Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not necessarily need to be there for us to give you an estimate for any of our services. We do recommend you are on location for paving estimates in particular. An in person walk through with our professional team member is vital, as it allows you to see and understand the needs of your asphalt surface it also helps when you are going over estimates. 

Asphalt paving can be completed in colder conditions however, sealer has a temperature condition. Sealer cannot be applied under 35 degrees, this is the lowest temperature possible as it needs to cure properly. We prefer to have at least 40 degrees with plenty of sun, this helps the cure process, especially if there are small cracks as they take longer to cure. If the upcoming forecast has ANY precipitation with in a 3 day window, we will reschedule your sealcoating work. Any water applied to freshly sealed surfaces with in the first 24 hours will cause the sealer to run off of the surface, you will need a new seal. 

We recommend sealcoating your asphalt every 2-3 years to protect it from the elements. If your asphalt surface has never been sealed or has not been sealed for 4 or 5 years we do recommend sealing 2 years in a row, after that every 2 to 3 years. This back to back process is mainly done on new and/or surface that have not been sealed in years as these surfaces are very porous and tend to take up twice 

We ask that you keep ANY vehicle, including children's bicycles, scooters, etc. for 24 HOURS minimum. Our sealer when applied is a gloss black, once you see that it is matte black, feel free to walk across it. You can opt to keep vehicles off of the surface as long as you would like. 

We provide FREE minor crack filling & FREE surface prep for our residential customers. What we consider minor cracks are 4 foot to 8 foot cracks that are 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide. The cracks that look like spider webs we do not not consider fillable cracks. The sealer does the job  as it penetrates these "spider cracks" to the subgrade, protecting from further water erosion that creates the surface cracks. If a customer insists that "spider cracks" be filled we can fill however, this is an al a 'carte service that we bill for.  

We offer free minor crack fill with residential sealcoating services, using hot rubberized crack filler. We recommend cutting out and patching cracks that span the length or width of the surface that are deep and/or wide, as crack filler needs something to adhere to for the fill to stay in place. We offer a more affordable option for those large, deep cracks where crack filler  alone is not the best solution, giving you the time you need to decide if you would like to cut out and patch, resurface or have a new asphalt installation. 

The DON'TS for new asphalt- Avoid these at all costs!!

1. Do NOT drive on the surface for a minimum of 5 DAYS, 

this time frame can extend when the weather is HOT. 

2. Do NOT place SHARP or POINTED objects for the FIRST YEAR on your new asphalt surface. 

 While we want you to enjoy your investment we caution you, these objects will cause indentations or blemishes to the surface by concentrated weight in those areas. Examples include but not limited to:                                          

• High heels
• Bicycle Kickstands
• Ladders
• chairs & tables
• large planters
• tools with work horse or tables.

3. Do NOT place Trailers or ANY heavy equipment on the surface for an extended period of time with in the first year. 

This will cause tire dents, eventually leading to potholes as the surface ages. Even if you were to put down something to distribute the weight there will still be a chance of indentation occurring. 

4. Do NOT DRIVE near the EDGES of the surface. 

The weight of a vehicle may cause the edges to crack or crumble. Asphalt is supported by the sub base (gravel), when a large amount of weight is placed on the unsupported edge it will compromise the edges strength. We construct our asphalt surfaces slightly above grade for proper drainage to occur, we also backfill for stronger support along the edges. We do this extra step to ensure your surface is strong and will last. 

5. Do NOT maneuver ANY turns be it sharp or while vehicle is not in motion.

 This will cause steering gouges which are bruising & lacerations to the new surface, GREATER CARE TAKEN ON HOT DAYS. We recommend that you pull in STRAIGHT for at least 6 months to 1 year, as the oils and volatiles in the asphalt must evaporate, driving in straight will allow the new asphalt to age & cure. 

ALSO, pulling in/ out to fast & Parking in the same spot NEED TO BE AVOIDED

with in the first year to prevent depressions in the surface. 

6. Do NOT allow any vegetation to grow around the edges of the new surface. 

Small bumps and minor eruptions in the surface are evidence of vegetation beginning to bloom through the asphalt. Heat from the blacktop helps the weeds germination process immensely. To avoid this please be proactive and apply a weed killer or simply a mixture of dawn dish soap, vinegar, and water mix to the edges to avoid weeds from growing all. 

7. Do NOT be alarmed by small puddles 1/4th inch deep or less.

New asphalt surfaces have a subtle shift with in the first year which can cause minute depressions. These depressions will lessen with use of the surface with the aging process this puddling should decrease as the oils evaporate, causing the evaporation process. 

THE DO'S- 

INSTRUCTIONS to follow for a lasting asphalt surface.

1. Drive.

 Once the removal of the old surface is complete and it has had new gravel and been graded, DRIVE OVER IT!! This helps further compact the area for a stronger sub base with out as much shifting in the new surface. ( Keep in mind the surface will need to sit for at least 4 weeks, the longer it sits with you driving on it the better the final product will be. 

2 .Place soil along the edges of the new surface. 

This will give the extra support to the edges and help prevent cracking along the edge. We often call this "backfilling", we do offer this service for a fee that can be added to your invoice. 

3. SEAL, SEAL, SEAL!

This is the MOST IMPORTANT step for aftercare of a new pave. This should be done with in 90 DAYS of a asphalt surface installation. It is imperative as the oils are curing with in the asphalt, the sealer maintains the necessary oils stay with in the surface while allowing the curing process of the asphalt to occur. This is also a must to protect the surface from the elements, UV Rays and chemicals which are the main contributors of the asphalt cracking due to water exposure causing erosion and becoming brittle and dry, both are the #1 reason for cracks. We do include your first seal FREE of charge for residential paving & a 50% discount to Commercial Paving.