How to Keep Asphalt From Deteriorating: Sealcoating Your Paved Driveway or Parking Lot Can Help

When you're spending the money to have your driveway or parking lot professionally paved, you don't want the asphalt to deteriorate any sooner than necessary. Sealcoat the surface to protect your walking and driving areas from wear and tear.

Have you noticed cracks or holes forming in your asphalt driveway or parking lot, thanks to years of car and foot traffic? Or are you laying down new pavement and want to make it last as long as possible? Professional pavers employ a process known as sealcoating to lengthen the life of an asphalt surface. Sealcoating will not only make your driveway or parking lot more durable but will also help it maintain its clean, smooth look in the face of repeated use. Contact a paving contractor in your area to discuss whether sealcoating is right for your new or existing asphalt surface.

How It Works

As tough as it is, asphalt can be damaged by sun exposure, excessive rain, ice, and temperature changes. Years of gasoline and oil drippings from cars can also cause surface deterioration. Not only will deteriorating asphalt fade from a crisp black to an ugly gray, but it can also become rough and crack open-and water accumulating in pavement cracks or holes can lead to further damage. Sealcoating a pavement area approximately 60 days after the initial asphalt application will protect it from weather and car fluid damage in the years ahead, lengthening the overall life of your paving. Driveway sealer is composed of a coal-tar emulsion, sometimes fortified with rubber or silica sand for increased durability. A paving contractor will apply sealer either by brush or by spraying it over the area; the method may depend upon the size of the area to be sealed, or upon the individual contractor's preference.

Repair and Resealing

If you want to seal a driveway or parking lot that is several years old and has already begun to deteriorate, the paving contractor must first repair the damaged asphalt. This may involve filling any holes or cracks in the pavement, as well as smoothing out rough areas. It's also a good idea to clean up any oil stains before applying sealcoating, as once they're sealed in, those stains are permanent. In general, you should apply a new coat of driveway sealer every two to three years. Resealing and minor repairs will almost always be less expensive than having to completely replace the pavement.

Benefits

Having a sealed driveway or parking lot surface has benefits far beyond the money saved on re-paving. For starters, the smooth, sealed finish will be easier to clean than cracked, stained asphalt, enabling you to keep your property looking its best. Even more importantly, sealed pavement is safer to walk and drive on. Large cracks and holes can pose a tripping hazard for individuals of all ages. Meanwhile, brittle, deteriorating asphalt can form potholes, which can prove hazardous to drivers. Properly maintaining your driveway or parking lot area by sealcoating the asphalt will protect both your investment and the individuals who use the space. Contact a parking lot or driveway paving specialist near you to learn more about your sealcoating options.

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The Professional Qualities of a Paving Company

If you are a property owner who is in need of paving services, you much be very careful looking for a company to hire. There are numerous, fly-by-the-night paving contractors out there that will take advantage of you and your money. To avoid a botched paving job, a huge mess, and a financial loss, be sure to do your research and always feel comfortable asking questions. Continue reading to learn which qualities you should look for in a paving company.

Doing Your Research

The best way to research dependable paving companies in your area is to look online, and to ask around for references. Word of mouth is a great way to find a reliable company to work with because the person giving the recommendation has experience working with the company in the past, and likely has proof that they did a great job. Looking on the internet is another terrific method because you will be able to locate the companies in your area, and review their presence online. You can peruse their website for information about their services, look for customer reviews, pictures of their work, and their company contact information. Once you have a list of companies you would like to interview, be sure to choose one that checks off on virtually all of the following credentials:

Licensing and Insurance

One of the most important credentials to look for is proper licensing and insurance. You want a licensed and insured company because this means they are true industry professionals and a legitimate business. Without a license, they could be any Joe Shmoe with a few paving tools and a bucket of bitumen from the home improvement store down the road. A license proves they are a real company, and insurance proves they are liable and covered in case of an accident or mistake.

Experience

The second most important quality a licensed and insured paving company should retain is experience, both in business and skill. It is hands-on experience that counts when it comes to results. Training only gets a paver so far; it is the learning curve of experience that proves their proficiency. Choose a paving company that has been around for a long time, because it proves they have experience and a strong customer following.

Company Reviews

A licensed and insured paving company that has served their communities for over a decade should have some customer reviews to read. If they do not, it could be reason for concern. Read their company reviews online, or call and ask where you can find their past client testimonials. This will give you an idea of how they do business and what their clientele thinks of their service.

