Serving Chester & Morris County
New blacktop driveways, private roads, parking lots, overlays and repairs in Chester, 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
Chester, NJ
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry provides asphalt paving in Chester, 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.
For Chester’s long driveways and private lanes we focus on compaction, drainage and heavier asphalt where trucks, oil deliveries and plows travel.
Chester’s hilly, rocky terrain means steep driveways, ledge rock close to the surface and plenty of runoff, so grading, drainage and a heavy stone base are essential. 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 Chester and nearby Morris County: some are specific to local soils, terrain and housing, others are common across New Jersey.
What you seeRuts, gullies and exposed stone after heavy storms on long driveways.
Why it happensHillside runoff crossing or running down the drive with no swale or culvert.
How we fix itWe crown the drive, cut drainage swales, add culvert pipes where water crosses, and pave on a heavier base.
How to prevent itClear culverts and swales every spring and fall.
What you seeRock appears just below the surface when excavating for walls, patios or driveways.
Why it happensChester sits on rocky, glacially shaped ground with shallow bedrock in places.
How we fix itWe plan grades to work with the rock where possible and use proper equipment where removal is necessary, pricing it transparently.
How to prevent itAsk for rock clauses in any quote so there are no surprises.
What you seeA back yard too steep for a patio, play area or lawn.
Why it happensNatural hillside terrain.
How we fix itTerraced retaining walls in natural stone or block create level areas, with steps connecting each level.
How to prevent itDesign drainage behind every wall from day one.
What you seeThe sides of the driveway are breaking off into the lawn, especially where cars drive close to the edge.
Why it happensAsphalt edges with no support underneath, or with base that stops short of the edge, crack under tire loads. Lawn sprinklers and runoff wash out the soil beside them.
How we fix itWe cut back to solid asphalt, extend and compact the base beyond the paved edge, repave, and often install Belgian block curbing to lock the edge in place.
How to prevent itBuild the base wider than the asphalt, tamp the edges at a bevel, and keep heavy vehicles off the outer foot of the driveway.
What you seeChunks of asphalt are pushed onto the lawn every winter, and the edges get rougher each year.
Why it happensUnsupported asphalt edges, and plow blades set too low.
How we fix itWe rebuild the edges on a wider base and install Belgian block curbing as a solid, plow-resistant border.
How to prevent itMark the edges with stakes before winter and ask your plow service to use a shoe or rubber edge.
What you seeThe driveway has turned light gray, the stones are showing, and it feels rough underfoot.
Why it happensSun (UV), water and road salt oxidize the asphalt binder over time, making the surface brittle and porous.
How we fix itIf the surface is structurally sound, we fill cracks and sealcoat to restore color and protection. If the stone is coming loose (raveling), a 1.5–2″ overlay renews the surface.
How to prevent itSealcoat every 2–3 years starting 6–12 months after paving, and don’t over-seal yearly, which can cause peeling.
Main Street shops, farms and small businesses in Chester use us for parking area paving, repairs and sealcoating. See commercial paving for details.
Plan with confidence
Reviews
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
I met with the owner Thomas, who gave me ideas and choices for the look I was trying to envision. The crew tore up my old cracked concrete patio and sidewalk and installed gorgeous new pavers. They did the work promptly and professionally and cleaned up well after the jobsite.
— Dawn G., Google review
★★★★★
Last month they did my backyard stoop, patio and walkway, and added a french drain to a sump pit in the yard. They did an amazing job! I highly recommend them for any paving and masonry work. Tom and crew are a pleasure to deal with.
— Bill P., 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. Long and steep driveways are common in Chester. We grade and crown them for drainage, use a heavier compacted base and add swales, culverts or Belgian block edging where water would otherwise wash out the edges.
Usually after 2–3 days, longer in hot weather. Avoid sharp turns while stationary for the first few weeks.
No. Bagged cold patch is a temporary fix. A permanent repair is saw-cut, excavated, rebuilt with compacted stone and filled with hot-mix asphalt.
No. Every 2–3 years is right for most driveways. Sealing too often builds up a film that can crack and peel.
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
