FAQ

Asphalt paving is one of the most popular forms of hard-surface pavement in North America and beyond. It makes up everything from highways and landing strips to parking lots and driveways. But what is it, exactly?

Also known as blacktop, asphalt paving is a composite material composed of aggregates, sand, fillers, and a binder called bitumen. A petroleum byproduct, bitumen is a black, sticky substance that binds aggregates, resulting in a stable surface perfect for pedestrian, vehicle, and even industrial activity.

During construction, asphalt paving companies prepare the site by building a subbase foundation. After compacting and leveling the subgrade, teams introduce aggregates to increase the soil’s load-bearing capacity. Then, they compact and grade the foundation, creating a subtle slope for drainage.

There are many types of asphalt mixes that contractors can then lay to create a paved surface. Every asphalt grade is unique, including various ingredients and mix ratios to achieve specific properties and strengths. No matter the formula, manufacturers combine and heat the various ingredients to create a hot asphalt mix. Once it arrives at the construction site, it’s between 275 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Asphalt paving contractors work quickly to lay and compact the hot asphalt before it cools. Thorough compaction binds everything together. Blacktop paving requires up to 72 hours to cure before it’s ready for traffic. The material continues to cure over the next several months to a full year, benefiting from additional compaction caused by vehicles. Once fully cured, asphalt surfaces can last for upwards of three decades.

Asphalt paving and sealcoating are two different services. However, both play a vital role in creating reliable, long-lasting surfaces for commercial and industrial properties.

Asphalt paving refers to the construction of brand-new pavements. Contractors use hot asphalt build everything from parking lots to loading docks, precisely engineering every surface to meet the client’s exact needs and intended use.

Sealcoating is a form of preventative maintenance that protects asphalt paving from damage. Asphalt is tough, but it’s not immune to weathering and wear. During a sealcoating appointment, contractors apply thin coats of an asphalt emulsion sealer. Once cured, it forms a protective barrier over the asphalt, shielding it from rain, UV rays, chemical spills, leaking oil, and more.

Well-built, properly maintained blacktop paving can last for several decades. The average lifespan for commercial asphalt paving is 15 to 25 years. However, it’s not uncommon for surfaces to last for 30 years or more.

Many factors will impact longevity. Some of the most significant factors include the quality of construction, the amount of traffic a pavement receives, the types of vehicles it accommodates, its exposure to the elements, and the level of care it receives. Maintenance tasks such as cleaning, crack sealing, timely repairs, and sealcoating can add years to the life of asphalt paving.

Many incorrectly assume that asphalt paving is immune to damage. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it is resilient, years of wear and exposure can take a toll. The most common forms of damage to affect asphalt surfaces include cracks, potholes, surface raveling, alligator cracking, settling, buckling, edge cracking, and more.

Asphalt repair contractors can address these issues using techniques like patching. They can also utilize repair compounds to address damage and improve safety. Some forms of damage, including subsidence and structural integrity concerns, may require more extensive repair and restoration work.

Whatever the case, it’s important to seek service from experienced asphalt repair companies as soon as possible. Neglecting repair work can cause damage to worsen, rapidly deteriorating the asphalt, leaving you with only the option to repave. Timely repairs are key to restoring safety, functionality, and longevity.

Crack sealing is a form of asphalt crack repair. Cracks are among the most common issues that property owners and managers face. Sealing prevents cracks from spreading, addresses safety concerns, and keeps water out.

This repair method is for working (active) cracks. Working cracks exhibit considerable movement under the weight of vehicles or during freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, standard rigid crack-filler compounds won’t do much for these defects. Instead, contractors typically route cracks before sealing them with a flexible, hot-applied rubberized compound. This flexible material facilitates movement while preventing water intrusion and spread.

The busiest time of year for asphalt sealcoating contractors is spring and summer. That’s because the warmer months are ideal for successful asphalt sealing.

Asphalt sealers require temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to cure and bond. That threshold applies to both air and ground temperatures. Any lower, and the sealer is at high risk of freezing in place rather than adhering to the asphalt paving. Cooler temperatures and high humidity will also delay the curing timeline.

Sealcoating requires up to 48 hours to cure, so temperatures must be stable throughout. In spring and summer, conditions are warm and stable, providing contractors with the ideal environment for successful sealcoating.

Parking lot striping enhances safety, traffic efficiency, and curb appeal while ensuring properties are fully compliant with applicable federal, state, and local codes. However, parking lot striping paint doesn’t last forever. It fades over time due to weather exposure and wear. Therefore, you’ll need to regularly hire parking lot striping contractors to ensure all lines and pavement markings remain visible.

Experts recommend restriping parking lot surfaces once the existing paint has lost about 25 percent of its visibility. When that happens depends on several factors, including the type of paint used, traffic volume, weather exposure, etc. For standard water-based and solvent-based paints, visibility drops to that 25 percent threshold around 18 to 24 months.

The best approach is to schedule regular inspections. During these visits, striping contractors will assess visibility and wear to help you develop a striping schedule that meets your parking lot’s unique needs.