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Why Paving Contractors Choose Asphalt

Among the available materials for paving roads and driveways, asphalt has been the choice of many paving contractor for the many advantages it has over other materials like concrete. There are a lot of asphalt solutions for urban, suburban or rural roads that can greatly be useful in coping with the stresses of heavy traffic.

The advantage of asphalt starts from its being cost-efficient. It is usually about 30 to 40 percent cheaper than concrete. Cost is an important factor in any project, of course for a project to push through the total costing must fit within the client's budget.

Next, the laying of asphalt only takes 1 to 2 days to complete whereas concrete takes several days longer. There is also a big difference in the time of usability of asphalt and concrete. Asphalt paving can already be used after 2 to 4 days depending on the time of year when the paving is laid, for example it cures or hardens faster in the Spring and Fall and takes longer in the Summer as the summer heat causes it to melt, while concrete paving may only be used after 7 days after it is placed. Concrete may takes less time to harden if a high early mix which is quite expensive.

General road maintenance is important to lengthen the life of the road structure that is why paving contractors prefer asphalt over concrete. When repair and maintenance is needed, asphalt can be easily opened and can be placed back quickly thereby the flow of traffic is not affected. It is also significantly cheaper in contrast to the cost of the material used in concrete which is higher.

When it comes to spalling, asphalt unlike concrete does not flake on the surface. The flaking of the concrete is primarily caused by the improper setting up of the material, too much water that is mixed in the concrete and the salt that is added to it.

Cracking is also a big issue for paving contractors. While concrete needs central joints to prevent it from cracking, asphalt is highly flexible which means that the pavement is less likely to split up or break. Also, asphalt is 100% recyclable thus using it instead of concrete may preserve non-renewable natural resources.

Noise both on the inside and outside of the vehicle can be greatly reduced when asphalt is used for paving. In fact, among all the traditional road surfaces asphalt roads have been proven to have the lowest noise level. What's more the recent development of porous asphalts has reduced the noise level even further.

Paving contractors has favored the use of asphalt for the past years for so many reasons which include like its higher level of skid resistance and versatility that have all been proven to contribute to the safety of the our roads. And with the continuing improvements in asphalt paving, it will remain the material of choice of many paving contractors for the years to come.

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Protecting and Prolonging the Life of Pavement

The surprisingly reasonable installation cost of asphalt pavement as opposed to concrete puts property owners in a position to spread out maintenance cost over a twenty or thirty year time frame.

Over time most roadways and driveways need asphalt maintenance to keep them in usable condition. The biggest enemies to pavement are water and the sun. Cracks in driveways can allow water to enter the road base layer and begin to wash away the compacted base that provides the foundation for the driving surface. If asphalt pavement is neglected too long, the water damage eventually leads to pot holes and large areas of road failure. Keeping the water out of the base is the primary function of Sealcoating and pavement maintenance.

Sealcoating is the process in which a new protective and durable layer of slurry sealcoat material is sprayed or squeegee on top of existing pavement. Slurry Sealcoat has aggregate embedded into the asphalt mix to provide a new wearing surface for the driveway or parking lot. This process serves the purpose of sealing small cracks and adding a barrier coat to protect the pavement surface from the elements that destroy pavement. Paving contractors need to have the specialized equipment and materials necessary to perform this service correctly.

If pavement maintenance is put on the back burner for too long, the condition of the roadway can get to a point where it seems beyond repair. It is vital for asphalt maintenance to recur on a regular basis to ensure the overall reliability of a street, parking lot, or drive way. Some cities and counties around the country keep an asphalt paving company on retainer for seal coating and other routine maintenance activities. Professional pavement maintenance contractors are the best option for corporate driveways and shopping center parking lots, etc. Check for these few items when choosing a contractor. Choose a contractor that has a good reputation and has also been in the business for many years. Choose a paving contractor that has exclusive rights to materials in your area, these asphalt contractors have worked hard to earn their authorized material contractor status.

Regular pavement maintenance is a necessary evil for any privately owned paved road or street made from asphalt. Keeping in contact with a local asphalt paving company and scheduling regular Sealcoating applications to your shopping center can be the best way to protect a large investment property and it ensure the asphalt driveway can best service patrons and attract new businesses.

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The Benefits of an Asphalt Driveway

Learn some of the benefits of having an asphalt driveway. 

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Driveway Sealers Provide For A Long Lasting Driveway

For the proper maintenance of an asphalt driveway you should include the application of an asphalt sealer. There are various kinds of sealers available on the market today and it can either be applied professionally or completed by the homeowner. Regular maintenance by adding a sealant to the asphalt driveway is done every three to four years to keep the road way looking great.

