Asphalt Paving Blog

Answers To The Top Ten Questions About Asphalt Pavement

asphalt-pavement-constructionWhen it comes to asphalt pavement, we are proud to say that we know our stuff. To help you manage your driveway, roadway or parking lot, we have complied a list of the top 10 questions we are continually asked, with the hopes of helping you find the answers you need quickly.

At Wolf Paving, we are proud to offer exceptional customer service and a superior asphalt surface to meet your project needs. Moreover, we want to help you understand the how and why of asphalt pavement so you can make informed decisions before you get started on your next project. Take a look at our top 10 list below!

1. When Should I Sealcoat My Asphalt Driveway?

As a rule of thumb, we often recommend that driveways, parking lots and roadways have a sealcoat application every 3-5 years. Sealcoating a thin liquid layer added over a paved surface to protect it from damage caused by UV rays, rain and snow, and fluids from vehicles. Learn more about the 7 key benefits of sealcoating to save you money.

2. How Long Does An Asphalt Driveway Last?

An asphalt driveway that is properly installed by an experienced asphalt contractor should generally last between 15 – 20 years. They key to extending the lifespan and durability of your asphalt surface is to perform regular preventative maintenance to keep your surface looking great. Take a look at 3 preventative maintenance tips to save you money.

3. What Causes Asphalt Deterioration And How Do I Prevent It?

We often tell our customers that there are a few key enemies of asphalt pavement. Surface water is the key cause of asphalt failure, which is why it is important that storm water management is the first consideration in the installation process. In addition, proper sealcoating applications can help protect your asphalt surface from sunlight and vehicles fluids that can also cause damage. Learn the 5 key enemies of asphalt and how to fight them off.

4. How Do You Find The Best Asphalt Contractor?

Whether you are looking for a contractor for your residential, commercial or municipal paving project, there are a few key things you should consider. Ask questions and make sure the contractors you interview understand your project scope and your unique needs. Do your research and make sure the contractor’s reputation and recent projects are up to par. Take a look at some more qualities to look for, including licenses, insurance and equipment specifications.

5. What Is The Best Way To Repair Potholes?

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of water after it has entered into the ground under the pavement. They seem to pop out of nowhere every spring season and wreak havoc on cars, cyclists and pedestrians. The pothole repair process involves four important steps: clean, heat, add the new custom aggregate mix, and cool. Learn more about the 3 most important tips on how to repair a pothole.

6. How Do You Maintain The Fresh Look and Durability Of A Parking Lot?

Taking preventative steps to maintain your parking lot can save you a lot of money in repair costs and keep your parking lot looking great for years to come. Simple things like regular cleaning, sealcoating applications and seasonal repairs will help you extend the lifespan of your parking lot and impress your visitors and customers alike. Take a look at the 3 things you can do right now to improve the look of your parking lot.

7. How Do You Find An Asphalt Contractor With Municipality Experience?

Finding a contractor with experience doing municipality projects well can be difficult. You need to ensure that your contractor knows how to manage big projects effectively and on budget. Be specific with your requirements and be sure to bring them to the table early. If you have storm water management concerns, for example, make sure your contractor outlines the process steps to help resolve your concerns. Be sure to review these 3 big considerations for municipalities selecting asphalt contractors.

8. What Are The Benefits Of Porous Asphalt?

Porous asphalt is pavement that allows water to drain through it, returning water naturally to the water table and helping to manage storm water runoff and drainage challenges. Porous material offers many great environmental benefits and great green infrastructure opportunities for commercial and municipal entities. Read more about the 4 key benefits of porous asphalt.

9. Why Is Street Sweeping Important?

Street sweeping services are an important step in maintaining the lifespan of your asphalt pavement. A clean surface means that dirt, debris and vehicle fluids will not be able to deteriorate your pavement prematurely. Learn more about the benefits of street sweeping for your property.

10. Do You Take Old Roof Shingles For Recycling?

At Wolf Paving we do recycle asphalt shingles because we believe in the importance of recycling and we feel that our recycling process creates a superior asphalt product for our customers. Through the process of sorting, heating, grinding and remixing, we repurpose old shingles for use in our custom pavement mixes. The bonus for our customers is that aggregate pavements made with recycled shingles are often more durable than new pavements. Learn more about the recycling process.

Did we hit your top ten questions about asphalt pavement? If we missed one, let us know in the comments!

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free quote for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

New Call-to-action