FAQs
Asphalt Paving Basics
Q: What exactly is asphalt? To most people, “asphalt” refers to the finished product on a roadway or parking lot. But technically speaking, asphalt is the heaviest part of petroleum (oil). After asphalt is separated at a refinery, we can modify it in a variety of ways, including “cutting back” (adding a cutting agent) to make it malleable enough for use. Or emulsifying or pulverizing to gain the right consistency. Asphalt for paving goes through a mixing process to become either hot-mix asphalt, the most common type for flexibility and weather resistance; warm-mix asphalt, which is increasingly popular because it uses less fossil fuel; or cold-mix asphalt, which is ideal for winter pothole repair. Learn more about the asphalt manufacturing process.
Q: How thick does my asphalt need to be? Surface thickness is largely dependent on the types of vehicles and stresses on your parking lot. Share as many details as possible with paving experts, so that we can make the best recommendation on asphalt thickness.
Q: When and why should I sealcoat my driveway? We often recommend that driveways, parking lots and roadways have a sealcoat application every 3-5 years. Sealcoating is a thin liquid layer added over a paved surface to protect it from damage caused by UV rays, rain and snow, and fluids from vehicles. Learn more about the 7 key benefits of sealcoating to save you money.
Q: How do I maintain my asphalt to keep it looking good for years to come? There are many things you can do to keep your asphalt paving looking great. Killing weeds along the edges, treating any oil or gas spills, filling any open cracks, and keeping the pavement sealed will greatly extend the life of any asphalt surface. Look out for these key blacktop maintenance issues. Many do-it-yourself products are available, but keep in mind that many are not up to the standards used by asphalt paving professionals. There is also a skill level required to apply certain products. Applied incorrectly, any repair solution or sealing “cure” can actually cause damage. For these reasons, we recommend getting your asphalt maintenance done by pros.
