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FAQ’S

What Is the Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating?

Asphalt paving and sealcoating are two distinct services, but both are necessary for maintaining strong, beautiful, and reliable paved surfaces.

Asphalt paving refers to the process of constructing new paved surfaces, such as parking lots and roadways, using asphalt. Asphalt is a composite material composed of aggregates, sand, fillers, and a binder known as bitumen. Bitumen is a petroleum byproduct that binds those ingredients together, creating a tough yet flexible surface.

Sealcoating is a form of protective maintenance that aims to keep asphalt paving in good shape over the long haul. During a sealcoating project, contractors apply thin coats of a special asphalt emulsion sealer. Once cured, that sealer will form a protective barrier that shields asphalt against the elements, chemicals, oils, and wear.

Both asphalt paving and sealcoating involve the use of asphalt. However, asphalt paving is the service you need when investing in new pavement. Meanwhile, sealcoating is the service used to maintain it.

Why Should I Choose Asphalt for My Paving Needs?

There are several reasons to choose asphalt over alternatives such as loose gravel and concrete.

Durability: Asphalt is a hard-wearing material capable of withstanding heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. It resists damage due to its flexibility, but proper engineering also ensures it can withstand heavy traffic volume.
Longevity: With proper care, asphalt can last several decades, providing functionality and safety to residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
Cost-Friendliness: Compared to concrete and other pricier paving materials, asphalt is quite affordable. It’s less expensive, allowing you to cover expansive areas while remaining budget-conscious.
Fast Installation: Asphalt paving projects take less time. Unlike concrete, asphalt doesn’t require days or weeks of curing. Most new asphalt surfaces are ready for traffic within just a few days.
Repairability: When damage occurs, asphalt paving is relatively easy to repair. It doesn’t require full demolition to fix most standard problems; contractors use simple patching techniques to restore safety and reliability.
Ease of Maintenance: Asphalt is easy to maintain throughout its life. Regular cleaning, yearly crack filling and periodic sealcoating are all it needs.
Sustainability: Asphalt is among the most recycled materials in the world. Using it can reduce weight and your environmental impact while promoting sustainability.
Aesthetics: Asphalt is a universally appealing option. The rich black color complements any architecture or landscaping, creating a polished look for any property.

How Long Does Asphalt Paving Last?

The longevity of asphalt paving varies based on several factors. The quality of construction, the type of materials used, and the amount of traffic a surface receives can all significantly impact its lifespan. The level of maintenance provided can also affect longevity.

That said, you can expect asphalt paving to last 15 to 20 years with proper care. Top-notch maintenance can make asphalt pavement last even longer, with 30 years or more of longevity being common.

Routine maintenance and professional care are key. To give your pavement every chance to last for decades, you must invest in regular inspections, repairs, crack filling, and sealcoating. Certain services, such as asphalt resurfacing, can also extend the lifespan of your pavement when performed at the right time.

What Is an Asphalt Overlay, and Is It Appropriate for My Needs?

An asphalt overlay is a new layer of material applied to an existing surface or foundation. New layers are typically 1.5 to 3 inches thick, and most contractors apply them after light milling. It’s the final step in resurfacing projects, transforming old, damaged pavement.

There are many instances in which a new asphalt overlay is a sensible choice. The beauty of overlaying is that contractors can tailor this new layer to meet your specific needs. Overlays are appropriate for addressing a wide range of concerns, including:

Frequent Damage: If your pavement suffers from frequent cracks and potholes, an overlay can cover up the damage and reduce the risks of continued degradation. It’s a fine choice for correcting cracks, potholes, surface raveling, rutting, and more.
Discoloration and Aesthetic Concers: Surfaces can become stained, faded, and discolored over time due to oxidation and wear. Overlays can provide a like-new look, giving your pavement that beautiful finish people know and love about asphalt.
Drainage Problems: Contractors can apply overlays after milling to correct elevation issues that prevent water runoff from draining off your property. It’s a great choice for addressing low spots that collect standing water.
Load-Bearing Capacity Improvements: For pavement with a strong foundation, an asphalt overlay can help increase load-bearing capabilities. An overlay will enhance structural integrity and stability, enabling the surface to support more weight.

What Is the Typical Procedure for Installing a Parking Lot?

Constructing a parking lot is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and strong project management skills.

