With an asphalt surface, there are a few pavement maintenance options.

SEALCOATING

This service is for pavement that is in good shape, free of broken areas or excessive damage. It is a liquid that is applied over the existing surface to protect and preserve the asphalt. This maintenance is generally performed every 1-3 years. With this service, there is an option to fill and seal major cracks.

ASPHALT REPAIR

Most asphalt repairs are done with hot mix asphalt. This is a temporary solution to repair localized areas of the asphalt surface without repaving the entire area. There will be a patch like appearance after the work is performed. Asphalt patches can be done  either in the form of skin patching, or an area can be removed and replaced. Depending on the severity of the area, this repair usually lasts between 1-5 years. In a situation where there is a very minor repair, cold patch may be used as a more economical solution. This type of repair usually does not last more than a few months to a year, as there are no adhesive properties to cold patch.  

RESURFACING

With asphalt, there is an option to go over the existing surface with a 1.5" to 2" overlay. This is more  affordable than removing the entire driveway, and it will result in the same appearance. An adhesive is applied  to the existing surface before the asphalt is laid in order to bind the old and new surfaces together. Some areas may need to be removed for proper drainage or to level the surface with an existing sidewalk or garage floor. Any cracks that were on the initial pavement will reflect through anywhere from 1-3 years later. This option will generally last 8-10 years.

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

When the entire asphalt surface is removed, then the base can be  examined and corrected if necessary. Any surface is only as good as its underlying base. Additional stone may be required in order to build up the base to a sufficient level. The area is replaced with 3" to 4" of asphalt, and this option generally lasts 10-15 years.

Asphalt is a sticky black, liquid or semi-solid that is  present in most crude petroleums.

The primary use of asphalt is as a pavement surface, where it is used as a binder and mixed with aggregate.

Asphalt is much more affordable than concrete, and needs to be well maintained in order to perform properly. 

Sealcoat is liquid, coal  tar emulsion mixed with sand, performance additives, a quick dry component, and water.

It is applied directly to the asphalt to protect the  pavement and considerably extend the life of the surface.

Sealcoat beautifies the pavement by providing a fresh looking, black appearance.

Sealcoating is an easy, inexpensive way to maintain your property.

It helps protect the asphalt from a variety of damaging environmental factors.

UV Radiation breaks down the asphalt and causes the pavement to oxidize. This will give the pavement a gray appearance. When the surface is gray, that is an indication that the asphalt is hard and brittle. This leads to a loss of surface flexibility, which will eventually cause cracking. While cracking is inevitable in our climate, regularly applying sealcoat will significantly reduce the damage caused by sun exposure.

Oil and gasoline soften and break down asphalt. Using a professional grade sealcoat that has been fortified with performance additives will reduce damage by allowing the pavement to resist absorbing potential leaks.

The appearance of the pavement is greatly enhanced with the application of sealcoat. Whether you are looking to increase the property value and appeal of your home, or maintain a professional image for your business, an application of sealcoat is a cost effective way to give your whole property a fresh look.  The dull and dirty appearance of a gray asphalt surface can have a negative impact on the overall look of your property.

We recommend the first coat of sealant to be applied 6-8 weeks after the initial installation.

As asphalt is a very porous material, sealant should be applied every year for the first 3 years.

Generally, pavement should be sealcoated every 1-3 years to properly maintain the asphalt surface.

This will vary due to traffic, weather conditions, and preference of the property owner.