By sealing the asphalt driveway with a protective covering you go a long way toward preventing the material from deteriorating. The ultraviolet rays coming from the sun, leaked oils and grease, and road salts are all elements that can deteriorate the driveway. When all of these elements are combined, the binder material of the asphalt will surely deteriorate and its aggregate layer is going to be exposed to the natural elements. There are several types of driveway sealers but getting the right one for your situation is actually an easy task.

Sealers are of two basic varieties, the coal tar and the asphalt. The products are contained in an emulsion material which is generally oil-based. Sealers can also contain polymers, sand, latex, clay and other additives that are necessary to fill in the cracks and provide further protection against the harmful sun rays, oils and salt that come in contact in the surface of the driveway. The applications based on coal tar are actually produced from a by-product of the process of coal production and they are known to be the tougher application. Products made of coal tar will give off more toxic odors and they are not environmentally friendly like the products based on asphalt. The emulsion will bond with the asphalt driveway so that it gives protection. A majority of stains like oil and grease can also be removed easily if the driveway is sealed. A lot of asphalt based sealing products do have some coal tar but generally they are friendlier to the environment and slightly much easier to apply.

These do it yourself products can be purchased in all hardware stores, home improvement shops and a lot of retail stores. These products can be easily applied by using a roller and squeegee. This can also be done in just one day. The available asphalt sealers for professional pavement sealing business are generally of higher quality and of longer life. A homeowner has to make up his mind on when and how the driveway should be protected. This is something that should be done regularly.

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Tips For Choosing the Best Asphalt Paving and Maintenance Company

When you're ready to get your asphalt driveway paved, you want to make sure that you're hiring the very best company for your needs. If you're going to put out the money and spend the time to get it paved, you want it paved correctly! You also want to make sure that company can handle any maintenance that needs to be performed after the paving job. Here are some important tips for choosing the best asphalt paving and maintenance company.

Make Sure the Company is Reputable -

Before you hire an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you want to make sure they are good standing and well respected within your community. There are a few different ways to check this and the first one would be to get references. The more recent the references are, the better. Actually call the contact numbers and speak with the people. Find out how they liked the paving job and how long it took.

Also, ask if the estimated price was what they ended up paying and whether they would hire the company again. This is a great way to find out if a company is worth hiring or not. You can also check out their job pictures as a great idea of how good their work is. Many companies will have their gallery right on their website for you to view, making it easy for you to judge their work.

Interview the Owner -

Another great way to be able to judge a company you're thinking of hiring is to interview the owner or the person who will be supervising the paving. Ask them important questions - like whether or not they are insured, licensed and bonded. Find out what kind of asphalt they will be using and why they use a particular kind. Ask them to walk you through what happens during a paving and how long it takes to complete.

This will give you a great feel for the company. If the owner or supervisor doesn't speak to you directly or hurries you as if they have other things to do, you may want to consider another company. If a company doesn't have time to talk to the customers (who, by the way, pay the bills), what are the chances that they are going to take their time and do an excellent job on your driveway?

Get an Estimate -

Have someone come to your home that represents the company and get an estimate. Most places will provide you with a free one. Find out each thing they quote a price for and ask them why it's necessary. Some contractors will quote unnecessary work just to get more money out of you. If they don't have a really great reason for doing the work, move on to the next company.

By using these suggestions before hiring an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you can save yourself time and money - and prevent yourself from being swindled or taken advantage of.

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Top Signs You Need a Seal Coat for Your Driveway

If you have an asphalt driveway, it has an estimated average lifespan of 15-25 years when maintained properly. But with constant exposure to the elements, such as sun, wind, salt, heat and cold, the asphalt can deteriorate quickly.

Investing in a seal coat will increase the lifespan of a paved driveway or parking lot by acting as a flexible barrier coating, shielding the asphalt from erosive factors. A seal coat on your driveway prevents essential oils in the asphalt from evaporating over time - causing the asphalt to become dry and brittle through oxidation. When the asphalt is too dry, it will crack and allow water to penetrate the surface of the driveway, creating even more erosion.