Site Preparations: All projects begin with site prep. Teams will clear the land of brush and debris before grading the surface and making any necessary adjustments to the soil. Proper site prep can improve stability and ensure proper drainage.
Engineering and Layout Design: After discussing your needs in detail, asphalt companies will engineer the surface to ensure the finished product meets the mark. This includes selecting the appropriate asphalt mix and designing the surface with the correct thickness. Teams will also create the layout, optimizing space, efficiency, and accessibility while ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local code requirements.
Base Installation: Next comes base installation, which involves introducing aggregates to the site. Contractors will spread and compact aggregates to create a stable foundation, increasing load-bearing capabilities and preventing future issues.
Asphalt Laying: Once the base is ready, asphalt companies will lay the asphalt. Teams spread asphalt to the appropriate thickness according to engineering plans.
Compaction: After laying the asphalt, contractors will compact it with heavy-duty rollers. Compaction locks the aggregates of the asphalt together, creating a dense, smooth surface.
Curing: New asphalt paving needs to cure for 24 to 72 hours before it’s ready for light traffic.
Striping and Signage: Only after curing can teams proceed with striping, marking, and signage installation. Stripes help create your parking lot layout, defining individual stalls and establishing traffic patterns to create a functional parking area.

How Do I Maintain My Asphalt to Keep It Looking Good for Years to Come?

There are many steps you can take to maintain your asphalt pavement.

Regular Cleaning: Cleaning helps to prevent grime accumulation. As dirt and debris sit on your pavement, it can accelerate oxidation and damage. Routine cleaning prevents that. Make a habit of sweeping regularly, occasionally washing the pavement, and cleaning up spills as they occur to prevent staining.
Crack Filling and Sealing: Cracks are the most common form of damage to affect asphalt pavement. Fill and seal cracks regularly to prevent them from spreading. Crack repairs also keep water out, mitigating the risk of water penetration and subsequent foundation damage.
Sealcoating: Sealcoating shields pavement from damaging factors like UV rays, rainfall, leaking fluids, chemical damage, and more. Contractors recommend sealcoating every few years for optimal protection.
Repairs: Invest in repairs as soon as possible. Whether dealing with surface raveling or potholes, prompt repairs prevent damage from worsening and restore safety.

The best thing you can do for your pavement is to get professional maintenance. Contractors can inspect your pavement regularly, developing a routine that aligns with its needs.

What Is Asphalt Repair Needed?

Asphalt repairs are necessary whenever damage occurs. Some of the most common forms of damage and distress include:

Cracking: Cracks develop over time as pavement ages and oxidizes. Severe cracking warrants immediate attention, but even hairline voids need filling. Repairs help to prevent water intrusion and more severe harm to your pavement’s foundation.
Potholes: Potholes are a product of water infiltration. They present serious safety concerns and can worsen over time. Contractors can repair them through asphalt patching.
Fading and Discoloration: Fading and discoloration also occur due to aging and oxidation. These issues are often the first indicator that your pavement is in distress, and failing to repair the problem could lead to more severe deterioration.
 Unevenness: Unevenness can happen due to excessive weight, settling, and ground shifting. Whatever the case, uneven pavement is a safety hazard that also ruins the driving experience. Invest in timely repairs to patch or resurface the affected areas.
Poor Drainage: Standing water is your pavement’s biggest enemy, but many forms of damage can ruin its ability to shed water. When that happens, get prompt repairs to prevent water intrusion and eventual structural integrity concerns.

When Is Parking Lot Striping Needed?

Parking lot striping is what turns asphalt paving into a functional parking area.

You’ll need striping whenever you’re completing new parking lot construction. Contractors can create and apply a functional design that prioritizes space efficiency, smooth traffic, and safety.

Striping is also necessary whenever revamping parking lots. If you’re changing the layout, adding new dedicated spaces, or improving accessibility, you must invest in professional striping.

Finally, striping is necessary whenever existing lines and markings fade. Contractors recommend restriping service whenever existing paint loses 25 percent of its visibility. Failing to restripe your parking lot could result in code violations, safety concerns, and liability risks.

What Is Crack Sealing?

Crack sealing is a form of maintenance and repair that aims to mend voids that form on asphalt paving over time.

Crack sealing is similar to crack filling. Both services help keep water out and prevent the damage from worsening.

However, crack sealing is for working cracks that exhibit movement due to traffic or temperature changes. Contractors use a flexible sealing compound to facilitate that movement without putting the crack at risk of spreading.

Crack filling involves a more rigid compound. It’s for non-working cracks that pose a low risk of spreading.

Regardless of the type of cracks you’re dealing with, it’s essential to have asphalt experts assess the damage and perform the necessary repairs.

When Is Asphalt Milling Needed?

Asphalt milling is a destructive process that involves precisely pulverizing the upper layers of asphalt pavement. Contractors use milling machines equipped with rotating drums and cutting blades. These machines allow contractors to remove material layer by layer.

Asphalt milling is useful in many different scenarios. It’s most commonly applied in resurfacing projects, allowing experts to remove damaged surfaces before applying an overlay.

Milling can also benefit repair projects addressing drainage concerns. Milling allows teams to reshape the pavement, perfecting the elevation before an overlay is applied.