Have questions about asphalt repair, installation and maintenance? Take a look at the list below for answers to frequently asked questions.
Don’t see your question? Contact us for more information.
What’s the difference between asphalt, blacktop and sealcoat?
Asphalt and blacktop are different names for the same thing – kind of like soda and pop. To put it simply: asphalt is the actual pavement, installed in layers and compacted for strength. Sealcoat, is the protective top coat that is applied over the asphalt pavement.
Asphalt is a combination of aggregate and sand held together by asphalt cement (binder).
How long will new asphalt pavement last?
With proper maintenance and installation, new asphalt will last between 10 and 20 years depending on weather conditions and traffic.
What are my options for fixing failing asphalt?
Depending on what’s going on, you may have more than one option. One of ASO’s pavement consultants will do a professional analysis and talk through your options with you. We may be able to do an overlay of the existing asphalt, or we may need to mill and pave, or in some cases, if the base is failing, we will remove and replace the existing asphalt.
Can the work be done in stages to accommodate our employees, customers, and/or residents?
Yes! We know how important it is to minimize the inconvenience of a construction project, so we work hard to make the process as painless as possible.
How long will I have to stay off the asphalt?
We normally recommend staying off new asphalt pavement for at least 24 hours, but during really hot weather you may have to stay off longer. Your ASO consultant will advise you on this based on weather conditions.
ASO concrete services include: driveways and other flat-work, concrete approaches, dumpster pads, concrete curbing, catch-basin and collar repair.
Our concrete projects begin at $1,500.
How long do I have to stay off of new concrete?
We usually recommend waiting seven days for vehicular traffic, but foot traffic is usually allowed on new concrete within 12-24 hours. There are also additives available that can shorten the curing time, if needed.
Yes, and our concrete is sealed immediately after pouring. It should be cleaned and resealed every three years.
If prepared and poured correctly, concrete should last 20-25 years. Cleaning, sealing and minimizing the usage of salt will also extend its life.
What is sealcoat and why is it necessary?
Sealcoat is an asphalt-based liquid product that is applied to the surface of asphalt pavement to preserve, protect and extend the life of the asphalt.
Asphalt pavement is mostly rock and/or stone and gravel, along with a binder. The rock, or aggregate, is held together with this binder known as asphalt cement. Maintaining this binder is essential to preserve the service life of asphalt surfaces. Rain, U.V. rays, and chemicals, as they are introduced into the asphalt, will degrade the binder and thus begin the degradation process of the asphalt. This process will continue and create a surface that turns brittle unless sealcoat is applied.
How often is sealcoat necessary?
We recommend two coats of sealcoat six months to one year after your surface is paved and then one coat every 3 years thereafter to provide adequate pavement protection as well as attractive curb appeal for your commercial property or home.
Does sealcoat fill in the cracks or do I need to have crack sealing as well?
That depends on the number and size of the cracks. For instance: if the pavement surface looks like an alligator’s back, you may need something more extensive than seal coat and crack-sealing. Contact us for a free evaluation.
What size of cracks need to be sealed?
There is not an exact formula, but generally, cracks in asphalt that are ¼” or wider need to be sealed with crack seal. They should be filled as soon as possible to prevent moisture from seeping beneath the asphalt pavement and into the base.
How long do I have to stay off fresh sealcoat?
We recommend staying off fresh sealcoat for at least 24 hours, but during really hot or humid weather you may have to stay off longer. Your ASO consultant will advise you on this based on weather conditions.