10 asphalt maintenance tips for a nice-looking driveway.

Maintaining your driveway doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Following these ten simple tips, you can keep your driveway looking great for years.

 

1. Seal your driveway

Sealing your driveway is one of the best ways to protect it from the elements and prevent cracking and other damage. You should fill your driveway every one to three years, depending on the climate in your area and the condition of your driveway. Sealing your driveway is a relatively simple process, but it does require some preparation and special equipment.

Before you begin, sweep or pressure wash your driveway to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Once it’s clean, let it dry completely. Next, fill any cracks or holes with an asphalt patch or sealant. Once the patch or sealant is dry, you’re ready to begin sealing.

asphalt-season2. Remove stains promptly

Stains from oil, gasoline, and other substances can damage your driveway if they’re not removed promptly. Use a degreaser or another type of cleaner specifically designed for removing these types of stains.

Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly after cleaning it. You may need to repeat the process a few times to remove the stain. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need a power washer. Be careful not to damage the concrete while using a power washer.

3. Repair cracks as soon as they appear.

Cracks in your driveway can allow water to seep in and cause further damage. So, it’s essential to repair them as soon as possible. You can use a patching compound designed to repair cracks in asphalt driveways.

 

To repair a crack in your driveway:

  1. Clean the area around the crack with a wire brush and remove any loose debris.
  2. Fill the crack with the patching compound, using a putty knife to spread it evenly.
  3. Smooth the surface of the compound with the putty knife.
  4. Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Once the compound is dry, seal the area with a layer of asphalt sealant.
  6. Allow the sealant to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

installilng-asphalt4. Fill potholes immediately

Potholes can not only damage your driveway, but they can also be dangerous. So, it’s essential to fill them in as soon as you notice them. You can use a cold patch mix or another type of asphalt repair product to fill the hole. Be sure to smooth the surface, so it’s level with the rest of your driveway.

If you have a lot of potholes, you may need to consult with a professional to repair your driveway. They can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. In some cases, they may even recommend repaving the entire driveway.

5. Sweep regularly

Sweeping your driveway regularly will help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. This will also help reduce the risk of staining and damage to your driveway.

When sweeping your driveway, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface. Also, clean the grain direction to avoid damaging the finish.

Sweeping your driveway regularly is essential to keep it looking its best. Following these simple tips can help keep your driveway clean and reduce the risk of damage.

6. power wash periodically

Power washing your driveway periodically will remove any build-up of dirt, grime, and other substances. This will help keep it looking clean and new and can also help to extend its lifespan.

If you have a concrete driveway, power washing is essential. Concrete is a very porous material that can easily absorb stains and dirt. Power washing will remove any deep-seated dirt, grime, and surface-level stains. This will leave your driveway looking clean and new.

asphalt maintenance7. Avoid driving on the edges

Driving on the edges of your driveway can damage the asphalt and cause it to crack. So, it’s essential to avoid doing this.

Asphalt is an excellent option if you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting driveway. However, taking care of your asphalt driveway is important to ensure it lasts. One way to do this is by avoiding driving on the edges of your driveway. This can damage the asphalt and cause it to crack.

8. Don’t use salt

Salt can damage your driveway and hasten the deterioration of the asphalt. So, it’s best to avoid using it altogether. If you must use salt, be sure to use it sparingly and wash it off as soon as possible.

If you have a concrete driveway, you’re in luck. Salt won’t damage concrete the way it does asphalt. However, it can still cause problems. For one, salt can make your concrete slippery, a hazard for anyone walking on it. Additionally, salt can cause your concrete to pit and flake. To avoid these problems, use salt sparingly and wash it off as soon as possible.

9. Be careful with chemicals

Chemicals such as antifreeze and oil can damage your driveway if they spill. So, be sure to clean up any spills immediately. And, if you must store these kinds of chemicals in your garage, be sure to do so safely and securely.

