Asphalt Paving Education & FAQs

Q: How long will a new asphalt driveway or parking lot last?

A: Customers can expect a properly installed surface, using the right materials, to last in excess of 25 years. With the proper attention and diligent maintenance, the asphalt surface could reach an age in excess of 40 years.

Q: How long should I wait before driving on a newly paved surface?

A: This is somewhat dependent on the temperature. 24 hours is usually sufficient, but in warmer temperatures 48 hours is recommended.

Q: What causes potholes to form?

A: There could be many contributing factors leading to the formation of potholes. If the asphalt surface was put on too thin it could break down under heavier loads or poor drainage. This would result in the subgrade to be compromised and begin to break down. Quality of materials will also play a part in whether potholes could form. Asphalt that has not been prepared correctly, without the correct mixture of oil perhaps, would also be a contributing factor.

Q: What is cold milling/Grinding?

A: With the use of specialized equipment, this relates to the removal of pavement to a desired depth. This will restore the surface to a desired grade free of imperfections such as ruts or bumps. Grinding is usually performed along edges where the road meets a sidewalk or curb. This will prevent any unsightly lips on the edge of the pavement.

Q: Should a paved surface be seal coated right away?

A: Asphalt should be left alone to cure or harden for at least one to two years before any seal coating is performed.

Q: Can asphalt repairs be done in the winter?

A: Minor repairs can be done in the winter months using cold patch, but any major repairs should be done during prime conditions.

Q: How do I maintain my driveway to keep it looking good for years to come?

A: Sealing cracks when they appear will help to prevent the base layer from breaking down due to moisture. If these cracks are at least a quarter inch thick, asphalt crack sealer should be used to prevent further deterioration. Seal coating your driveway every 2 to 3 years will give the look of a newly paved driveway and make the surface more resistant to moisture as well as gas and oil spills.

Email: *

Message: *

Reasons to Pave:

Curb appeal, aesthetically pleasing
Smooth driving surface
Increases property value
Helps with snow removal
Assists in maintaining your car’s value

A completed paving job will be reflected by the quality of asphalt, stone and workmanship that went into its construction. An asphalt paved surface is made up of several layers of natural granular material covered with one or more waterproof bituminous (asphalt) surface layers. A base of the proper thickness and material is necessary for a long lasting driveway. In general, this consists of approximately two inches of compacted asphalt set over a crushed stone base of four to six inches. The pavement is made to bend or flex. The objective of the design is to avoid excessive stress being put onto any one layer. The weight is distributed to the layers below, which ultimately will cause the pavement to hold up. In flexible pavements, the load distribution pattern changes from one layer to another, because the strength of each layer is different. Asphalt hardens as it ages and becomes much less likely to depress or scar over time. Rough areas and scars in the initial pavement will often smooth out on their own due to its flexibility.

An accurate grade is also extremely important to ensure that there is proper run off and no low spots. These low points in the pavement will create puddles during times of precipitation. The moisture will cause the base layers to break down over time which in turn results in cracking and potholes.

Possible Causes of Asphalt Deterioration:

Moisture
Traffic Load
Subgrade
Construction Quality
Spills from gasoline, oil, anti-freeze, power steering and transmission fluids

We are here to help with any questions you may have about our process, services, company, etc. We would be happy to hear from you and will respond within 48 to 72 hours. Simply fill out and submit the form and we will help out in any way possible.

Subject: *

Name: *