Asphalt Walkways

Asphalt walkways offer Long Island homeowners and commercial property managers a durable, quick-to-install, and budget-friendly solution for connecting buildings, parking areas, and outdoor spaces. While pavers and concrete often take the spotlight in residential settings, asphalt is the material of choice when you need a smooth, continuous surface over a longer distance, or when a project calls for a clean and functional path without the higher cost of decorative finishes. Brothers Paving & Masonry Corporation has extensive experience with asphalt paving on Long Island, and we apply the same precision and attention to base preparation on walkway projects as we do on large commercial parking lots.

Hot-mix asphalt, often referred to as blacktop, is a combination of aggregate stone and liquid asphalt cement that is mixed at high temperatures and placed while still hot. Once compacted by a roller, it forms a dense, flexible surface that handles foot traffic, wheelchairs, strollers, and light utility carts with ease. The inherent flexibility of asphalt is one of its greatest advantages on Long Island. Our region's freeze-thaw cycles cause the ground to expand and contract throughout the winter months, and asphalt's ability to flex with these movements makes it far less likely to crack than rigid surfaces when installed over a proper base.

Our walkway installation process begins with a thorough site evaluation. We assess the existing grade, identify any drainage concerns, and determine the optimal path alignment. Excavation typically extends eight to ten inches below the finished surface to accommodate a compacted gravel base of at least six inches, topped by two to three inches of hot-mix asphalt placed in one or two lifts. We compact each layer with vibratory equipment to achieve the density required for a long-lasting surface.

Grading and drainage are particularly important for asphalt walkways because water that pools on the surface can accelerate deterioration. We crown or cross-slope every walkway so water sheets off to landscaped areas or existing drainage infrastructure. Where necessary, we install catch basins or trench drains to manage heavier runoff, a consideration that is especially relevant for commercial properties and HOA common areas on Long Island.

Asphalt walkways are an excellent choice for several common Long Island applications. Community associations and apartment complexes use them to create accessible paths between buildings and amenities. Homeowners with long properties or large side yards appreciate the speed and value of an asphalt path compared to pavers or concrete. Schools, parks, and municipal facilities rely on asphalt for its ADA-compliant smoothness and easy snow removal. If aesthetics are a concern, we can integrate paver or Belgian block borders along the edges to add visual definition and a finished look that blends with surrounding hardscaping.

Maintenance for an asphalt walkway is minimal but important. We recommend sealcoating the surface for the first time about 12 months after installation and then every two to three years thereafter. Sealcoat protects the asphalt binder from UV degradation and moisture infiltration, both of which can shorten the life of the pavement. Crack filling should be performed promptly whenever small cracks appear to prevent water from reaching the base layer. With proper maintenance, an asphalt walkway on Long Island can deliver 15 to 20 years of reliable service before resurfacing is needed.

Brothers Paving sources our hot-mix asphalt from reputable Long Island plants and verifies mix design and temperature at the point of delivery. Our paving crews use commercial-grade compaction equipment sized appropriately for walkway widths, ensuring a smooth and uniform finish even on narrower paths. We coordinate traffic control and pedestrian safety on commercial sites and always leave the job clean and ready for use.

If you are looking for a cost-effective walkway solution that can be installed quickly, handles Long Island weather with minimal fuss, and provides a smooth surface for all users, asphalt deserves serious consideration. Contact Brothers Paving & Masonry Corporation today for a free estimate on your asphalt walkway project.