Another potential hazard to your driveway is salt. During the winter, many people use salt to melt ice and snow on their driveways. However, salt can damage concrete and asphalt over time. So, if you use salt on your driveway, brush it off as soon as possible. And try to use a salt alternative when possible.

Ensure your driveway is regularly inspected and repaired as needed. Over time, all driveways will suffer from wear and tear. By having your driveway inspected and repaired regularly, you can help to extend its lifespan.

10. Call in a professional

If you’re not confident in adequately maintaining your driveway, it’s best to call in a professional. They have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, and they can also offer suggestions on the best products to use for your particular driveway. You can find a reputable professional by asking friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations, or you can search online for customer reviews.

Once you’ve found a professional you’re comfortable with, get a written estimate of the work to be done and ask about any warranties that may be available. In most cases, a good driveway sealing professional will offer a warranty on their work. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Contractor’s Asphalt is an asphalt contractor in Austin, Texas. We specialize in asphalt repair, seal coating, and striping. We also offer many other services, such as concrete repair and paving. Contact us today for a free estimate!

How Long Should I Expect My Pavement To Last?

home-pavement

Your property is an investment, and it is important for you to treat it as such. You have probably spent a lot of time and money getting strong pavement installed on your property, and now you want it to last as long as possible.

There are a number of factors that will impact how long your pavement will last, and it is our job to help you take care of it. Learn more about the lifespan of pavement below, and do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Pavement Should Last Decades

In general, you should expect your pavement to last for decades. There are numerous types of pavement, but most pavement will last between 20 and 30 years. On average, pavement lasts about 25 years. Of course, the weather in the local area will have a significant impact on the integrity of your pavement.

If there is a lot of moisture in the area, or if a lot of rock salt is placed on the ground and subsequently driven into the pavement, it could shorten the lifespan of your asphalt. Fortunately, there are ways for you to extend the lifespan of your pavement.

Take Good Care of It

If you want your pavement to last as long as possible, you need to take good care of it. This means cleaning the pavement regularly. You do not want to leave a bunch of branches and debris strewn on your pavement, as they could damage it over time.

Furthermore, you need to protect your pavement from moisture. This means that you may need to get it re-sealed from time to time. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to help you cure and seal your pavement.

Work With an Experienced Installer

Furthermore, the quality of your installer will have a direct impact on the quality of your pavement. If you try to install your pavement on your own, and you do not have the right equipment to do so, you may end up dealing with a lot of repairs down the road. Or, if you work with an installer that is known for cutting corners, your pavement probably will not last as long as it should.

Therefore, it is always important for you to work with installers with a positive reputation. At Contractors Asphalt, we provide you with access to an expert team that can help you get the most out of your pavement.

Call Contractors Asphalt Today

Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that will impact how long your pavement will last. If you want your pavement to last as long as possible, you need to reach out to a professional team that can help you.

At Contractors Asphalt, we have already helped countless clients in the local area address their pavement concerns, and we can help you as well. A member of our team is always standing by to assist you, so reach out to us today to make an appointment.

How Are Potholes Fixed?

fixing-patholes

If you own property, it is important for you to take care of it. This means getting rid of potholes as quickly as possible. Potholes can be a significant issue. They can make it unsafe for people to walk, deep potholes can damage vehicles, and they could impact the curb appeal of your property.

This means that if you go to sell your property in the future, you may not get nearly as much money as you expect. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to help you fix any potholes that might be present. How exactly are potholes fixed?

Remove the Moisture

If there are potholes on your property, the first step is to remove any moisture that might be present. If the pavement is wet, it is nearly impossible to work with. If we add asphalt on top of wet pavement, we will simply be putting a Band-Aid on the issue.

There are a number of ways we can remove the moisture, but one of the most common ways is to heat the pavement. This encourages the moisture to evaporate, and we can make sure it is totally dry before we move forward.