To avoid a very costly repair, you should have cracks repaired before they invade a large area of the pavement. If you're unsure if you need a seal coat repair on your driveway or parking lot, check for any of the signs below:

• Discoloration of asphalt (fades from black to gray)
• Surface cracking that appears like peeling paint
• Hairline cracking
• Uneven wear of past seal coat
• 2-3 years since last seal
• Signs of over sealing
• Water standing too long on driveway

Other reasons to get a seal coat include the wear and tear caused by vehicles. Oil and gasoline drip will cause the asphalt in your driveway to crack and break down. Oil spots require a special coal tar sealant to prevent deterioration. This should be applied every 2-3 years.
There are many benefits of seal coat for pavement maintenance:

• Protect and extend the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot
• Prevents water from penetrating the surface which leads to cracking
• Protects against oxidization from the sun (paving materials become dry, brittle)
• Prevents erosion of asphalt
• Costs pennies a square foot compared to repairs
• Prevents oils and salt from breaking down the asphalt
• Aides water run off
• Limits pooling of water
• Slows down surface cracking
• Prevents slip and fall injuries
• Enhances the aesthetics and curbside appeal of property

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Asphalt Paving Companies Perform Many Different Services

If you own a commercial or residential property, chances are at some point you will need to perform maintenance on your parking lot or driveway. There are several things to consider when choosing a contractor to perform these services on your property. Some contractors specialize in concrete and others in asphalt paving and some provide services for both. One important consideration to take when contracting work on your property is whether it is a commercial or residential job. Thus, making sure the company carries the proper insurance. It is also a good idea to check up on the companies insurance, what it covers and the dollar amount of coverage for their policy.

There are two different ways the actual work will take place. Some companies perform their work with in-house crews, and others outsource the actual work to be performed. There are pro's and con's to each. When companies use in-house crews they are able to take on projects and assign a crew to the job within their own company. When using sub-contractors, you are sometimes dealing with other companies work load and their scheduling challenges. One of the pros to using sub-contractors is not to have to keep the crews and equipment busy during the off season or in bad weather. Sometimes companies using sub-contractors just provide project management and administrative services. A lot of times this technique works better due to the many different scopes of work needed to complete the same project.

A good source for finding contractors in your area is on the internet, a lot of reputable companies are normally listed. These companies have information readily available so you can find perspective companies you are considering for hire. You will be able to see projects the company may have already completed. The companies' website is probably the most efficient means of gathering information about them. Using information from this article should be helpful in choosing an asphalt or concrete paving contractor in your area.

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Proper Maintenance for Asphalt Pavement

Asphalt is among the most popular commercial paving materials used today due to its water-resistance, flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and excellent adhesive abilities. All of these properties and more make asphalt pavement an asset that requires a structured level of preservation and care. Otherwise, it is prone to fading, damage, instability, and various other negative implications. With proper preventative maintenance, asphalt pavements can remain beautiful and functional for years. Not only is this ideal for investment purposes, but for liability as well. If you are an involved property owner, continue reading to learn the best methods for asphalt maintenance and care.

Asphalt Maintenance

Although pavement maintenance agendas will differ from property to property, the overall purpose of asphalt maintenance is to sustain its appeal and extend its life. Some paving maintenance tasks can be managed on your own or by an appointed staff, such as inspections and trash clearance; while others are best left in the hands of trained and equipped professionals. An ideal pavement maintenance should include basic tasks like regular assessments, sweeping, crack filling, pothole repair, periodic line striping, and most importantly, seal coating. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements will experience heightened wear and tear from traffic, weather, chemicals, salts, and more, which shortens their life and diminishes their aesthetic value.

Asphalt Seal Coating

Seal coats are emulsions that are brushed or sprayed onto pavements, providing a clear protective layer against moisture and the above-mentioned threats. There are several types of commercial sealcoats available on the market, but the most popular versions include fog seal, slurry seal, and chip seal emulsions. Some sealcoat products are water-based, which are easier and safer to spread. But there are also waterless versions that use organic or plant-based oils or hydrocarbon solvents instead.

Choosing to Seal Coat

If your asphalt pavement is old and in poor condition, it will not likely benefit from a new layer of seal coat. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to repair or replace deteriorated asphalt pavements instead. However, if your asphalt is in good condition, a periodic re-sealing can be a highly-beneficial maintenance decision. Talk to your trusted paving contractor for a professional recommendation of your asphalt's maintenance and sealcoating schedule. They will know exactly what your property needs and at what intervals. The cost of having your asphalt seal-coated will depend on several factors, such as the square footage, the condition of pavement, and any additional surface applications needed.

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Asphalt Maintenance Aspects For Commercial Property Managers

Asphalt maintenance is one facet of property management that is overlooked on a regular basis. If a property owner has a hole in their parking lot, it is not treated with the same urgency that a hole in their roof would require. Unfortunately, this neglect of their asphalt leads to more costly repairs in the future that could have been avoided if the property owner would have followed a preventative maintenance plan for their asphalt.

