Asphalt Paving Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS YOUR SQUARE FOOT PRICE?
The square foot price varies greatly depending on the size, scope of the work and your location in conjunction with the asphalt plant.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO STAY OFF OF IT AFTER THE JOB IS COMPLETE?
Once your new asphalt has cooled, which is usually overnight, you can drive your vehicle on it. However, just a few things to keep in mind: The hot summer sun can easily heat the asphalt up to a point that can cause surface blemishes if you’re not careful.
Power steering divots: When turning around in your driveway, make sure you’re always in motion while turning your steering wheel. If you see a blemish from a power steering divot, grab a short 2X4 and a hammer and pound the asphalt back down. But don’t worry, its not something to be concerned about and it will disappear over time!
Commercial Vehicles: (UPS deliveries, Concrete Mixer Trucks, Tractors and Skid Steers) If it is an absolute must, the only time this would be safe is early in the morning when the asphalt is the coolest. We recommend leaving the caution tape up to keep the UPS trucks off of your new asphalt. Unfortunately, we cannot warranty any damaged caused by commercial vehicles.
HOW THICK SHOULD THE PAVEMENT BE?
Structural integrity is improved by the thickness of the pavement. However, anything more than 3” of compacted hot asphalt for a residential driveway is overkill. Anything less than 3” will shorten the life span unless you’re overlaying an existing asphalt driveway.
If you’re looking at paving a new parking lot or anything that requires commercial use, we recommend hiring an engineer to give you the proper advice on the base course and asphalt thickness and installation guidelines.
If you live in an area with expansive soils and you want to prevent cracking, we require that you hire an engineer to design a pavement installation design prior to acquiring an estimate and/or installation.
WHAT IS AN OVERLAY?
An overlay is defined by adding a new layer of asphalt over existing asphalt or concrete.
HOW LONG DOES ASPHALT LAST?
Asphalt can last between 20 and 30 years if maintained properly.
CAN YOU PAVE OVER CONCRETE?
Yes! However, reflective cracking can and probably will occur. Paving fabric may be used to help prevent cracking.
WHAT IS PAVING FABRIC?
Paving fabric is a fabric specifically designed for paving overlays. Very similar to a landscape fabric, but thicker and much more durable, paving fabric is installed prior to an overlay by spraying tack oil and then rolling and stretching out the fabric on the existing asphalt. This stengthens the overlay and helps to prevent reflective cracking.
WHY IS TACK COAT NEEDED ON AN OVERLAY?
Tack coat is like a glue that helps to adhere the new asphalt to the old.
WHAT IS RECYCLED ASPHALT?
Amazingly, asphalt is the most recycled material in the world, even exceeding aluminum! All new asphalt has between 15% and 20% of crushed, recycled asphalt mixed into the new mix. Virgin material can be purchased however, experts highly recommend refraining the use of virgin material any new installation unless it is being used on the bottom of multiple lifts.
Recycled asphalt can also be used as a less expensive driveway application. However, recycled asphalt has rubber, oil and line paint all mixed together and can be very easily tracked into your home and vehicle.
SHOULD NEW ASPHALT BE SEAL COATED?
No! There are some unethical companies that will attempt to sell seal coat immediately after installation in exchange for an extended warranty. Avoid this at all costs!!
WHEN SHOULD A PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY BE SEALED?
When you want it to look as close to new as possible again! The first initial seal is usually 3 to 4 years
after installation, then every 3 to 5 years thereafter.
WHAT TYPE OF MAINTENANCE CAN I EXPECT TO DO?
Crack Sealing:
Cracks in the asphalt is probably the most critical maintenance needed. Water entering the cracks can undermine the asphalt causing further deterioration and pavement failure.
We recommend hiring a professional asphalt services company to seal the cracks. They will seal all cracks ¼” or wider with a hot pour rubberized sealer. Several different types of crack sealant can be purchase at your local hardware store or an asphalt maintenance supply company if you prefer to do it yourself.
Seal Coat:
Seal Coat does 2 things:
- Gives the asphalt a “near new” appearance. However, keep in mind… sealcoat is a liquid that when applied is the equivalent to painting a wrecked car. You’ll still see the blemishes, but the color will be uniform.
- Seals the surface from water penetration and slows down the sun oxidization process.
Patching:
Patching is done when needed due to pavement failure and is usually a service that is provided more for commercial applications where the looks are much less critical. If you have at paved driveway at your home, patching your asphalt driveway will make it look.. well… patched! If the looks are more important to you then an overlay or a removal and replacement would be a better fix.