Question 1

What is the difference between driveway resurfacing and sealcoating?

Accepted Answer

Resurfacing your driveway is a structural repair designed to extend your asphalt's lifespan. This process includes patching damaged areas and adding a fresh layer of hot bituminous asphalt, usually between 1.5 and 3 inches thick. Sealcoating, by contrast, isn't a structural fix-it's a protective treatment, much like repainting your home's exterior. While sealcoating helps preserve and extend your asphalt's life, it won't resolve underlying structural problems. Generally, sealcoating costs less than resurfacing. For more specific details about these services, please reach out to our driveway paving company.

Question 2

Can you create asphalt in colors other than black?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt naturally appears black because aggregates are mixed with hot asphalt cement during production. As time passes and the asphalt oxidizes, the aggregate's color may start showing through, which can create a grayish look if lighter aggregates were originally used.

Question 3

When can I use my new driveway?

Accepted Answer

A new asphalt driveway needs up to 30 days to fully cure, with timing influenced by temperature changes. That said, you can typically drive on it carefully after two to three days. It's interesting to note that IBISWorld reports around 123,000 paving contractors operating throughout the United States. For professional asphalt services, we invite you to contact us.

Question 4

My car left tire scuff marks on the asphalt. Are they permanent?

Accepted Answer

Tire scuff marks usually appear when a vehicle's steering wheel is turned while parked, particularly on warm days before the asphalt has fully cured. These marks generally fade with time and become much less visible. For dependable driveway paving services, please reach out to us.

Question 5

Why do I see roller marks on the surface of my asphalt?

Accepted Answer

Achieving proper compaction is essential for long-lasting asphalt, and our team targets an ideal 90% compaction rate. The roller marks or streaks you're seeing are generally temporary and will fade and become much less noticeable within a few months.

Question 6

My driveway is deteriorating in places. Should I wait one to two years to get the entire driveway resurfaced or address the issue now?

Accepted Answer

Repairing deteriorating asphalt areas immediately is more economical than postponing repairs and resurfacing the entire driveway down the road. As a general rule, every dollar invested in early repairs can prevent $4 to $5 in future expenses. We suggest tackling these problems right away. Please contact us for our asphalt driveway paving services.

Question 7

When should I sealcoat my new driveway?

Accepted Answer

How often you'll need sealcoating varies based on factors like direct sunlight exposure and how much traffic your driveway receives. According to the Capital Gazette, a trusted news source, sealcoating generally shouldn't be needed more often than every three to four years. Applying it too frequently can create a slippery surface when wet. For trustworthy asphalt services in your area, please contact us.

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of using asphalt versus concrete for driveways?

Accepted Answer

Choosing between asphalt and concrete for your driveway often depends on personal preference, though there are two key differences worth noting. Asphalt offers flexibility, adjusting to usage and minor shifts in the base. Concrete depends on its internal strength to support loads and compensate for sub-base weaknesses. Additionally, concrete typically costs more than an asphalt surface with similar strength.

Question 9

Can I put an asphalt surface over my old concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

You can overlay asphalt on an existing concrete driveway as long as the concrete hasn't deteriorated significantly. Keep in mind that concrete expansion joints may eventually show through the asphalt and cause cracks. We can apply paving fabric over these joints to postpone cracking, but the joints will probably become visible over time. Another option is completely removing the concrete driveway and building a new asphalt or concrete driveway from the ground up, though this approach is more expensive. For a customized evaluation and quote, we suggest contacting our experienced paving company.

Tom Lovell Asphalt Paving

Business Details

About

Location

Hours

Products & Services