Archive for: asphalt maintenance

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What Kind Of Maintenance Does Asphalt Require?

Asphalt is just like anything else you own: you have maintenance work to do to keep the asphalt operating correctly. You maintain your car by having an oil change and tune-up. Just like your car, your asphalt requires maintenance periodically.

Preventive maintenance will keep the asphalt in great condition by preserving the life of the asphalt. The preventive maintenance includes:

*Sealing cracks on the asphalt will reduce any water corrosion and intrusion.
*Repairing any chips will protect the top layer of the asphalt.
*Sealing the asphalt every three years will add a thin layer of seal that protects the asphalt from moisture, sun, and skids.
*A fog seal can be applied to the surface of the asphalt to fill in cracks. The fog seal will also waterproof the surface of the asphalt.
*Patching any holes prevent water intrusion.
*Overlay the asphalt to renew the surface of the asphalt. Overlay will add extra strength and provide a new, smooth surface.
*Make sure the asphalt is draining properly. If the surface of the asphalt has water lying on the surface, then the asphalt isn’t draining properly. Water damage is the number one problem for asphalt, so draining maintenance should be a number one priority for the asphalt.

Asphalt requires maintenance, but if the pavement is in need of major repair due to neglect of the asphalt, don’t panic, there are solutions to the problem! Asphalt can be repaired. If the base isn’t draining the water correctly, then a professional asphalt contractor can fix the base. Just adding sealer will not repair the base and holes, and cracks will return to the surface of the asphalt. If you are unsure if your asphalt has a major problem, we recommended that you give us at YSC a call. The contractor will be able to check the asphalt and the base to determine what is causing the water from draining.

If regular maintenance isn’t done to asphalt, then large problems will rapidly develop. The problems will start out minor, but if left unattended, the minor problems are now a huge catastrophe. These types of problems can cost a lot in repairs. This is why doing regular maintenance is a must. The asphalt will repay you by providing a safe, sturdy, and appealing asphalt surface. It doesn’t take a lot of time and money, but it does take dedication.

For more information on asphalt maintenance from Arizona’s #1 trusted paving company, click here!

Are There Different Types Of Asphalt and If There Are, What Should I Use?

There are different types of asphalt, so what type of asphalt does a contractor offer a homeowner and when should a homeowner use the different type of asphalt? The asphalt is basically the same when it is installed, but the materials used in each type of mixture are a bit different. There are two primary types of asphalts available, including:

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMAC): The hot mix asphalt (HMAC) uses a high temperature. The hot mix asphalt is heated up to a temperature of 320 degrees. The high temperature will decrease any moisture while providing a strong and durable surface. The hot mix asphalt is commonly used for highways and parking areas that get a lot of traffic daily.

Warm Mix Asphalt or (WAM): The warm mix asphalt adds zeolites, waxes, and even emulsion to reduce the temperature of the asphalt. The lesser temperature reduces the emission fumes that are commonly associated with asphalt.

Cold Mix Asphalt: The cold mix asphalt uses a process where the asphalt is soaked in a soapy water before it is mixed with the rock and sand mixture. The cold mix asphalt uses no high temperature at all. The cold mix asphalt is commonly used for less traveled areas or for a patching repair as the cold mix asphalt doesn’t provide the strength and durability that the hot mix asphalt can provide.

The three different types of asphalt allow the contractor and homeowner to select the asphalt that will best match the needs of the specific area. The hot mix asphalt and the warm mix asphalt are commonly used for driveways and walkways and is the best choice in asphalt for homeowners.

The asphalt provides a durable surface that can last the homeowner up to 30 years of life if the asphalt is laid down properly, with routine maintenance work performed on the surface. Homeowners that add asphalt to their home can expect the value of their home to raise. Asphalt is the leading choice for driveways, as it is affordable, durable, and long lasting.

Is the cost different depending on the type of asphalt? The price depends on the area of the asphalt project along with the heating, materials, and supplies. The asphalt contractor will go over the costs of the different asphalt with the you so you can decide, if the cost difference is the determining factor in which type of asphalt you choose.

For more information on asphalt paving and maintenance in Arizona, click here!

What Is An Overlay And When Is It The Best Option?

Overlay is a process that involves adding a new layer of asphalt to the current layer of asphalt or concrete. Overlay will boost safety along with curb appeal for a home or business owner. The overlay allows for a new asphalt without paying the big costs of new asphalt.

When can a homeowner or business have the option of doing an overlay to their current concrete or asphalt? A homeowner or business can do an overlay when the current concrete or asphalt is free from any drainage problems or a faulty surface.

Water drainage can be a factor to consider in an overlay process. The current asphalt and concrete must be able to drain the water. If the water drains right, then overlay can be applied to the current asphalt.

If there is a water drainage problem with the current asphalt, then this will need to be repaired before an overlay can be done. An asphalt contractor can take a look at the current concrete or asphalt and determine immediately if it is a good option for the overlay. If the water drainage issue is not repaired, the overlay will have no chance for success.

The current concrete or asphalt will have to be thoroughly cleaned and prepped for the overlay. This may involve filling any cracks. The cracks will need to be filled to prevent damage to the new overlay. The current asphalt will have a coat applied that will create a bond between the new and current asphalt. This application is vital for the overlay to be successful. A paving of asphalt will be added after the bonding has been applied, then paving will continue until the surface is smooth.

Overlay is an excellent option for homeowners and businesses. This allows for an inexpensive layer to be applied to improve your current asphalt. The appearance of the overlay will be fresh and new, adding years of life to the current asphalt. Many homeowners and businesses use the overlay process for cost efficient asphalt updates.

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How Long Should My Asphalt Last?

When you are asking an asphalt contractor questions about the installation process, one of the questions that should be asked is “how long should my asphalt last?” Asphalt is a big decision for you as a homeowner, and we understand that you want to make sure the asphalt will last for many years, because asphalt, although affordable, isn’t something you want to replace every few years.

Should an asphalt contractor tell a homeowner a certain amount of years that the asphalt should last them? What if the asphalt doesn’t last half the length of time? Will the homeowner blame the contractor for a short life asphalt?

The only time an asphalt contractor can be blamed for asphalt only lasting a few years is if the asphalt project was installed with low quality standards. Most homeowners can expect to get close to twenty years of life out of their asphalt before new work is necessary. If the asphalt only last a homeowner several years, then this is a definite indicator of a poor installation process, along with poor maintenance by the homeowner.

When the asphalt project is complete, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the asphalt. The homeowner must keep the asphalt free from cracks and holes. To do this, a seal coating should be applied every two to three years.

After the asphalt is properly installed, the homeowner must complete routine checks and repairs. This will keep the asphalt in good working order and free from any water buildup or damage. The draining of the water is also essential for a good asphalt. If the homeowner notices that water stands on the surface of the asphalt, the homeowner needs to contact the asphalt contractor to check this problem.

Other than small repairs and fixes, the homeowner doesn’t have to do much to the asphalt. The asphalt can last twenty years or more for a well installed asphalt that has been properly taken care of. If you are unsure about what should be done to the asphalt, give your contractor a call as soon as possible!

For more information on Arizona’s #1 trusted commercial asphalt contractor, click here!

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