Reshape the Pavement

Once the moisture has been removed, the next step is to reshape the pavement. If you have had a significant amount of moisture on your property, and a puddle has formed in the pothole, the integrity of the pavement has probably been damaged. There might even be cracks in the nearby area that we need to address.

Fortunately, by heating the pavement, we also make it easier to work with. We will make sure the pavement has an appropriate shape, and then we will move forward and complete the repair process.

Add the New Asphalt

Finally, once we have the right shape, we can add the new asphalt. We have numerous types of payment from which to choose, and we will do everything we can to match the asphalt to the pavement you have. This is important because we want the asphalt to not only be strong but aesthetically pleasing as well.

Furthermore, we want you to take care of your asphalt once we have fixed the issue. That is why we always take a few minutes to explain exactly what you need to do to take care of the asphalt once it has been put down. We will also let you know how long the asphalt takes to cure. That way, you don’t put any heavy items are objects on it before it is sturdy.

Call Contractors Asphalt Today To Make an Appointment

Clearly, it is important for you to make sure potholes are appropriately dealt with as quickly as possible. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to help you take care of any potholes you have on your property as well.

We have a significant amount of experience dealing with a wide variety of pavement issues, and we can help you properly address these concerns as well. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team.

How Do You Take Care of Your Parking Lot?

Parking-lotAre you thinking about getting an asphalt parking lot put in? If so, you need to make sure that you take care of it accordingly. If you do not take care of your asphalt parking lot, you could end up dealing with a variety of issues down the road. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to help you take care of your parking lot. Take a look at a few of the most important tips you need to follow below, and reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

The First Fourteen Days: Protect the Pavement

During the first 14 days, it is important for you to protect your asphalt parking lot. This is when the material is the most vulnerable, and you must make sure that you care for it accordingly. For the first three to five days, make sure that nobody is driving on it at all. Then, during the next week or two, make sure that nobody parks their cars on the pavement. This is important for preventing the asphalt parking lot from buckling under this type of stress. Make sure the pavement is marked off accordingly.

The Next 100 Days: The Curing Time

The next 100 days are called the curing period, and it is important to pay attention to the asphalt parking lot during this time as well. The curing time can be extensive for asphalt, particularly if you have it put in during the heat of the summer. Try to avoid turning the wheel of the car on top of the asphalt parking lot when the car is not in motion, as grooves could develop in the pavement, which could collect moisture. You might want to place wood underneath the tires of cars that park in the asphalt parking lot for an extended period of time. This will distribute the weight of the car a bit more.

Continuing Care for Your Parking Lot: What To Know

You must make sure you invest in routine maintenance for the asphalt parking lot as well. Conduct a visual inspection from time to time to make sure there are no cracks. Seal the asphalt from time to time to protect against moisture. If you spot any issues with the asphalt, address them as quickly as possible. That is where we can help you.

Reach Out to Contractors Asphalt for Help With Your Parking Lot

In the end, it is very important for you to make sure that you take good care of your parking lot. At Contractors Asphalt, we know that you will have questions and concerns about how to take care of it, and we can help you with that. Our team will take the time to explain everything to you, making sure that you have the information necessary to give your asphalt parking lot the care it deserves. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team, and learn more about how we can help you protect your investment.

How Do You Choose an Asphalt Contractor?

Contractor-smilingIf you are looking for help with your asphalt, you might feel like this is something that you can address on your own. In reality, it is always better to reach out to a professional who can help you get the most out of your paving job. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to work with you to help you make sure your pavement is laid down properly. Take a look at a few of the most important factors you need to consider if you are looking for a contractor who can help you with your pavement, and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Think About Prior Experience

The first thing you need to do if you are looking for a contractor is to ask about prior experience. While the vast majority of contractors will have the right training, you need to work with a team that has experience handling jobs that are similar to yours. Are you looking for a team that can help you put in a parking lot? If so, find a team that has done this in the past. Do you need help putting in a driveway? Try to find a team that has done this before. Always ask about prior jobs before deciding who to work with.

