Serving Bernardsville & Somerset County
New blacktop driveways, private roads, parking lots, overlays and repairs in Bernardsville, NJ, built on a compacted stone base.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Bernardsville, NJ
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry provides asphalt paving in Bernardsville, NJ, including new and replacement blacktop driveways, private roads, parking lots, overlays, patching and sealcoating. Typical residential builds include excavation, a 4–6 inch compacted stone base and 2–3 inches of compacted hot-mix asphalt, adjusted to your soil and traffic.
Estate driveways, private roads and motor courts in Bernardsville get thicker asphalt sections and careful compaction on grades.
The Somerset Hills terrain means steep, winding driveways, rock and significant runoff, so careful grading and drainage are critical. Asphalt is flexible and handles winter plowing and salt well, but only when the base underneath is solid and the surface drains.
Key facts
Problems we solve
These are the issues we’re called about most in Bernardsville and nearby Somerset County: some are specific to local soils, terrain and housing, others are common across New Jersey.
What you seeLong drives with raveling asphalt, broken Belgian block and settled areas.
Why it happensAge, heavy service vehicles and runoff on hilly terrain.
How we fix itRebuilding failed sections, resetting or replacing Belgian block, and overlays or full replacement with heavier sections.
How to prevent itSealcoat and crack-seal regularly to protect a large investment.
What you seeLeaning dry-laid walls and loose caps on entrance pillars.
Why it happensFrost movement, roots and missing footings.
How we fix itRebuild on proper footings, reset caps and repoint with compatible mortar.
How to prevent itKeep plows and vehicles away from pillars.
What you seeWater cutting across drives and into basements.
Why it happensSomerset Hills slopes concentrate runoff.
How we fix itSwales, culverts, trench drains and regrading as part of the paving design.
How to prevent itInspect drainage after big storms.
What you seeTwo depressions where the car always parks or drives, sometimes holding water.
Why it happensToo thin a base, poor compaction, or heavy vehicles (work trucks, RVs, dumpsters) on a driveway designed for cars.
How we fix itRuts mean the base deformed. Small areas are excavated and rebuilt. Widespread rutting calls for replacement with a thicker base and asphalt section sized for the heavier vehicles.
How to prevent itTell your contractor about any heavy vehicles before paving, and use plywood under dumpster wheels and trailer jacks.
What you seeA lip has formed at the apron, the sidewalk or the garage slab.
Why it happensDifferent materials settle at different rates, and tree roots and frost lift edges.
How we fix itWe remove and rebuild the transition with a compacted base. At the street we can install a Belgian block or paver apron that ages well.
How to prevent itMake transitions part of the original design rather than an afterthought.
What you seeA patch of interconnected cracks that looks like reptile skin, usually in wheel paths or near the garage.
Why it happensThe base underneath has failed. Water got through surface cracks, softened the stone and soil, and the asphalt is now flexing under every car. It’s a structural failure, not a surface one.
How we fix itWe saw-cut around the failed area, dig out the asphalt and the wet base, install and compact new stone, then patch with hot-mix asphalt. If more than about a quarter of the driveway looks like this, full replacement is the better value.
How to prevent itSeal cracks as soon as they appear, keep downspouts discharging away from the driveway, and sealcoat every 2–3 years.
Downtown businesses and institutions in Bernardsville use us for parking area paving and maintenance. See commercial paving for details.
Plan with confidence
Reviews
★★★★★
Last fall the Old Irish Paving crew repaired our front slate porch and our paver walkway and they did a great job! They came back to complete a minor repair and we are very happy. We are considering using them again for another project.
— Kathleen N., Google review
★★★★★
Wow! What an amazing paving & masonry company. This family-owned company is so knowledgeable and professional. The team gave our home such a clean and upgraded look.
— John Q., Google review
★★★★★
We just had our driveway and front walkway paved and outlined in Belgian block by Old Irish. The company handled the project with very good expertise and experience. The crew was hardworking and went the extra mile, ensuring we were satisfied with the project details from start to finish.
— James M., Google review
FAQ
Typically 15–25 years with good base work, drainage, sealcoating every 2–3 years and prompt crack filling.
Only if the base is sound and the surface has minor damage. Otherwise we remove it and rebuild. See paving over old asphalt.
Yes. Belgian block curbing and aprons are among our most common Bernardsville projects. They protect asphalt edges on long drives and suit the area’s classic estate style.
Usually after 2–3 days, longer in hot weather. Avoid sharp turns while stationary for the first few weeks.
No. Every 2–3 years is right for most driveways. Sealing too often builds up a film that can crack and peel.
Regrade the driveway so it pitches away from the garage, or install a trench drain across the driveway in front of the door, piped to a dry well or daylight.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your driveway, patio, steps or masonry project. Tom or a member of the family will call you back promptly to book a free on-site visit and a written quote.
Prefer to talk? (908) 992-2345
