ASPHALT MAINTENANCE

Good maintenance is a must if you want your driveway and parking lot to last and look like new.  The sealer used is a coal tar emulsion that is applied to the surface of asphalt to protect and preserve the integrity of the pavement.  Surfaces that remain unprotected will develop hairline cracks which will allow the elements to penetrate the surface of the driveway or parking lot.   This will lead to premature failure of the asphalt.  Sealcoating fills the naturally porous surface of asphalt, protecting the surface from the damaging effects of water, gasoline, oil, salt and chemicals.

Water is one of the most damaging elements to your asphalt surface.  Water when frozen expands in mass and becomes one of the strongest forces in nature.  The problem with water collecting in the pores and cracks of asphalt is that the surface freezes first forcing the the ice to move downward.  This in turn will cause deep cracking of the asphalt down to the roadbed.  This will soften and destroy the integrity of the roadbed which will lead to further deterioration of the asphalt surface.  If water is continually allowed to penetrate the surface, the effect of the freeze / thaw cycle will destroy asphalt in a short amount of time.

Sealcoating will also restore elasticity to the surface of the asphalt.  Asphalt is elastic in nature and must be this way due to the expansion and contraction caused by the heat from the sun.  Asphalt being black in color, absorbs heat from the sun very efficiently.  If the asphalt is left unprotected, the surface dries out and becomes brittle which will lead to cracking and alligatoring.   This also will lead to premature failure of the asphalt.

    Some advantages to Sealcoating:

• Resists gas and oil drippings
• Diminishes weather damage
• Prevents oxidation
• Beautifies asphalt surfaces
• Saves money

Sealcoating can be applied for PENNIES per square foot.   This is in comparison to replacing an asphalt surface which can be up to 20 times that.  Sealcoating extends the life of asphalt surfaces by as much as 300% and should be applied every other year.  The cost of sealcoating is truly a minor expense when compared to the cost of pavement replacement.

CONCRETE MAINTENANCE