By admin Asphalt Driveway • Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

How Long Do You Need to Stay Off The Driveway After Applying An Asphalt Sealcoating?

One of the primary questions residential and commercial property owners want to know about applying a driveway sealcoat involves drying times. More specifically, property owners want to know how long after an asphalt sealcoat has been laid down can they resume usage.

While some resources offer advice such as “48 hours,” the answer is not that simple. A wide range of products can be employed, and each type of asphalt sealcoat dry time differs. It’s also important to keep in mind that seasonal temperatures and weather can impact how long you’ll need to stay off the driveway after applying a driveway sealcoat. For a more precise estimate, these are things property owners would be well-served to consider.

How Will Rain Effect an Asphalt Sealcoat?

Experienced asphalt contractors are careful to check local weather reports. Should Mother Nature deliver unexpected precipitation, an asphalt sealcoat can be rendered uneven or non-existent. Moisture from automatic sprinklers and other delivery systems can have the same negative effect on a newly coated surface. A driveway sealcoat typically must dry for at least 4-8 hours, depending on the product and conditions. Given the impact water can have on sealants, it’s advisable to stay off the driveway until a contractor can rectify the issue.

How Long Does A Driveway Sealcoat Take To Dry During Summer?

The best time to apply an asphalt sealcoat is during the warm-weather months. This timing should also be factored against regional rainy seasons. Some areas of the country experience fast-moving showers and severe weather during periods of high temperatures. That’s why local driveway sealcoat contractors pay special attention during those months.

That being said, it’s typically wise to take advantage of warm weather days with full sunlight. A sealcoat can dry within a few hours when applied in direct sunlight on a warm day. Depending on the product, property owners may be able to walk on their driveway as soon as 4 hours after the process has been completed. In terms of driving an automobile on the newly coated surface, the soonest advisable usage is about 24 hours. Most surfaces require a minimum of 48 hours before vehicles can drive over them without negatively impacting the work. However, if weather conditions are not optimal, it may be in your best interest to stay off the driveway for at least 72 hours.

When Can a Driveway Sealcoat Handle Everyday Use?

It’s essential for property owners to understand that a significant difference exists between walking, driving, and unfettered use. While a fast-drying asphalt sealcoat product can hasten light usage, most materials take much longer to fully cure. It’s not unusual for driveways to require upwards of 30 days before property owners enjoy carefree usage. That’s largely because asphalt sealcoat products may not have hardened enough to withstand oil and fuel staining. A product that has not necessarily completely cured could be negatively impacted by turning car or truck tires in place or hard impacts. The critical point is that home and business owners would be wise to take precautions during the first month to ensure the surface isn’t compromised.

Driveway Sealcoat Best Practices Make A Difference

For an asphalt sealcoat to effectively dry and cure, best practices must be observed. Temperatures should not generally fall below 50 degrees and driveways must be perfectly dry before applying products. Sunny days with low humidity maximize dry times and support effective curing. Never consider applying a driveway sealcoat if the forecast indicates a rain threat within 8-12 hours. If severe weather has been forecast, it may be prudent to postpone the work. Asphalt sealcoat best practices help shorten the time your driveway will be sidelined.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

Timing, Materials, and Labor Determine Asphalt Crack Sealing Project Costs

No property owner wants to unnecessarily spend more money than necessary when hiring a professional to perform asphalt maintenance. Driveways and parking areas typically require asphalt crack repair every 1-3 years to keep them looking pristine and functioning properly. That being said, the average residential or commercial property owner does not have expertise in asphalt maintenance and repair costs.

Knowing the telltale signs that your surface requires prompt asphalt crack repair treatment and care can be somewhat murky. But by knowing when to reach out to a contractor and how pricing works, property owners can make informed decisions. If you believe your driveway or parking lot may need asphalt maintenance and repair, these are things to consider.

What Property Owners Need to Know About Surface Preparation

It’s not uncommon for everyday people to wait too long to hire a contractor. On the other side of the coin, some property owners pay for asphalt maintenance and repairs prematurely. Recognizing the signs, and getting the timing right, can save property owners money. If you notice any of the following, consider getting a quote.

  • Small cracks seem to be spreading.
  • Stone coloration shows through sealant.
  • Small potholes or depressions appear.

The cost of asphalt crack repair and will largely be driven by the percentage of the defects. Property owners shouldn’t allow cracks to cover more than 30 percent of the driveway and never wait until they have separated to ¼ inch in width. Dealing with this normal reaction to severe heat expansion and cold-weather contraction typically calls for routine asphalt maintenance. This may involve workers clearing away loose debris, cleaning cracks, applying filler before sealants. It’s crucial to make repairs and not allow excessive cracking and damage can shorten the life of a driveway or parking area.