What is asphalt maintenance? Asphalt maintenance consists of protecting asphalt by employing the following methods (asphalt seal coating, crack repair and asphalt repair) to prevent damage to the existing asphalt.

So why should a property owner have their asphalt seal coated? From the very first moment that asphalt is installed it starts a deterioration process. The asphalt is diminished when the binder that holds all of the aggregate (stone) together begins to oxide from sun light, water and other external conditions. Through the seal coating process, the asphaltic binder is now protected from the aforementioned external conditions. An additional benefit from asphalt seal coating is that the asphalt is now protected from the damaging effects from gasoline , oil, and de-icing salts. The most obvious benefit from asphalt seal coating is the restoration of the original color of the asphalt. The asphalt regains that new appearance for a fraction of the original cost.

Asphalt seal coating is a process in which coal tar emulsion or asphalt emulsion is sprayed or brushed on the asphalt surface. The seal coat material should be applied in two coats in general areas and three coats in the high traffic areas, such as drive lanes.

There is much debate as to what is the best application method for the seal coat material. There is a predominant mindset amongst "old school" seal coaters that brushing the seal coat material is the only way to go. However, there are some short comings from the brushing technique. By brushing the seal coat material the natural indentations of the asphalt are filled in and the asphalt loses its traction. Also, contrary to popular belief thicker is not better when applying the seal coat material. The Seal coat material should be applied at .17 gal/sq. yd. and should never exceed .51 gal/sq. yd. total.

With the short comings of brushing the seal coat material being stated, there is a better alternative. That alternative is spraying the seal coat material. This method allows the seal coat material to be applied evenly without filling the natural grooves of the asphalt. If a contractor states that they brush exclusively, take caution in dealing with these companies. Many times these companies have not invested in updated equipment, which will prevent them from completing the bigger seal coating jobs.

Another aspect of seal coating that is overlooked by customers is the mixture of the seal coat material itself. The material is should be mixed at 25 to 35 gallons of water per 100 gallons of concentrated sealer. Also, the seal coat material should be enhanced with 2-5 pounds of sand per every gallon of sealer. The sand is used to restore traction to the surface after the asphalt has been treated. When creating work specifications make sure to include the amount of desired sand required per gallon of sealer. The smoother the existing surface or the higher the traffic volume will require higher volumes of sand in the seal coat material.

In addition to asphalt seal coating, crack repair is vital to properly caring for asphalt. Due to the settling of the ground, poor base design and asphalt oxidation asphalt will crack. When the asphalt cracks it is exposed to water damage. Water penetrates the cracks and gravity pulls it into the sub-base (stones) which deteriorates that supportive structure. This deterioration leads to asphalt depressions, pot holes and further cracking. Also, in the winter when water expands in the cracks via the freezing process, the cracks widen over time.

Hot tar is applied to the cracks to prevent water penetration. Hot tar is melted to 375 degrees and poured into the cracks. To finish the crack repair process the hot tar is squeeged into the crack to create a 4 inch band. All debris should be removed from the cracks before treatment. Crack repair is a temporary fix and does not replace the need to actually replace the asphalt. However, crack repair is much more cost effective than actual asphalt replacement.

It is said that if 30% or more of asphalt is deteriorated, it is more cost effective to replace it. With that being said, the majority of property owners choose to replace certain sections at a time. One thing to keep in mind is that if an area of asphalt needs replaced because it was sinking, there is definitely a problem with the sub-base and that should be replaced as well.

If the asphalt needs to be replaced there are two methods for replacement. The conventional method is to saw cut the area and replace the asphalt and seal the seams with hot tar. Another modern method consist of using a Infrared Heater to heat the existing asphalt, then additional asphalt is added and the area is compacted. The benefits of using an Infrared heater is that the fix is a seamless fix that will no longer allow water penetration. The major fall back with using infared is that if there is an existing sub-base problem, the asphalt will not be properly repaired if it is only re-heated and not actually removed to replace the underlying stone. In the right conditions, Infrared treatments to asphalt add extra benefits to the property owner because of the final aspect of seamless repair.

The bottom line is that property managers should incorporate an effective asphalt maintenance strategy into their overall preventative maintenance strategy. The benefits of asphalt seal coating, crack repair and asphalt replacement will pay dividends in the future through the avoidance of costly new asphalt. One last point, the asphalt maintenance and pavement marking industry has wide fluctuation in the quality of contractors, so always do your due diligence in the selection process.

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