Asphalt paving and sealcoating are complementary services with very different purposes. Paving involves constructing a brand-new surface—typically a parking lot, road, or driveway—using a blend of aggregates, bitumen, and filler. It's what pavement contractors do when building a surface from the ground up.

Sealcoating, on the other hand, is a maintenance service. It adds a protective topcoat that shields the asphalt from UV rays, water intrusion, oil spills, and daily wear. While asphalt paving lays the foundation, sealcoating extends its lifespan and keeps it looking new.

Asphalt is flexible, durable, and cost-effective—making it one of the most widely used paving materials in the world. Austin paving contractors frequently recommend it due to its resilience in Texas’ hot climate and ability to withstand heavy traffic loads.

It installs quickly, cures faster than concrete, and is easy to maintain over time. Plus, repairs and enhancements like overlays and sealcoating are straightforward and affordable compared to other paving materials.

Well-constructed asphalt surfaces can last 15 to 20 years, with the potential to exceed 30 years when properly maintained. Lifespan depends on several factors including traffic levels, climate, base preparation, and ongoing maintenance like crack sealing and sealcoating.

Working with experienced asphalt paving contractors ensures your surface is built to withstand wear while minimizing costly repairs down the line.

An asphalt overlay is a cost-effective resurfacing solution where a new layer of asphalt is applied over an existing paved surface. It’s a great option if your pavement has surface-level wear but a structurally sound base.

Ideal for parking lots and roads showing cracks, fading, or minor unevenness, overlays restore smoothness and extend life without full reconstruction. If your pavement is over 15–20 years old or shows early signs of aging, a reputable provider of asphalt paving in Austin can assess whether an overlay is appropriate.

The installation process starts with site preparation: clearing, grading, and ensuring proper drainage. Then, a compacted aggregate base is installed to support the asphalt. Once the base passes inspection, hot mix asphalt is applied, rolled, and compacted to the desired thickness. Finally, striping and signage are added for traffic control and ADA compliance.

High-traffic areas like shopping centers or apartment complexes benefit from paving strategies specifically tailored to retail and multifamily needs.

Routine care is essential for keeping your pavement looking great and performing well:

- Sweeping & Cleaning: Prevents buildup and degradation.

- Crack Sealing: Stops water infiltration and structural damage.

- Sealcoating: Every 3–5 years to shield from the elements.

- Timely Repairs: Fix potholes and damage early to avoid more expensive issues.

Professional Inspections: A local team of pavement contractors can identify minor problems before they escalate.

Any sign of damage—no matter how small—should prompt an inspection. Common repair needs include:

- Cracks: Can expand over time if left untreated.

- Potholes: Pose safety risks and often indicate deeper issues.

- Drainage Problems: Standing water signals grade or slope issues.

- Surface Distress: Unevenness and fading affect usability and appearance.

Repair timing is crucial. The sooner you act, the more cost-effective the fix will be.

Crack sealing involves filling moving cracks with a rubberized sealant that expands and contracts with temperature changes. It’s essential for stopping water from getting into the pavement’s base and causing potholes or structural damage. This preventative service is one of the most effective ways to extend your pavement’s life.

Fresh striping enhances both safety and aesthetics. As a rule of thumb, restripe every 18–24 months or whenever visibility drops by 25%. Striping is also needed after sealcoating, overlays, or layout changes.

A professional in asphalt paving for commercial properties can also help you optimize flow, maximize stalls, and ensure ADA compliance.

Asphalt milling removes the top layer of deteriorated asphalt, making room for resurfacing without disturbing the base. It’s ideal for correcting unevenness, improving drainage, or preparing for overlays.

Many asphalt paving contractors use milling as part of a sustainable paving strategy, recycling the removed material and reducing waste.