Crack Sealing Material Drives Asphalt Maintenance Costs

The cost of sealing an asphalt surface is significantly less expensive than having to repave it. Asphalt crack repair filler and sealants can run less than $1 per square foot of materials, depending on the region. These costs usually increase year-over-year, and issues such as materials shortages and inflation can cause unexpected spikes in price. But all things being equal, the sealants used for asphalt crack repair are generally nominal. Commonly used material may include the following.

  • Asphalt Polymer Emulsion: This eco-friendly material offers reduced application odors. However, it may offer lower protection against oil and gasoline staining.
  • Coal Tar: This most widely used and cost-effective asphalt maintenance material, it provides significant staining protection.
  • Acrylic: Comprised of acrylic and polymers, this option offers sound resistance to staining and remains environmentally friendly. It does rank among the more expensive materials used for asphalt maintenance and repair.

Property owners that may be impacted by downtime sometimes employ fast-drying asphalt sealant materials. Some products can allow foot traffic to resume in a matter of hours, depending on weather and surface conditions. These materials also offer opportunities for automobile traffic sooner as well. However, the downside involves resealing more frequently.

Manpower Cost of Asphalt Maintenance and Crack Repair

It’s not uncommon for asphalt surface contractors to charge property owners based on square footage, over and against the estimated manual labor involved in surface preparation and material applications. Construction professionals with the knowledge and experience to make lasting repairs are in high demand, and workers typically earn the prevailing wages of a specific area. However, the relatively low cost of hiring professionals to make crack repairs usually outweighs DIY struggles and the high price of repaving.

 

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Why Isn’t My Asphalt Surface Smooth?

One of the reasons why you should use a professional asphalt contractor to lay your asphalt is because you can encounter a lot of issues if you attempt to lay asphalt yourself. One of the issues you may encounter is not having an asphalt surface that is smooth. This is problematic because it presents a tripping hazard to those walking on the surface and is not good for bike and car tires. If you have attempted to lay asphalt yourself and the surface is not smooth, here are a few of the reasons why you may have this issue.

Not Enough Asphalt to Bind the Aggregates

Hot asphalt is poured over an aggregate mix to form an asphalt surface, such as a road, driveway or walkway. When asphalt is hot, it has a thick consistency that is slightly soupy or runny. This allows it to get into all of the spaces between the aggregate mixture, creating a solid surface as the asphalt cools and hardens. But, if there is not enough asphalt poured over the aggregate mixture, you may wind up with a surface that is not. If your surface looks lumpy or uneven, this is the most likely cause. Fortunately, this can be relatively easily fixed. A new layer of aggregate and asphalt can be laid by a professional to help even out the surface and make it smooth.

Not Enough Compaction

Another reason why an asphalt surface may not be smooth is because there was not enough compaction. After hot asphalt is poured over an aggregate mixture, that new surface needs to be smoothed. This is done using either a roller or a tamper. Rolling the surface helps to push the hot asphalt down, so it binds to the aggregate mix, while also helping to push out air bubbles. This creates a smooth, level surface. If you notice the surface is not smooth and it looks like rocks or chunks of asphalt are being lifted away, this is the likely culprit. Unfortunately, fixing asphalt that is not properly compacted is not easy. In the worst cases, the entire asphalt surface needs to be removed and needs to be started fresh.

An Unsuitable Aggregate Mix

The final reason why an asphalt surface may not be smooth is because an unsuitable aggregate mix was used. You cannot use any aggregate mix and expect a smooth, level surface. You need to use one that features smooth, crushed rock combined with a mixture of smaller particulates. The exact aggregate mix that is needed will vary based on weather in your area, how much moisture your area gets and how you intend on using the asphalt surface. A professional knows what type of aggregate mix is ideal for your asphalt surface, whereas the average person has no idea what mix to use. There is no way to correct a surface that is not smooth due to the wrong aggregate mix.

If you have an asphalt surface that is not smooth, or you need a new asphalt surface laid, reach out to an asphalt contractor near me. They can ensure that there is enough asphalt to bind the aggregates, ensure the surface is properly compacted and use the right aggregate mix for your surface. Reach out to your preferred professional asphalt contractor today.

