Having a well-maintained parking lot for your commercial property can make a difference in how customers view it. Asphalt paving and sealcoating services from American Asphalt can help you improve your business’s appearance and leave a good impression on customers. Available in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, our paving services are ideal for property managers and commercial real estate owners. Learn more about asphalt and the related services we offer at American Asphalt.
Asphalt Paving FAQs
What is asphalt paving?
Asphalt paving involves laying down a smooth and lasting surface on a road, driveway, or parking lot. The material used for paving is made of asphalt mixtures that contain a combination of stone, sand, stone dust, and liquid asphalt.
What is the process of asphalt paving?
The paving process involves:
- Preparing the surface: The surface is graded and leveled to provide a smoother application.
- Creating the asphalt mixture: The aggregate of stone and sand is heated through a large dryer and then the liquid asphalt is added.
- Applying the mixture: Using an asphalt paver, the asphalt mixture is laid on the prepared surface.
- Compacting the surface: The asphalt is compacted using a roller when it’s still hot and left to cure.
How long does asphalt paving last?
Asphalt paving can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. The length of time it lasts depends on factors like the amount of traffic on the surface, the climate, the maintenance it receives, and whether sealcoating has been performed.
Why does asphalt fade?
Asphalt can fade over time from its rich black color to a duller gray color due to sun exposure. When asphalt receives lots of sun, the oil component called bitumen essentially gets baked from the ultraviolet rays, leading to a faded color.
What protects parking lots from fading and damage?
Over time, asphalt parking lots will ultimately fade. However, there are steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your paving. Getting regular maintenance on your parking lot is the best way to protect it from fading and avoidable damage.
Sealcoating and crack sealing are ways to prolong your pavement. Sealcoating provides a protective barrier over asphalt paving to defend it against damage from water, oxidation, weather conditions, and more. Crack sealing fills in existing pavement cracks to stop water from seeping inside them and leading to further damage.
What are the benefits of an asphalt parking lot?
There are several benefits of an asphalt parking lot. One of the main benefits is its durability, with asphalt lasting up to 30 years if it’s properly maintained. Asphalt is also a cost-effective product since the price to maintain it is affordable and can save you money over time by not needing to replace your pavement entirely. Another benefit is that asphalt is 100% recyclable. When the existing asphalt pavement is milled or removed, the material can be recycled and put back into the new asphalt pavement.
How much does it cost to pave a driveway or parking lot?
The cost to pave a driveway or parking lot depends on several factors, such as the size of the area, the location, the required site preparation, and the local labor rates. The average price for most homeowners ranges between $7 and $15 per square foot for a new asphalt driveway installation, including labor costs.
Can asphalt paving be done in cold weather?
Although asphalt can be paved in cold weather, it’s not ideal. This is because the ground can be frozen, the temperature may be too cold to set the asphalt properly, and high winds can cause problems when the asphalt is curing. The best temperature for asphalt paving is between 50 to 90° Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare my property for asphalt paving?
Before our professionals arrive to pave your parking lot or driveway, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, completely clear the area by moving any vehicles, equipment, or outdoor furniture. The next step is to remove any dirt, debris, or loose stones using a broom. If you have weeds on your pavement, remove them manually or using a weed killer. You will also want to know where utility lines are, as they need to be identified before paving. Call your utility company and ask them to mark the lines.
What is the best time of year to schedule asphalt paving?
The best time to schedule asphalt paving is in the spring and summer months. This is because temperatures are warm and the ground is dry, which allows the asphalt to compact and set correctly.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Asphalt typically takes between six and 12 months to fully cure, since it is a gradual process. However, asphalt can be driven on after 48 to 72 hours.
What are the benefits of asphalt over concrete?
There are several benefits of asphalt over concrete, including:
- Cost: Asphalt is typically cheaper than concrete, with repairs usually being inexpensive.
- Installation time: Asphalt is quicker to install than concrete.
- Durability: Asphalt is strong and can stand up to occasional heavy loads without serious damage.
How do I maintain my asphalt driveway or parking lot?
After an asphalt driveway or parking lot is installed, you should maintain it by getting it sealed every three to five years and crack-filled annually. This maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of your pavement and reduces fading, cracking, and the risk of potholes.
Does asphalt come in different colors?
Asphalt is generally black. However, there are multiple types and colors of paint that can color the area. At American Asphalt, we provide line striping and stamped asphalt, both of which utilize durable paint on top of the asphalt surface. Stamped asphalt can be applied to both new and existing asphalt and is an excellent way to add color to your parking lot.
