Find Local Paving in Halifax

Paving contractors offer a wide range of services including asphalt and concrete paving, driveway installation, patio paving, walkway and path paving, resurfacing, sealing, pothole repairs, and commercial parking lot paving. They work with both residential and commercial clients to create durable, level surfaces.

The cost of paving in Canada depends on materials and job size. On average:

• Asphalt paving: $3 to $6 per square foot


• Concrete paving: $7 to $15 per square foot


• Interlocking pavers: $15 to $30 per square foot

Factors like site preparation, access, and removal of old surfaces can also impact pricing.

Paving is typically done during spring, summer, and early fall when temperatures are consistently above 10°C. Cold weather can affect how asphalt and concrete are set, so winter paving is generally not recommended unless using specific cold-mix materials for temporary fixes.

Most residential paving jobs take 1 to 3 days, depending on the size and surface prep required. Commercial projects may take longer. Weather, material curing times, and inspection delays can also affect the timeline.

Both materials perform well if installed correctly, but asphalt is generally preferred in regions with severe freeze-thaw cycles. Asphalt is petroleum-based and slightly flexible, allowing it to move with shifting ground without breaking. It also melts snow faster due to its dark color. Concrete is incredibly durable but rigid; it relies on precisely cut expansion joints to prevent winter cracking.

For fresh asphalt, you should generally keep vehicles off for 3 to 5 days, though you can usually walk on it after 24 hours. For poured concrete, it typically requires 7 full days of curing before it can support the weight of a vehicle.

This process, known as resurfacing or an overlay, is only possible if your existing surface has minor cosmetic issues but a perfectly sound, stable foundation. If the current surface is deeply cracked, sinking, or crumbling, it must be completely removed.

Premature cracking is almost always a symptom of poor sub-base preparation. If the base was not excavated deeply enough, not compacted sufficiently, or if water was allowed to pool beneath the surface, the winter freeze causes the trapped moisture to expand and shatter the material above it.

For asphalt, you should wait at least one full year before applying any sealant to allow the oils to cure fully. After that, sealcoating every 2 to 3 years protects it from UV damage and moisture penetration. Concrete should generally be sealed every 3 to 5 years.

Weeds do not grow from beneath the pavers; they grow from seeds that blow into the joints from the surface. Professional installers use specialized polymeric sand to fill these joints. When activated with water, this sand hardens into a durable bond that deters weed growth and resists insect infestations.