Always Ask About Licensing and Insurance

Next, ask about licensing and insurance before you decide to hire an asphalt contractor. Licensing is important because it is a sign that someone has the expertise necessary to help you and that they are dedicated to the field. Insurance is also important because it protects both you and the contractor. You do not think that something is going to go wrong, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Ask about licensing and insurance before you make a decision.

Ask About Reviews and References

Finally, you need to ask about reviews and references before you make a decision. You probably take a look at product reviews before you buy something online. You need to do the same thing if you are looking for a contractor to help you with your asphalt. You might even want to ask the company for a list of references you can talk to before you make a final decision. If other people have had a good experience with that company, you should as well.

Work With Contractors Asphalt for Help With Your Pavement

In the end, these are just a few of the most important factors you need to think about if you are looking for a contractor who can help you with your pavement. At Contractors Asphalt, we have a tremendous amount of experience dealing with paving jobs in the local area, and we can use our experience to help you as well. We are always honest and open about our pricing, and we can customize our services to meet your needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you.

What Questions Should I Ask My Asphalt Contractor?

What-Questions-Should-I-Ask-My-Asphalt-ContractorIf you are looking for a team that can help you lay down some asphalt, it is important for you to select the right person to help you. There are lots of contractors out there, so there are several questions you need to ask before you decide to hire someone. At Contractors Asphalt, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you might have, so I reach out to us to speak to our team!

Are Your Properly Licensed and Insured?

First, you need to make sure that the contractors you hire are properly licensed and insured. Proper licensing is important because this is a sign that the contractors have the expertise necessary to help you with all of your paving needs. In addition, the contracting team must have the right type of insurance. Insurance is important because this protects you if something goes wrong during the project. Even though you probably do not think something bad will happen, you need an insurance company to cover the cost of any potential damages.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

You also need to ask about prior experience. Has the company handled jobs like yours in the past? Every paving job is different, and you should work with a team that has experience working on your specific type of property. That way, the team will be ready for any obstacles or challenges it might have to overcome.

Do You Offer Free Quotes?

We understand that you are working on a budget. You probably do not want to go over that budget, which is why you should work with the team that will give you a free quote before you get started. If the team will not give you a quote for a specific project, this is a sign that they may not know exactly how much it is going to cost. We will always give you a quote before our project gets started, allowing you to budget accordingly.

How Busy Are You?

Finally, always ask about the potential timeline. You may have found the best possible team to assist you, but if they do not have time to help you, they are not going to be of much use to you. Try to get some clarification on how quickly the project can be completed. If you have a deadline to meet, make sure you are clear about this with your contracting team.

Work With Contractors Asphalt for All of Your Paving Needs

Clearly, there are a lot of questions you can ask your contractor. As you get closer to the final design of your project, you can get more specific with your questions to make sure you understand exactly what is going to happen. At Contractors Asphalt, we are open, honest, and transparent with everything that we do. We want you to understand exactly how the project will unfold, and that is why we will always answer any questions you might have. Give us a call today to make an appointment with our team! 

How Do I Pick the Right Asphalt for My Needs?

How-Do-I-Pick-the-Right-Asphalt-for-My-NeedsIf you are looking for asphalt for your property, you probably realize that there are lots of options available. The right asphalt for your property is not necessarily the right asphalt for the property next door to you, and it is important for you to work with a contractor who can help you make the right choice. There are several types of asphalt available, and they have their benefits and drawbacks. At Contractors Asphalt, we can help you make the right choice.

Perpetual Pavement

One of the most popular types of asphalt is called perpetual payment. This is a multi-layer asphalt that is frequently used on roadways because it is durable. It has a strong base that prevents cracks in the bottom of the pavement along with a middle layer that leads into a smooth driving layer on top. This asphalt will last for several years, and it is recyclable. This means that I can help you save money and is better for the environment.

