FAQ'S

Asphalt paving and sealcoating are two distinct services, but both help you get beautiful, long-lasting pavement. Paving refers to the construction of new surfaces, be it a parking lot, driveway, loading dock, etc.

Asphalt paving specifies that the material of choice is asphalt, which contains a mix of aggregates, fillers and bitumen binder.Asphalt sealcoating is a maintenance service that maintains asphalt paving over the long haul. It's a protective coating that helps shield pavement from harsh UV rays, water penetration, rough wear, leaking fluids and other damaging factors.

Both asphalt paving and sealcoating use asphalt-based materials. However, one refers to new construction, while the other revolves around long-term maintenance.

Asphalt is one of the most popular paving materials in the world, and there are several reasons why.

First, asphalt is a versatile material. Contractors engineer paving based on intended traffic, adjusting the pavement's thickness, asphalt mix and more to ensure it has the necessary load-bearing capacity. Asphalt is also durable regardless of application. It's flexible enough to adapt to various traffic and weather changes.

Another reason asphalt is the go-to choice for pavement is its lower cost. It's more affordable than the alternatives. Furthermore, it's quicker to install and requires less downtime for curing.

Finally, asphalt is easy to maintain. Contractors can provide services that enhance longevity and repairs to address any damage that arises.

The average lifespan of asphalt paving is 15 to 20 years. However, great care can extend that life expectancy to 30 years or more. Many factors will impact longevity, including the quality of construction, the materials used and the level of care provided.

A lack of proper maintenance, extreme wear and wear exposure can shorten the lifespan of asphalt pavement. However, vigilant care, timely repairs and other proactive measures can keep the material in great shape for decades.

Asphalt overlays are a fantastic way to rejuvenate older, damage-prone pavement. An overlay is a fresh layer of asphalt applied to an existing foundation. It's the final process in asphalt resurfacing projects. After milling the pavement to a specific depth, contractors apply new asphalt to give the pavement a like-new look.

Overlays can address various concerns. Properly installed overlays can improve aesthetics, correct roughness or unevenness, replace weakened asphalt prone to damage and more.

Whether it's appropriate for your needs depends on your pavement's age and condition. Generally, asphalt overlays are a great solution for surfaces that are over 20 years old, buying more time before full replacement. However, an overlay may not benefit paving with substantial or widespread damage. Overlays are also unsuitable if the deeper foundation layers suffer damage or structural integrity issues. Experienced contractors can assess your pavement to determine if getting an overlay will benefit you.

Parking lot installation begins with comprehensive planning and engineering. Contractors and engineers develop construction plans based on the parking lot's intended traffic and available space, focusing on strength, durability and optimization.

Construction starts with land clearing and excavation. Teams clear the land, grade the soil and create a subtle slope to ensure proper drainage. Contractors will also perform soil tests to understand its load-bearing capacity. If necessary, paving companies will amend the soil for optimal strength.

Next comes the base layer. Teams spread aggregate material before compacting it to create a solid foundation for the pavement. Hot asphalt follows. Contractors spread the material to a precise thickness, using rollers to compact it for density and strength. After curing, the surface is ready for use. At that point, teams can apply parking lot striping to create a design that enhances safety, traffic efficiency and accessibility.

There are several ways to keep asphalt paving in good condition over its lifespan.

• • Cleaning: Regularly sweeping away dirt, trash and other debris will prevent buildup that could cause premature oxidation and degradation. Periodic washing will remove stains and stubborn grime.
  • Crack Filling: Filling and sealing cracks at least once annually will prevent water penetration, potholes and severe damage.
  • Sealcoating: Sealcoating every three to five years protects your pavement from damaging factors like harsh UV rays, rain, chemical spills, etc.
  • Repairs: Timely repairs are paramount. Hire contractors to patch potholes as they develop to avoid rapid deterioration and additional damage.
  • Inspections: Regular inspections can help you stay on top of asphalt care. Contractors will look for early signs of trouble, recommend vital services and help you develop a maintenance routine that works for your paving.

Asphalt repair is necessary whenever your pavement experiences damage. Even minor issues require attention to prevent them from worsening over time. Seek professional repairs whenever you notice these signs of damage.

• Cracking: Cracks can develop on even the most well-maintained surface. Whether caused by exposure and oxidation or sudden stress from excessive weight, it's important to fill and seal voids to prevent water infiltration.
• Potholes: Potholes are large voids often created by water penetration and soil erosion. This damage is dangerous. Furthermore, small holes can spread the longer you delay repairs. Contractors can correct potholes with asphalt patching techniques.
• Surface Unevenness: Depressions, buckling and other leveling issues can create an uncomfortable driving experience and become a dangerous tripping hazard. Resurfacing or patching may be necessary to correct the damage and restore your pavement's smooth finish.
• Drainage Problems: Standing water is asphalt's biggest enemy. Improve drainage to prevent standing water that can deteriorate your asphalt.
• Fading and Discoloration: Discoloration indicates oxidative damage caused by UV exposure, chemical spills and more. Sealcoating can provide much-needed protection to slow down deterioration and protect your pavement.

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Parking lot striping ensures that your property is safe, easy to navigate and accessible to all. Fresh striping is necessary whenever you've completed new construction. Stripes should mark parking areas, fire lanes, ADA-compliant parking spots and more.

New striping is also necessary when redesigning your parking lot layout or after you complete projects that involve sealcoating or resurfacing.

Existing stripes also need attention. Contractors generally recommend restriping lines and pavement markings whenever the paint loses 25 percent of its visibility. For most lots, that happens every 18 to 24 months.

Crack sealing is a repair method used to restore the finish of asphalt paving while preventing water penetration. This particular technique helps mend working cracks that need to move, expand or contract. After cleaning and possibly routing the crack, contractors fill it with a specialized sealing compound. The compound remains flexible, allowing the pavement to move while preventing the crack from spreading and keeping water out.

Asphalt milling is a controlled method of removing damaged asphalt. Contractors use heavy-duty machinery equipped with rollers and cutters. The cutters pulverize asphalt to a specified depth, allowing professionals to remove material precisely.

Milling is most common with resurfacing or reconstruction projects. In resurfacing, milling removes the upper layers of asphalt while leaving the foundation intact, allowing contractors to apply a fresh overlay. Asphalt milling is also beneficial when tackling unevenness or correcting drainage issues. The precision of milling makes it a great choice for correcting a surface's slope, smoothing transition points and more.