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Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What causes asphalt to fail?

A:  Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base. Asphalt failure often begins with the oxidation of an untreated pavement surface which causes the asphalt to become dry and brittle. The top layer of fine particles erodes, exposing the larger aggregate and leading to small cracks on the surface. These cracks will grow if left untreated, allowing water to penetrate to the base of the pavement. When water enters the base of the pavement, the base material shifts and settles leading to further cracking and a depression in the surface. As water pools in the depressed area, the asphalt further deteriorates and becomes unstable. When the pavement reaches this stage, removal and replacement of the old asphalt is often the only remedy.

 

Q:  What can I do to prevent pavement failures?

A:  Periodic and preventative maintenance is the key. Budget money for crack filling on a yearly basis. Typically a few hundred dollars a year in crack filling will save you thousands in patching when resurfacing is required. If deteriorated pavement is caused by poor sub-base conditions, periodic patching may be required to keep those areas from spreading.

 

Q:  Do I need to replace all of the deteriorated pavement?

A:  Typically not. Pavements are only designed for a 15 year life cycle and random fatigue cracking and slight deteriorations are to be expected. Simply adding a new 2" surface (Perma-Flex paving overlay) over the existing paving will seal the cracks and deteriorated areas and solve the problem.

 

Q:  What exactly is asphalt?

A:  Asphalt pavement is usually 95% aggregate, which could be stone, sand, or gravel, and 5% asphalt cement as a binder. The binder is a product of oil refining and acts to glue the aggregates together. The aggregate and asphalt are heated, combined with the recycled material and mixed together. Then we load the hot pavement material into trucks and take it out to the site.

 

Q:  What are the main benefits of asphalt?

A:  

• It costs less to construct and maintain asphalt than alternative pavements.
• Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly than alternative pavements.
• Asphalt pavements are the smoothest pavements
• Asphalt pavements generate less noise than alternative pavements.
• The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations - making asphalt a safer pavement.
• Properly designed, constructed and maintained asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.
• Asphalt is recyclable.

 

Q:  How can I protect my asphalt?

A:  There are a number of steps that you can take to prolong the life of your asphalt and maximize your investment.

• Sealcoat within six months after installing new asphalt.
• Sealcoat every two to three years thereafter.
• Regularly check for longitudinal or transverse cracking and have cracks sealed.
• Patch low areas before cracking develops.
• Minimize irrigation run-off onto your asphalt.
• Work with a quality asphalt maintenance company like Asphalt Enterprises, Inc. to develop an asphalt maintenance plan that specifically meets your needs and budget.

 

Q:  Does the rising price of oil impact asphalt prices?

A:  Yes, the price of asphalt is directly linked to crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary.

 

Q:  What about the weather affecting scheduled paving operations?

A:  Paving operations are weather dependant.  If it is just morning mist or very light rain, we will sometimes work through it.  If it is raining heavily or snowing, we normally reschedule the project until a dry day.  Asphalt can be applied year round provided temperature and ground conditions are adequate.

 

Q:  Why is edge milling prior to resurfacing important?

A.:  A key consideration when resurfacing is drainage. How well does the lot drain prior to resurfacing and how will a new layer affect this? As a general rule an asphalt parking lot should have a minimum slope of 1% for water to flow properly over its service life. This translates to roughly 1" of fall for every 10 feet. Anything less will not work! This is why edge milling is important, by milling the edges of the existing asphalt down below the level of adjacent concrete the new asphalt can be installed at the same level as the concrete thus preventing water from becoming trapped between the asphalt and concrete and preventing trip hazards. Without edge milling, the new layer of asphalt will sit one and half to two inches higher than the adjacent concrete.

 

Q:  What happens to utility valves (Manholes, Water and Gas boxes)?

A:  We install 2” cast iron risers to make sure utility valves are even with new overlay.

Q:  How would you go about paving our community?  There is not a lot of parking.

A:  AEI  creates a detailed color mapping system that explains work being completed daily and where cars need to park. It is important for the manager to have a notice distributed to the community, 2 weeks or so prior to start of work explaining tentative work dates, then 3 days prior to starting project, and daily notices throughout work days.

Q:  We recently had a plumbing repair in our street.  How should the hole be prepared, prior to having it patched with asphalt?

A:   After the plumber has completed the repair and has stabilized the area surrounding the pipe, he needs to pump out any water that is in the hole, then fill the hole with G.A.B granular aggregate base material, in 12 inch lifts, compacting each lift, until the hole is filled, with approximately 2-3 inches of rock remaining above street level.  After approx. 5-7 days, the area can be patched, by removing the excess rock down to a depth of 3 inches, compacting the remaining rock, then patching the area with hot mix. Never let the plumber place the excavated dirt and material back into the hole after completing the plumbing repair, especially if the material is wet.  Always use the method outlined above.

Q:  What time of year is best for sealcoating?

A:  Here in Atlanta, our sealcoating season runs from April until the first week in November.  Ideally, we recommend that you sealcoat during the months of May – September, when pavement temperature is ideal, as well as the amount of UV rays that can be exposed to the new sealer on the pavement, which is critical for the proper drying and curing of the sealer.

 

Q:  After the sealant is applied, is it normal to see tire marks after the parking lot is opened up for traffic?

A:  Yes, it is normal to see some tire marking, since the sealer is still tender, and hasn’t cured 100%.  You will notice that the tracking and marking will subside after a week or so.

 

If you have any questions you would like addressed, please click on the “Contact Us” tab above and send us your question, and we will respond to you within 24 hours with an answer.