What is the difference between asphalt paving and sealcoating?
Asphalt paving involves creating a new asphalt surface by laying down a new layer of asphalt, whereas sealcoating involves applying a thin protective layer on top of existing asphalt. Asphalt paving is ideal for creating a completely new pavement, while sealcoating helps prevent damage from water, sun rays, and vehicle fluids to extend the life of an existing asphalt surface.
What is asphalt milling?
Asphalt milling involves removing part of the existing pavement that has cracks or potholes to create a uniform surface. It allows our paving professionals to repair or replace the top layer of your pavement without needing to replace the entire structure, like with full-depth paving. The material left after the project, called millings, can be recycled when mixing the materials for resurfacing.
Sealcoating FAQ
What is asphalt sealcoating?
Sealcoating is a service that can help prolong the lifespan of asphalt surfaces. It involves placing a protective barrier over the surface to prevent potential damage caused by water, oxidation, weather conditions, and more. It involves:
- Cleaning the surface to remove debris
- Repairing damaged areas like cracks and potholes
- Applying the sealcoat material
- Applying a sealant layer on top of the sealcoat material to make it smooth
- Allowing the sealcoat to dry and cure for 12 to 36 hours
How often should I seal coat my driveway or parking lot?
Sealcoating should be applied to your driveway or parking lot every three to five years. If it has been recently repaved, it should be sealed within 90 days to one year.
Why is sealcoating important for asphalt?
Sealcoating is important for asphalt because it helps extend the lifespan of the surface. It acts as a preventive measure to help avert damage caused by sun oxidation, weather, and traffic. It can also help you save on costs for repairs and avoid needing to fully replace your pavement.
How long does sealcoating last?
Sealcoating typically lasts two to five years, but the exact length of it varies based on several factors. These include the local climate, the amount of traffic on the surface, the condition of the pavement, and the quality of the application.
What is the difference between sealcoating and resurfacing?
Sealcoating is a thin protective layer that is applied to the pavement surface as a preventive maintenance step to avoid potential damage, while resurfacing consists of removing the top layer of worn asphalt and replacing it with a new layer. It is recommended when substantial damage exists to the asphalt surface.
Can sealcoating be applied in all weather conditions?
No, sealcoating cannot be applied in all weather conditions. The ideal weather for sealcoating is warm, dry, and with little wind. This is because the sealant needs to bond properly and cold weather, wind, and wet pavement can prevent it from doing so.
How long do I need to stay off the asphalt after sealcoating?
You should stay off the asphalt after sealcoating in vehicles for at least 48 hours, but ideally 72 hours. However, it’s typically okay to walk on the asphalt after 24 hours.
What factors affect the cost of sealcoating?
Some factors that affect the cost of sealcoating are the:
- Size of the area being sealed
- Condition of the surface
- Type of sealant used
- Level of site preparation needed
- Local labor costs
Will sealcoating fix cracks and potholes in asphalt?
No, sealcoating will not fix cracks and potholes in asphalt. Its purpose is to protect the surface of the asphalt and help prevent further damage, so any major cracks or potholes need to be repaired before applying sealcoating.
Is sealcoating environmentally friendly?
Traditional sealcoating has had some environmental concerns, but modern, water-based asphalt sealers are considered more environmentally friendly as they contain fewer harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Crack Sealing FAQ
What is asphalt crack sealing?
Crack sealing is a maintenance option for asphalt paving, where a flexible sealant is inserted into cracks to fill them and prevent water from seeping in. It helps your pavement avoid further damage and can prevent cracks from turning into larger issues like potholes. The process involves:
- Removing debris from cracks using tools like brushes and compressed air
- Applying the filling material into the cracks with a caulk gun
- Leveling the crack filler with a trowel or putty knife to ensure it is smooth and even
Why is crack sealing important for asphalt maintenance?
Crack sealing is important for asphalt maintenance because it helps to extend the lifespan of your pavement. It prevents smaller cracks from developing into larger issues like potholes that may require complete resurfacing, helping you save money and time. It also enhances the look of your parking lot or driveway by hiding unsightly cracks.
How does crack sealing prevent further damage to asphalt?
Crack sealing helps prevent further damage to asphalt by filling cracks in the pavement that can allow water to seep deeper into the asphalt. As this happens, the cracks can widen and even turn into potholes if they’re not sealed. Crack sealing helps protect the base of the asphalt from moisture damage by filling in the cracks with a sealant.