Porous Asphalt

The next option is called porous asphalt. As the name suggests, there are pores in the middle of this asphalt that allow water to drain through to the surface. Then, the water hit the soil below the pavement instead of being trapped in the middle. This is the type of asphalt that is frequently used in parking lots, but it can also be used in locations where thunderstorms are common, as it can improve water drainage.

Quiet Asphalt

If you are concerned about noise pollution, then you may want to go with quiet asphalt. As the name suggests, this asphalt is very quiet when people drive on top of it. It has the ability to reduce noise production significantly when cars drive on top of it, and it is far more cost-effective than traditional noise barrier walls. If your asphalt is close to a residential community, this is probably the best choice.

Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm mix asphalt takes advantage of technology that allows asphalt to be laid at significantly lower temperatures. If you are looking for sustainable asphalt, this option can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions when the pavement is laid. It also allows the pavement to be compacted more significantly when it is put down. We would be happy to talk to you about this type of asphalt.

Trust Contractors Asphalt To Help You

In the end, there are lots of types of asphalt available, and it is important for you to rely on a team that has experience working with all of them. We are Contractors Asphalt, and we will review the benefits and drawbacks of each option to you, allowing you to make the best possible decision for your needs. We understand that the right asphalt for you is not necessarily the right asphalt for someone else, and we will walk you through this process from start to finish. Give us a call today to make an appointment with our team. 

How To Properly Take Care of Your Asphalt Parking Lot

clean-parking-lotIf you own a business in the local area, you need to make sure you make a positive firms impression on your customers, business partners, and employees. Your curb appeal will play a significant role in this, and this includes your asphalt parking lot. At Contractors Asphalt, we have a tremendous amount of experience in this area, and we can use this experience to help you take care of your parking lot. Take a look at a few of the most important points you need to follow, and reach out to us to speak to an expert from our team.

Clean Your Asphalt Regularly

Take care of your asphalt parking lot by cleaning it regularly. From time to time, you need to brush debris away from the pavement. You should also wash the asphalt from time to time using the right cleaning solutions. If you are a local business owner, you probably have a lot to do during the course of the day, and you might not have time to clean your asphalt on your own. It would be our pleasure to help you with that, so reach out to us to learn more about how to clean your asphalt properly.

Fill Potholes Quickly

Even if you do everything right, you might still see some potholes in your parking lot from time to time. While they can be annoying and unsightly, they can also get larger if you do not fill them quickly. We can help you with that. When you get your potholes filled, you need to make sure they stay filled. Otherwise, the pavement will simply crack again. At Contractors Asphalt, we have the tools and experience necessary to make sure that your potholes are filled properly on the first attempt. Let us handle these issues for you.

Make Sure the Parking Lot Is Sealed

Finally, you need to make sure your asphalt is properly sealed. Once the pavement is laid down, you need to protect it against the elements. Thunderstorms can roll through from time to time, and winter weather can roll in during the colder months. Both of these can lead to serious threats, and you need to protect against them. By sealing your asphalt, you give it the durability it needs to stand up to this type of wear and tear. If you want to learn more about options for sealing your pavement, reach out to us today.

Trust Contractors Asphalt To Help You Take Care of Your Parking Lot

You need to make sure that you not only have a quality asphalt parking lot but also that you take good care of it. It isn’t enough to simply invest in a good parking lot. You need to perform routine maintenance as well. At Contractors Asphalt, we have worked with commercial clients across multiple industries, and we can help you take care of your asphalt as well. Reach out to us today to speak to a member of our team.

How To Prevent Your Asphalt From Cracking in Cold Temperatures

winter-road-cracks

If you have asphalt on your commercial property, you understand how important it is for you to take good care of it. Unfortunately, the winter weather and asphalt do not mix well. Therefore, you need to learn more about how to make sure that your asphalt is properly protected. Take a look at a few important tips below and count on the team from Contractors Asphalt to make sure that your asphalt is ready to stand up to the stress of winter weather.

