Asphalt Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers to common questions about asphalt.
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What is asphalt?
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate, sand, filler, and binder used for constructing and maintaining driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, sports areas, roads, and other surfaces. The aggregates may include rock, gravel, and slags.
Today, some manufacturers also use various waste and by-products like construction and demolition debris as aggregates.
What are the benefits of asphalt?
The most significant benefit of asphalt paving is that it is cost-effective for installation and maintenance. It is durable, safe, and reliable with proper maintenance.
Many property owners also choose this paving product for its high recyclability.
Does asphalt come in other colors besides black?
Asphalt is generally black. However, by mixing this paving product with various additives, you can get other colors and styles.
What is asphalt sealcoating?
Sealcoating involves applying a thin liquid layer over your driveway, parking lot, or other surfaces to protect them against the elements.
Over time, oils, rain, and various chemicals can result in an unsightly and unsafe brittle surface. Many property owners prefer maintaining their pavement with sealcoating.
What is the difference between sealcoating and resurfacing?
Resurfacing is a structural repair that will extend the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot, driveway, or any other surface. It involves patching and resurfacing the old asphalt surface with a new asphalt overlay of about 1.5 to 3 inches.
On the other hand, sealcoating does not involve structural repair. Adding a fresh asphalt layer is just like painting your house. While the seal coat will protect and extend your asphalt’s life, it will not fix the structural defects on your existing driveway or other surfaces.
Sealcoating is generally more cost-effective than resurfacing your asphalt paving.
How often should I apply a seal coat on asphalt pavement?
You should apply seal coating every one to three years, depending on the traffic your asphalt driveway or parking lot receives.
What causes plants to grow in the middle of asphalt paving?
Plant or grass seeds that find their way beneath the surface before paving can sprout in the driveway or parking lot.
Highly compacted surfaces usually experience minimal vegetative growths. You may need to use chemical sprays to decimate grass appearing on your asphalt driveway.
How long can I wait to use my driveway
New asphalt driveways take over 30 days to cure, depending on the weather conditions.
Generally, however, you can drive on the surface after 24 to 48 hours without worrying about tire marks if you are careful.
Why shouldn’t I apply asphalt driveway paving during winter?
Paving projects use hot-mix asphalt. Therefore, it is best to pave during warm weather rather than the cold winter. The asphalt mix should remain hot to compact and perform properly.
Cold temperatures will chill the hot mixture during transportation from the production plant to your property.
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