site evaluation and handle the applications for you. It’s not worth risking a violation or having to rip out work because you didn’t get proper approval.
If your project involves expanding the driveway, adding new drainage, or working near wetlands or easements, permits are almost guaranteed. We’ll walk you through what’s needed and make sure everything’s filed correctly before we start.
Cracks usually mean one of three things: poor base preparation, water infiltration, or normal wear from freeze-thaw cycles. Small cracks can absolutely be repaired if you catch them early.
When water gets into a crack and freezes, it expands and makes the crack worse. Over time, that turns into potholes and base failure. If you see cracks forming, get them sealed before winter. It’s a small cost compared to letting them spread.
If your driveway has widespread cracking or the surface is sinking in spots, that’s a base issue. Sealing surface cracks won’t fix it—you’re looking at either a full-depth repair or replacement depending on how bad the damage is. We’ll assess what’s happening under the surface and tell you honestly whether repair makes sense or if you’re throwing money at a bigger problem.
Most residential driveways in Franklin Center run between $1,800-4,200 depending on size, site conditions, and how much prep work is needed. The cost per square foot typically falls between $3-7 installed.
If your property has drainage issues, poor soil, or requires significant excavation, costs go up. If we need to remove old concrete or deal with tree roots, that adds to the price. We’ll give you a clear estimate after evaluating your site—no surprises or hidden charges once we start.
The cheapest bid isn’t always the best value. Thin asphalt over a poorly prepped base will fail fast, and you’ll pay more in the long run to fix it. We install it right the first time, which costs a bit more upfront but saves you from calling other paving contractors in two years when everything’s falling apart.
Asphalt is more flexible, which helps it handle freeze-thaw cycles better than concrete in New Jersey. It’s also faster to install and typically costs less upfront. Concrete lasts longer but cracks more easily when the ground shifts or water freezes underneath.
For Franklin Center’s climate, asphalt makes more sense for most homeowners. It’s easier to repair, and with regular sealcoating, it holds up well for decades. Concrete requires less maintenance but when it cracks, repairs are more visible and expensive.
If you want decorative options, stamped concrete offers more design flexibility. But for pure durability and cost-effectiveness in an area with harsh winters, asphalt is the smarter choice. We install both, so we’ll walk you through the pros and cons based on your specific property and budget.
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