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How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

If your asphalt is beginning to show signs of wear, age, or disrepair, it is important to repair the issues in a timely manner. If you fail to do so, the problems within your asphalt surface may worsen. What may have started out as a simple fix may turn into a major repair problem. Read on to learn more about the signs of damaged asphalt and how damaged asphalt can be fixed.

Signs Your Asphalt is In Need of Repair

There are a number of signs that your asphalt may give you if it is in need of repair. Some of the signs that your asphalt may need repairs are seeing the asphalt crumble or erode away, seeing cracks in the asphalt, or seeing depressions, holes, or potholes on your asphalt surface. Another sign that your asphalt may need to be repaired is seeing water puddling or pooling on the surface. Water that is puddling or pooling instead of draining away from asphalt can cause crumbling, cracks, and depressions.

How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

If you notice that there is damage to your asphalt surface, such as crumbling, cracking, or depressions, you will want to call in an asphalt contractor who offers asphalt repair. The first thing that they will do is remove any debris from the surface of the asphalt. This involves removing asphalt and aggregate from cracks and potholes. Once that is done, the asphalt surface will be cleaned. Patches and fills stick best to asphalt that is cleaned. If there is debris on the asphalt, such as oil or food, it can prevent the filler from properly adhering. Once the area is free from debris and cleaned, a professional will use a filler to fill in cracks, holes, depressions, or asphalt erosion. Once the filler is in place, it will be rolled so that it is compacted and so your asphalt surface is completely level.

How to Protect an Asphalt Driveway

If you have a new asphalt surface, or if you have just had yours repaired, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to protect the asphalt surface from damage. While you cannot prevent all types of damage, seal coating an asphalt surface helps to prevent cracking, erosion, and potholes and depressions from forming. The surface of the asphalt should be coated after a surface has been installed or repaired, and every two to three years thereafter.

Reasons to Hire an Asphalt Contractor for Asphalt Repair

If your asphalt is in need of repair, you may find yourself wondering whether you can make the repairs yourself or whether you should hire an asphalt contractor to make the repairs for you. While home improvement stores do sell asphalt patching kits that allow you to make minor repairs to your asphalt surfaces yourself, these kits generally do not solve the problem for a prolonged period of time. They may be quick fixes but they do not last. A professional can properly patch or repair your asphalt so the problem is fixed and so your asphalt functions as good as new once again.

By admin Construction • • • • • 0 Comments

Who Pays for Building and Maintaining Highways?

As you drive down the road, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about who was responsible for building them. At the same time, the safety, security, and quality of our roads are tremendously important. What would happen if our roads were not well-maintained? You would have a hard time getting where you need to go. Therefore, if you are having issues with local roads and highways, who is responsible for building and maintaining them? There are several important points you should keep in mind.

Where Does the Funding Come From?

First, who is responsible for paying people to build and maintain our roads and highways? This usually comes in the form of taxes. Taxes are collected on numerous items. Then, this funding is used to construct our roads. For example, fuel taxes that are collected by the federal, state, and local governments are often used to keep the roads in good working order. And some parts of the country, there are also tolls that are placed on highways and bridges. If tolls are collected, these funds are used to maintain our roads and bridges as well.

Who Hires People To Build and Maintain Roads?

So, who makes the hiring decision? Who is responsible for hiring people to build and maintain our roads? The vast majority of roads and bridges fall under the responsibility of state and local governments. Even though the federal government does play a role, most professionals are hired by state and local governments to work on our roads and bridges. Therefore, it is responsible for those making hiring decisions to make sure they hire the right people for the job. That is where local contractors are essential.

Local Contractors Do the Vast Majority of the Work

When it comes to roads and bridges, the best people for the job are local contractors. Local contractors have the training and experience necessary to build and maintain our roads and bridges. For example, anyone who is planning on laying out a new road for the first time will have to work with contractors who can help them find the right material for the job.

Then, if a repair is needed down the road, this is something else that is also handled by a local contractor. It is critical to make sure the repair is completed properly on the first attempt. That is why state and local officials have to work with professional local contractors, placing them in the best positions possible to do their jobs well.

Enlist the Help of Superior Aggregates

If you want to make sure that your roads are constructed properly, then you have to work with a local asphalt company. With the help of a professional asphalt contractor, you can rest easy, knowing that your roads are going to be constructed properly on the first attempt. That is where Superior Aggregates can help you. We have an unparalleled level of experience when it comes to working with roads of all shapes and sizes. We can anticipate problems before they develop, circumventing them before they derail the project. If you want your project completed on time and under budget, it would be our pleasure to assist you. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you!