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After the paving is done, how long
before we can use that area for parking, accessing the garage, etc.?
Answer: When asphalt is applied, it is very hot; it practically bakes itself to a hard surface.
Minimal usage of the asphalt, such as accessing a garage or parking
overnight, will not hurt the surface. Again, we stress minimal use during the initial day(s) that the asphalt is beginning to cure. Any member of the paving crew can tell you the options you have.
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What is the curing process, and what does it mean?
Answer: Asphalt, like cement and other surface protectors, cures as it gets older. It completely dries and cools with the passage of time, becoming harder and harder.
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Can you excavate and pave on the same day?
Answer: Many factors contribute to determining whether or not we can excavate and pave on the same day:
The condition of the driveway, its age, the time of year, weather conditions,
and the condition of the base. Although we use state of the art vibration rollers, the base does have a better chance to settle and compact
when you wait longer to add the asphalt.
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Can I drive and park on my driveway before the asphalt is poured?
Answer: Yes, you can. Using your driveway before the asphalt is
poured will assist with the compression and settling of the base. The
base will not be harmed if you use it.
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What questions should I ask when getting estimates from paving contractors?
Answer: In order to assess a fair comparison of quotes, it is important to ask:
How many inches, and what type of asphalt will be poured?
What type of equipment will be used?
How long has the company been in business?
What is their best estimated time frame to do the job?
Will they be adding gravel if necessary to create a proper base?
What is guaranteed? |
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What is the life expectancy of a well paved driveway?
Answer: There are several factors that can affect the life expectancy of a driveway that are beyond a paving contractor's control:
Soil type, water damage (flood and ice), the types and numbers
of vehicles using the driveway, etc. You can expect an average
well-cared driveway to last for approximately 10 years.
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What will happen if my driveway is not properly compacted?
Answer: Cracking, crumbling, or sinking of the asphalt, are signs of the driveway that was not properly compacted. |
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What is the difference between "resurface", "remove and replace", and "repair"?
Resurface: This is when a top layer of asphalt is added over existing driveway, and NO excavation or base repair is done.
Remove and Replace: This is when the old driveway is excavated and removed;
a new base is created and compressed, then new asphalt is added and compressed.
Repair: This is when a small damaged area is heated (usually with a blow torch) and re-compacted to fix holes, repair cracks,
and correct drainage problems or aesthetic issues.
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Do you do driveway sealing?
Answer: No, we do not. This is where a black coat of sealer is applied with a roller to seal and protect existing driveways. |
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What is the environmental impact of asphalt paving?
Answer: If you have environmental concerns, we would be happy to use
recycled paving materials at your request. When we remove an old
driveway, we return the material for recycling at the asphalt plant. We
do not dispose of the old asphalt in any land fill or dump. |
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Do you charge to have someone come out to my house and discuss my options and give me a quote?
Answer: We are happy to provide you with a FREE consultation in your home
by one of our sales experts who can assess your needs, explain your
options and give you an estimate for us to do the job. |
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Things to know.
Asphalt has various sizes of stone and sand that will create varied textured surfaces.
It is natural for areas that have been raked and manually applied to appear slightly rougher than those done by a machine. This should not be a concern.
Good drainage is important for pavement durability. It is desirable to blend the surface of the pavement to the contour of the existing
ground so that the surface water runs over or away from it. In Flat areas, the driveway should be sloped or crowned not less than 1/4 in./ft (2cm/m) so water will drain off.
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