Asphalt can be durable, but that doesn’t mean it will never need repair. Regularly performing small maintenance tasks can keep your asphalt surface looking great and functioning properly.

Weeds, oil and chemical spills, drainage problems, and standing water should be tended to right away. If left unchecked, these can lead to larger issues that will require costly repairs.

Seal Coating

Seal coating is a process that transforms faded asphalt to an almost brand-new look. It also protects the asphalt from damage by UV rays, water, oil, chemicals, and traffic. It also helps fill small cracks and voids that may otherwise cause the asphalt to deteriorate quickly. It’s a cost effective way to keep your pavement in good condition, and it extends the life of the asphalt.

The process of seal coating consists of applying a liquid product to the surface of the asphalt. This product is then rolled or squeegeed onto the asphalt to create an even and thick layer that seals the surface, and fills in any small cracks. The pavement then gets a dark and rich appearance that is appealing to many property owners.

Before the seal coat can be applied, it’s important to ensure the pavement is clean and free from debris. Any potholes and cracks need to be filled with asphalt or patching material, and any vehicle fluids like oil should be removed. Once the surface is ready, it’s best to allow for a few hours of dry weather, and barricade the area to prevent access while the seal coat is drying.

The seal coat itself is composed of bituminous or acrylic based products, along with water, silica sand, and additives. These ingredients are mixed in a proportioning formulation that’s called a mix design, and it varies depending on the manufacturer of the sealcoating product. The mix design will also vary according to the pavement condition, traffic frequency, and age.

Choosing the correct type of asphalt sealcoat is important. Refined coal tar is the standard for most sealcoats, as it provides a high level of protection and a durable deep black finish. However, it does not offer resistance to petrochemicals such as gasoline and oil. It’s also known to be toxic to humans and animals if not properly ventilated during application.

For this reason, a majority of contractors are now using asphalt emulsions, which are less toxic and easier to ventilate. These types of emulsions have been shown to be more environmentally friendly, and they also offer superior performance and durability compared to traditional coal tar sealcoats.

Cracksealing

Crack sealing uses rubberized products to stop water infiltration and protect the longevity of your asphalt. This pavement repair is effective for non-working cracks that don’t show significant movement over time and can be done for a fraction of the cost of replacing a section of asphalt.

Asphalt cracks aren’t just unsightly; they can also let water in and erode the base, leading to a variety of problems including rutting, shoving and depressions. Crack sealing prevents moisture and debris from entering these cracks and deteriorating the base, and should be performed before cracks get out of hand.

When performing crack sealing, it’s important to clean out the cracks with a blower or compressor set at a minimum of 90 psi. This will avoid dirt from one crack being blown back into cleaned cracks. Cracks should be prepared by routing or saw cutting to create a reservoir, which will allow the sealant to adhere better to the sides of the crack. Cracks should be sealed when the pavement is warm, but not hot. This allows the sealant to expand and contract with the temperature changes, rather than forming a hardened, brittle crack.

Pavement damage is often the result of a number of different factors, including distortions (rutting), environmental and climate influences, traffic loading, or cut corners in the initial installation. A slurry seal can be used to repair these types of damages, although it will only offer a short-term solution.

It’s important to visually inspect your pavement every year to identify any new cracks that may need to be filled or sealed. Annual inspections can also identify if existing cracks need to be re-sealed or repaired.

There are a variety of crack filling placement configurations, such as flush fill, overband or reservoir, but the key to successful application is the correct wand tip. The proper wand tip ensures the crack fill is placed at the bottom of the crack, so that it doesn’t push up through the top layer of pavement. It’s also essential to use the right crack sealant for your type of pavement.

Repair

Asphalt is one of the most durable materials used for road construction. This makes it a viable option for commercial parking lots and driveways. However, it can still suffer from severe damage if not properly maintained and repaired. It is important to hire an experienced team to take care of your asphalt surfaces. Here are the services you can expect from a reputable contractor:

Asphalt Pavement Repair

Asphalt repair should start with a full inspection of your pavement. A dependable contractor will check for any structural problems like rutting, shoving and depressions. They will also look for distortions in the surface like buckling or warping. This typically occurs when the base layer is compromised due to a lack of support or improper installation in the first place. It can be exacerbated by the use of heavy vehicles in the area such as trash trucks or tractor trailers. This type of damage can lead to costly repairs such as a complete resurfacing or even a total replacement.

Cracks are another common cause of asphalt deterioration. These should be addressed right away as they can continue to widen over time if not treated. Some types of cracks are easier to fix than others. For example, alligator cracks are shallow surface defects that resemble the skin of an alligator. These can usually be repaired with an asphalt crack filler. Other cracks require a more extensive repair such as an overlay or complete replacement.

Other structural problems with your asphalt surfaces include sinkage or heaving. These issues are often caused by water and heat eroding the binding agents in the asphalt. They can also be the result of chemical spills and stains that continue to sink into the pavement until they are addressed.

A good asphalt service provider will also offer preventive maintenance solutions. These can be done on a regular basis to slow down the deterioration of your surfaces. For instance, they can apply an asphalt sealant to protect the surface from UV rays and heat and to prevent water damage to the sub base. This helps extend the lifespan of your asphalt surfaces by several years. They can also treat minor surface imperfections like alligator cracks, potholes, reflective cracks and oil spots.

Maintenance

Asphalt has some very interesting properties that make it a highly effective pavement material. It can withstand heavy loads, it can be used for different purposes and it has an excellent lifespan that’s longer than most other materials. Despite its durability, this material is still subject to wear and tear, which means it’s important for owners and managers of commercial property to understand the different asphalt services available to them.

Asphalt maintenance includes everything from repairing small areas of damage to resurfacing the entire lot. It’s also essential to regularly sealcoat asphalt, which protects it from weather damage and other deteriorating factors. By performing these important asphalt services, you can help ensure your commercial property’s asphalt surfaces last longer and look better.

It’s important to find a reliable and trustworthy asphalt service provider. This is why you should ask for references from past clients and read reviews online before deciding which company to hire. You want to be sure the company you choose is experienced and can provide top-notch workmanship.

A quality asphalt service can help you save money in the long run. Whether you need to repair potholes, smooth your parking lot or restripe faded lines and directional markings, it’s worth the investment. Not only will it improve the safety standards of your business and property, but it will also show customers and tenants that you care about the quality of your property.

When choosing an asphalt service provider, be sure to find out if they are familiar with the local climate and terrain. This way, they can offer options that are best suited for your location and the conditions it faces. You should also ask for examples of their work and what kind of results you can expect from them.

The most common type of asphalt damage is what’s known as “fatigue cracking.” This involves jagged and interconnected cracks that resemble alligator skin. This type of damage can be caused by increased traffic, environmental or climate influences or simply cutting corners in the initial installation. If left untreated, this type of damage can weaken the subgrade, leading to costly repairs like BST overlays and full depth patching.