How much does a new asphalt driveway cost in Arlington, VA?
Most homeowners in Arlington pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for a standard residential asphalt driveway (approximately 600 square feet), at $7–$15 per square foot installed. North Arlington and Lyon Village properties with longer driveways typically run $5,000–$10,000+. Call 571-427-0191 for a free on-site estimate.
Do I need a permit to pave a driveway in Arlington County?
Any excavation within the Arlington County right-of-way requires an Excavation ROW permit under Arlington County Code Chapter 22. Private driveway work may also require a residential building permit. Arlington Elite Asphalt handles permit coordination as part of every applicable job. Questions: Arlington Inspection Services at (703) 228-3800.
Is asphalt or concrete better for a driveway in Virginia?
Asphalt is the better choice for most Northern Virginia homeowners. It flexes through freeze-thaw cycles better than rigid concrete (which cracks in DC metro winters), costs roughly half as much ($7–$15/sq ft vs $14–$20/sq ft for concrete), and can be resurfaced rather than replaced when it shows wear. Concrete lasts longer but costs significantly more both to install and to repair.
What is the best time to pave an asphalt driveway in Arlington?
April through October, when daytime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Asphalt is compacted at 275–300°F; cold ambient air causes it to cool too quickly, reducing density. Spring and early fall offer ideal conditions — Arlington Elite Asphalt monitors weather forecasts and schedules around weather windows.
How long does an asphalt driveway last in Northern Virginia?
20–30 years with proper maintenance. Sealcoating every 2–3 years protects against UV oxidation and water infiltration and can extend driveway life by 5–10 years. Crack filling, done early before cracks exceed 1 inch wide, adds another 3–5 years.
How much does sealcoating cost in Arlington, VA?
A standard Arlington residential driveway costs $250–$600 for two-coat asphalt emulsion sealcoating ($0.15–$0.50/sq ft). Crack filling before sealing adds $1–$3 per linear foot. Arlington Elite Asphalt schedules sealcoating on the same crew routes as Arlington paving jobs — typically available within 1–2 weeks of booking.
What is the difference between asphalt resurfacing and full driveway replacement?
Resurfacing (overlay) lays 1.5–2 inches of new hot-mix asphalt over an existing surface that still has a structurally sound base — it costs $3–$6/sq ft and is the right call when the base is solid and cracks are surface-level. Full replacement removes all existing asphalt, inspects and rebuilds the aggregate base, and installs 2.5–3 inches of new asphalt — it costs $7–$15/sq ft and is necessary when the base has failed or there is significant heaving, alligator cracking, or drainage problems. We assess every driveway honestly and recommend the least expensive option that solves the actual problem.
How do I maintain an asphalt driveway in Northern Virginia?
A proper maintenance schedule extends driveway life 5–10 years beyond the baseline 20–25 year lifespan: (1) Sealcoat every 2–3 years, starting no earlier than 12 months after installation to allow full curing. (2) Fill cracks immediately when they appear — before they reach 1 inch wide, water infiltration through open cracks is the single biggest driver of premature failure. (3) Avoid de-icing salts, which degrade asphalt binders — use sand or calcium magnesium acetate. (4) Don't allow fuel or oil spills to sit — petroleum products dissolve asphalt binders over time. (5) Avoid concentrated loads in the same spot during the first 6–12 months while the surface is still curing.
How long does asphalt paving take in Arlington?
Most residential driveways (400–800 sq ft) are completed in a single day. Larger driveways or jobs requiring significant grading take 2 days. From first call to finished surface: estimate visit within 24–48 hours, permit processing (where required) adds 3–7 days, and scheduling typically puts you on the calendar within 1–3 weeks. Commercial parking lots are sized to scope — a 10,000 sq ft lot typically takes 3–5 days including line striping.
Does Arlington Elite Asphalt do commercial parking lot paving?
Yes — commercial parking lots are a significant part of our work throughout Northern Virginia. We handle full new construction paving, mill-and-overlay resurfacing, pothole and crack repairs, ADA-compliant ramp and accessible space installation, line striping, and phased paving to keep your lot operational during construction. We've worked with retail centers, office parks, HOA community parking, and restaurant/small business lots across Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties. Commercial quotes include itemized pricing with no hidden fees.