Can crack sealing be done in winter?
Crack sealing is generally not recommended to be done in the winter since the low temperatures can prevent the sealant from adhering properly to the pavement. This can make the process less effective.
How long does crack sealing take to dry?
The time it takes for the crack seal to dry depends on the type of sealant used and the weather conditions. If a hot-pour crack seal is used, it typically dries within 10 to 40 minutes. If a cold-pour crack seal is utilized, it can take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely.
How often should crack sealing be performed?
Crack sealing should generally be done every two to five years. However, how often you should get cracks sealed depends on considerations like climate, traffic volume, and pavement condition.
What are the costs associated with crack sealing?
The costs associated with crack sealing typically include the:
- Extent and size of cracks: More cracks or larger cracks will cost more to seal than smaller or infrequent cracks.
- Type of sealant used: Different crack sealing materials can be used that have different price points.
- Local labor costs: The cost of labor will depend on the difficulty of the job and the contractor’s rates.
- Necessary preparation work: If cleaning the cracks is required, it can affect the overall cost.
Will crack sealing prevent water damage?
Yes, crack sealing is designed to prevent water damage. By sealing cracks in asphalt surfaces, water is stopped before it can seep deeper into the pavement and cause further water damage.
Can crack sealing be done on old asphalt?
Yes, crack sealing can be performed on old asphalt if it still has structural integrity. However, if the old asphalt is significantly damaged with large or severe cracks, full resurfacing may be necessary.
How long does crack sealing last?
Crack sealing can last between three to eight years. The length of time that crack sealing lasts depends on the weather conditions, the quality of the sealant, and the traffic volume on the surface.
Line Striping FAQs
What is line striping in parking lots?
Line striping in parking lots refers to the clearly defined traffic lanes, parking areas, crosswalks, and wheelchair-accessible areas. The process of line striping involves making crisp lines to create an organized asphalt landscape, along with marks like arrows, safety symbols, and numbered parking stalls.
How often should line striping be done?
Line striping should typically be done every one to two years, although it will depend on factors like traffic volume, weather conditions, and the quality of the paint used. The best way to know when to get lines restriped is when they start to fade and become hard to see.
Why is proper line striping important for safety?
Proper line striping is vital for safety for a few reasons:
- It clearly directs traffic flow, guiding drivers and pedestrians to enhance efficiency.
- It helps maximize parking space capacity to reduce congestion and risk of accidents.
- It helps make sure that emergency vehicles have unobstructed access to parking facilities.
What types of paint are used for line striping?
At American Asphalt, our line striping services can be done using standard latex traffic paint, epoxy paint, and hot extruded thermoplastic.
How long does line striping take to dry?
Line striping typically dries to the touch within 30 minutes. However, it’s best to wait at least one hour before allowing vehicle traffic on the painted area, since the full drying time can vary based on the paint type, weather, and pavement conditions.
Is line striping required for ADA compliance?
Yes, line striping is required for ADA compliance in business parking lots. This includes properly marking:
- Accessible parking spaces, which are designed differently than standard parking spaces
- Access aisles, which are spaces next to accessible parking spots that allow safe mobility for people with disabilities and their mobility aids
How much does parking lot line striping cost?
Parking lot line striping costs can vary widely, depending on the size of the lot, the complexity of the layout, the number of parking spaces, the paint type used, and more. However, the average cost to stripe a parking lot can range from $300 to $1,000.
Can line striping be customized for unique layouts?
Yes, line striping can be customized to fit unique and complex layouts. At American Asphalt, we provide stencil work, including arrows, number parking spots, safety symbols, and more. This allows you to add specific markings based on your business’s needs.
What is thermoplastic line striping?
Thermoplastic line striping involves using thermoplastic material to create lines and symbols on pavement. Thermoplastic material is made with glass beads, pigments, and binders to offer lasting durability, reflectivity, and quick drying times. We offer line striping with hot extruded thermoplastic at American Asphalt.
Can line striping be done in the winter?
Yes, line striping can be done in the winter. However, the temperature must be above freezing, and the pavement needs to be dry since cold weather can impact the adhesion and durability of the paint.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Asphalt
Whether your business could use asphalt paving, line striping, or sealcoating, American Asphalt is here to help. Available throughout NJ and Eastern PA, our services are performed by experienced industry experts using premium-grade materials. Contact us today to learn more about asphalt or to request an estimate.