Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating?
Asphalt paving and sealcoating are two entirely different services, but they are related and involve asphalt.
Asphalt paving is the construction of new surfaces using hot asphalt mix, which contains aggregates, fillers, and a binder made from a sticky black petroleum byproduct.
Asphalt sealcoating is a form of preventive maintenance that contractors recommend every three to five years. During a sealcoating appointment, contractors apply thin coats of an asphalt emulsion sealer. Once cured, it forms a protective barrier that shields your pavement from weathering and wear.
Why Should I Choose Asphalt Pavement For My Paving Needs?
There are several reasons to choose asphalt over alternatives like gravel or concrete. Some of the most significant advantages include:
- Affordability: Compared to concrete and pavers, asphalt is much more affordable. You can cover a larger surface area at a fraction of the cost to do the same with pricier materials.
- Curb Appeal: Asphalt is universally appealing. It has a glossy black finish that complements any architectural style or landscaping, creating a polished, professional look.
- Straightforward Maintenance: Asphalt is relatively easy to maintain with regular repairs, sealcoating, and crack filling.
- Easy Repairs: Unlike other materials, asphalt doesn’t require extensive demolition to repair. Contractors can patch potholes and mend cracks with ease.
- Longevity: With proper care, asphalt can last 30 years or more.
How Long Will Asphalt Paving Last?
Longevity varies greatly. Asphalt paving’s lifespan largely depends on the quality of construction, the level of care provided, and the amount of traffic and exposure it receives. That said, well-cared-for surfaces can last three decades or more.
What is An Asphalt Overlay And Is It Appropriate For My Needs?
An asphalt overlay is a thin layer of new asphalt applied directly over an existing surface or foundation. Overlay thickness varies, but it’s usually between 1.5 and 3 inches. Contractors typically apply an overlay after milling old, damaged material during a resurfacing project.
Overlays are appropriate in many different scenarios. The most common include:
- Resurfacing: An overlay can replace deteriorated asphalt, adding years of longevity while addressing recurring damage with one improvement.
- Increasing Load-Bearing Capabilities: Overlays can also increase load-bearing capacity when applied to an existing paved surface or foundation.
- Leveling: Contractors can use milling and overlays to adjust surface texture or grading.
What Is The Typical Procedure For Installing A Parking Lot?
Parking lot installation is a multi-step process that includes:
- Planning and Design: All projects begin with careful engineering. Contractors perform soil tests and review a parking lot’s intended use before designing and engineering the pavement for lasting durability.
- Site Prep: Teams excavate the land and amend the soil to ensure a strong foundation.
- Base Installation: Contractors haul in aggregates to increase load-bearing capacity and create a stable, dense foundation.
- Paving and Compaction: Experts lay hot asphalt over the base layer before compacting it with heavy-duty rollers.
- Curing: The hot asphalt can take up to 72 hours to cure. After that, it’s ready for traffic.
How Do I Maintain My Asphalt To Keep It Looking Good For Years To Come?
Maintaining asphalt pavement can help mitigate the risk of damage and early deterioration. Here are some things you can do to preserve your asphalt over the long haul.
- Regular Cleaning: Don’t let filth and grime accumulate on your pavement. Dirt and debris can accelerate oxidation and degradation. Clean your pavement regularly and occasionally wash it to remove stubborn messes.
- Crack Filling: Hire contractors to fill and seal cracks at least once annually. Doing so will prevent voids from spreading and ensure that water stays out of the foundation layers.
- Prompt Repairs: When damage occurs, don’t delay repairs. Have repair professionals visit your property as soon as possible to address the damage and prevent further issues.
- Sealcoating: Seal your asphalt every three to five years to maintain protection against rain, UV rays, leaking vehicle fluids, and more.
When Is Asphalt Repair Needed?
Signs of asphalt damage that warrant prompt repairs include:
- Cracking: Cracks are common, but you shouldn’t ignore them. Every crack is a safety hazard and a potential entry point for water. Crack filling and sealing will prevent cracking from worsening.
- Potholes: Potholes indicate water intrusion and foundation damage. Prompt repairs can prevent further deterioration and improve pavement safety.
- Poor Drainage: Asphalt paving needs efficient drainage. Otherwise, standing water can lead to structural damage and compromised structural integrity. Professional repairs to address drainage concerns can mitigate those risks.
- Buckling: Buckling, settling, and overall unevenness create safety hazards. Furthermore, an uneven surface can accelerate deterioration, create drainage issues, and more.
- Discoloration: Fading, staining, and discoloration indicate oxidation. Discolored asphalt can worsen with time without timely repairs.
- Surface Deterioration: Raveling, rutting, and other surface defects can increase the pavement’s vulnerability to water infiltration and damage.
If you notice any of these signs of damage, contact asphalt repair professionals as soon as possible. Prompt repairs are key to preventing severe distress.
When Is Parking Lot Striping Needed?
Parking lot striping isn’t a one-and-done service. New asphalt surfaces require initial striping and paint application. However, you’ll also need to reapply paint after sealcoating, resurfacing, layout redesigns, and extensive repair work.
Additionally, paint fades with time. Thus, you’ll need to restripe your parking lot regularly to maintain vibrancy, safety, and code compliance. Contractors recommend fresh striping once existing lines have lost roughly 25 percent of their visibility, which is usually every 18 to 24 months with standard paint formulas.
What Is Crack Sealing?
Crack sealing is a form of crack repair that aims to improve surface texture, increase safety, and keep water out. Sealing is similar to crack filling, but it’s for working cracks that require movement.
After cleaning out the void and, when necessary, routing the crack, contractors apply a hot or cold rubberized asphalt sealant. Once cured, the sealant can expand and contract with temperature changes, all while preventing the crack from spreading. It also prevents water infiltration, reducing the risk of further damage.
When Is Asphalt Milling Needed?
Milling is a destructive process that involves precisely removing the upper layers of asphalt. Contractors use milling machines that can pulverize the pavement layer by layer.
Asphalt milling is a also typical procedure during resurfacing projects. The milling process prepares the surface for a new overlay. Contractors can also mill pavement to remove material for reconstruction, smooth out uneven areas, and improve drainage.
