FAQ’s

Asphalt paving and sealcoating are two very different services, but one supports the longevity of the other in a very significant way. 

Asphalt paving is a type of construction. More specifically, it’s the creation of reliable, long-lasting surfaces out of hot asphalt. Asphalt is a composite material that contains aggregates, sand, fillers, and a binder. The binder, called bitumen, is a petroleum byproduct that gives cured surfaces strength, resiliency, and pliability. Contractors use asphalt paving to build driveways, parking lots, roads, airport runways, and more.

Asphalt surfaces need ongoing maintenance, and that’s where sealcoating comes in. Asphalt sealcoating is a form of preventative maintenance. It’s a protective coating that shields blacktop surfaces from UV rays, water penetration, chemical spills, and other damaging factors.

Asphalt pavement can last several years with regular care. The average lifespan is around 20 years, but well-maintained surfaces can last 30 or more. It all depends on the level of care provided and the types of stresses a surface experiences.

Factors that impact longevity include:

• Construction quality
• Maintenance
• Exposure levels
• Traffic volume
• Climate
• Drainage

Realistically, every form of damage warrants asphalt repair. Contrary to popular belief, asphalt paving isn’t indestructible. Years of wear, exposure to the elements, and excessive weight can cause damage.

The most common form of damage affecting asphalt paving is cracking. However, surface raveling, rutting, potholes, alligator cracking, subsidence, and more can also cause distress. Whatever the case, it’s important to invest in professional asphalt repair services as soon as possible.

Prompt repair work can mitigate the effects of damage, preventing further problems and continued deterioration. Contractors use methods like filling and sealing to address cracks, patching to correct potholes, and more. Successful repairs restore your pavement’s reliability while also removing safety concerns.

A new asphalt driveway is a fantastic investment that can transform residential properties in many ways. Compared to alternative materials like concrete, asphalt has lower upfront costs. It’s also faster to install and offers straightforward maintenance requirements.

Asphalt’s longevity is also a significant benefit. With proper installation and care, you can enjoy decades of reliability. A perfectly engineered and built driveway can instantly improve safety, enhance accessibility, and boost curb appeal. It can even raise property values by up to 10 percent.

Resurfacing is a unique service that can restore old, damaged, or discolored pavement to its former glory. It involves removing upper layers of distressed paving before applying a fresh overlay.

To remove old material, contractors use large milling machines. They feature rotating drums and sharp cutters that pulverize asphalt. The equipment works precisely, allowing teams to mill just a few inches off the top of your blacktop while keeping the foundation intact.

That’s critical for resurfacing, as contractors reuse the foundation to support the new overlay. The overlay is simply a layer of fresh, hot asphalt that teams lay and compact as if they were paving a new surface. The finished result is a like-new look at a fraction of the cost of reconstruction.

Not all paved surfaces are candidates for resurfacing. Before starting a project, contractors will closely examine the pavement. They’ll consider the following factors to determine if resurfacing is the right move:

• • Pavement Age: The ideal time for resurfacing is when asphalt is 15 to 20 years old. Any older, and it’s typically better to plan for reconstruction, as the surface is already approaching the end of its lifespan.
  • Extent of Damage: Resurfacing isn’t suitable for blacktop surfaces with widespread damage. This service can correct recurring issues and surface deterioration, but it won’t correct deep-rooted problems or degradation that covers more than roughly 30 percent of the total surface area.
  • Foundation Integrity: Because resurfacing reuses the existing foundation, it must remain structurally strong. Contractors can perform light foundation repairs after milling, but the lower layers must be in relatively good condition to qualify for resurfacing.

If your pavement meets the mark, resurfacing can add years of longevity. An overlay can last up to 15 years, significantly extending pavement lifespan.

Asphalt sealcoating is a vital service that can help prevent major damage while prolonging the lifespan of asphalt paving. It’s a type of preventative maintenance.

During a service appointment, contractors will prepare the surface before applying several thin coats of an asphalt emulsion sealer. Once cured, that sealer forms a protective barrier over your asphalt. It shields the pavement from several damaging elements, including:

• Harsh UV Rays
• Water Penetration
• Corrosive Road Chemicals
• Leaking Vehicle Fluids
• General Surface Wear
• Freeze/Thaw Damage

Sealcoating is a service you must schedule regularly throughout your pavement’s life. Typically, contractors recommend reapplication every 3 to 5 years, but your pavement’s exact needs may vary.

When done regularly, asphalt sealcoating provides many benefits.

• Damage Mitigation: Sealcoating prevents oxidation and premature wear, ultimately helping you avoid major damage and costly repairs.
• Longevity: With damage prevention comes greater longevity. Sealcoating is key to maximizing your pavement’s lifespan and avoiding early reconstruction.
• Safety: Sealcoating contractors can also make your blacktop safer. The protection offered minimizes the risk of safety hazards developing. Contractors can also use additives to increase traction and slip resistance.
• Curb Appeal: Every sealcoating appointment is transformative, restoring your pavement’s glossy black finish for elevated aesthetics.

Parking lot paving is a multi-step process. It all begins with careful planning and engineering. After understanding your needs, contractors will engineer the surface to ensure optimal load-bearing capabilities that match your intended use.

By carefully selecting materials and ensuring robust thickness, contractors can fine-tune the final product to give your pavement the strength needed to accommodate the types of vehicles your parking lot will serve. From standard passenger vehicles to heavy-duty industrial vehicles and multi-use parking lots, the best contractors can do it all.

From there comes the design process. During this stage, contractors will work with you to finalize the shape and layout, ensuring traffic efficiency and proper capacity. Then, teams can begin constructing your parking lot.

After excavation and site clearing, teams will perform soil tests. These tests reveal which amendments the soil may need to support your parking lot paving. Contractors haul in aggregates that can strengthen the load-bearing capacity. This process, called subbase preparation, builds the foundation. It involves spreading aggregates, compacting material, and grading it all to create a subtle slope for drainage.

The final step is laying the hot asphalt. Trucks deliver the correct asphalt grade to the worksite. Teams can then spread it, compacting the material with heavy-duty rollers to bond the various materials into one solid surface.

Finished paving requires up to 72 hours to cure before it’s ready for traffic. The material will continue to cure for up to a year after construction, benefiting from additional compaction with every vehicle that uses your parking lot.