FINANCING AVAILABLE
Your Questions About Asphalt Paving, Answered
Have questions about asphalt paving, driveway repairs, or what to expect during your project? You’re in the right place. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions Maryland homeowners ask before getting started.
What time of year is best to install brand new asphalt?
- The best time of year for asphalt paving varies depending on the region of the country. In our area, we typically begin paving in April and continue through the end of December.
How will you prep my property for a new asphalt driveway?
- Each property is different and requires an on-site evaluation. Many factors determine the type of prep work required for a property i.e. the sub-base and soil under your current driveway. During preparation, we will tear out any old asphalt or soil and bring the gravel base up to the proper grade and pitch. We then compact the gravel to prevent any future settling.
How long do asphalt driveways typically last?
- An asphalt driveway that has been properly installed using quality materials should last between 20-35 years. Some factors that can affect a driveway’s longevity include weather conditions, sub-soil conditions, drainage, and usage.
Do you guarantee your asphalt paving work?
- Our guarantee of workmanship is on every proposal.
How long after paving can I drive and park on my new driveway?
- You will be able to drive and park on your driveway 24 hours after the paving is completed. However, for the first couple of summers, you should avoid parking in the same spot every day and be mindful to not turn your wheel when stopped. Also note that kickstands, motorcycles, chairs, and car ramps may cause depressions.
Some asphalt paving terms to understand:
Wear and Flushing – Traffic wear and snowplowing tend to remove cover aggregate from paved lots. Slight wear is normal; however, a significant loss may be a result of poor construction practices which are aggravated by high traffic volume. Extensive wear and loss of pavement create a flushed surface resulting in asphalt oil bleeds through the surface. When this occurs, tracking and ruts may appear.
- Recommendation: Apply a new seal coating to the surface.
Loss of Surface – The top layer of the sealcoat may come loose and peel off. The failure of the bond between layers may be caused by applying sealcoat over dirt/debris or if an application is completed in weather that is too cold. Sealcoat is often applied less than an eighth of an inch thick and is potentially susceptible to breakage if not applied properly. The edges are the most vulnerable, especially at intersections.
- Recommendation: Patch repair. Extensive damage may require a new sealcoat or overlay. Considerations include current traffic, Future traffic flow and volume, asphalt quality, and drainage issues.
Potholes – The loss of surface will eventually lead to the loss of base and the formation of potholes. Early surface repair and proper maintenance can help keep potholes from occurring. Extensive potholes may be an indication that there are water retention areas, a lack of bonding oils, or poor base conditions.
- Recommendation: Improvements in base gravel and drainage may be indicated before resealing.
Patching – Surface failure such as rutting, cracking, and loss of surface may be an indication that the sealcoating has an expired service life. Another issue may be inadequate base gravel and traffic volume.
- Recommendation: The surface failure may be remedied with patch repairs using a hot or cold mix asphalt material. Crack sealing may be indicated for bonding broken areas where cracks are further apart.
Edge Cracking – Typically, edges are the most susceptible to early cracking from traffic volume. The cracking may occur due to the fact that the adjacent sealed surface does not support the edges and may have potential drainage issues.
- Recommendation: Improve area drainage and patch.
Alligator Cracking – a series of interconnecting cracks in an asphalt pavement surface that form a pattern resembling an alligator’s hide. In the early stages, alligator cracking may be distinguished by a single longitudinal crack in the wheel path. These cracks indicate a fatigue failure of the surface layer and may be a sign that the base gravel is inadequate for the traffic volume and poor drainage.
- Recommendation: Consider base repair and drainage improvement before resealing.
Do you still have questions about your next asphalt paving project? We’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for driveway repairs, new installation, or expert advice, our team is just a call or click away!
Contact Goode Paving Inc. today for clear answers, honest guidance, and a free estimate.