Remove Debris Before the Snow Hits

As the temperature starts to drop outside, you need to take a look at your asphalt and make sure to remove debris before the first snow hits. You do not want the weight of the snow to drive debris into the surface of your pavement, which could lead to severe damage. Prior to the first snow, you might have a lot of leaves and branches on your pavement. Make sure you get rid of them before the winter weather starts to set in.

Fill Cracks and Seal Your Asphalt

If you have cracks in your asphalt, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible. At Contractors Asphalt, it would be our pleasure to help you do that. Cracks always need immediate attention, but they are even more important in the winter. If water is allowed to get in the cracks, the cracks could get worse, leading to major problems. Reach out to us for help sealing the cracks in the pavement. Then, let us apply the proper finish to your asphalt to make sure your pavement is protected.

Remove Pooling Water Quickly

Speaking of water getting in the cracks, you need to remove it as quickly as possible. Standing water is a major hazard, and you do not want it to get in the cracks and freeze. When water freezes, it expands. If it expands in the cracks in your asphalt, the cracks will get bigger. Take a look at the drainage on your pavement and make sure there is a reliable place for water to run off to. If you need help with the drainage of your asphalt, our team can help you with that. Remember that snow and ice will eventually melt, and the standing water can be a major risk to your pavement.

Rely on the Team From Contractors Asphalt To Help You Protect Your Pavement

These are just a few of the many tips you should follow if you want to make sure that your asphalt is properly protected this winter. There are a lot of responsibilities that come with owning asphalt, and you need to make sure that water does not get in between the cracks in your pavement. At Contractors Asphalt, we can help you take care of your asphalt. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with our team, and let us handle your asphalt needs for you.

When Is The Best Time To Install Asphalt Paving?

Days in spring and summer when the ambient or air temperature is 70 degrees are the best time to install asphalt paving in Austin. Two reasons drive the experts at Contractors Asphalt: the air temperature ensures the ground being paved is warm enough to prevent the medium from cracking and buckling. The second reason is that the temperature of the medium remains hot enough to pour without thickening up. Then it would crack and buckle.

Air Temperature

Of the two types of asphalt – summer and winter – summer asphalt is used from April to December. The medium is mixed at 300 degrees. If the medium cools at the site, then it has to be reheated, so it achieves the proper density with which to pave.

Another aspect of paving is that summer asphalt must be poured onto ground that is warm and dry. If it isn’t, then the medium will cool quickly. This results in improper density, which means the pavement will be rocky and rough. It will attract and absorb water, the end result of which is cracks and a shorter life expectancy.

It is possible to pave a driveway when the ambient or air temperature is 50 degrees, although the results won’t be optimal. The ground must be dry, though. Moisture causes the oils in the asphalt mixture to rise to the top. This means the curing period will be longer, and the quality of the medium will be questionable.

Asphalt Temperature

Heat maintenance during manufacturing asphalt is vital to the finished product. Raising the heat in the factory to maintain its temperature breaks down some of the binders in the mix. This means an inferior product with a shorter lifespan. The heat has to be just right in order to perform properly, what is known popularly as the “ Goldilocks zone.”

Heat loss in the truck from the factory to the site is another factor in asphalt paving. The product loses between five and twenty-five percent of its heat during transport, which results in a thicker mix. This impacts the performance of the medium.

Next comes the temperature of the medium as it leaves the laydown machine. The temperature must be just right. If the wind is blowing or the ambient temperature can’t accommodate the asphalt temperature, then the finished product won’t be right. Nor will the roller machines be able to compact the asphalt properly.

Conclusion

Spring and summer days on which the ambient or air temperature is 70 or higher is the ideal time for Austin driveways to be paved. The professionals at Contractors Asphalt will ensure the medium temperature is exactly right, thereby giving you a long-lasting, high-quality pavement.