Installing a new surface over existing asphalt is considered an overlay. It isn’t just an option that homeowners or businesses use, but cities and towns across America use it for current streets and highways. It is very popular because it provides a new and refreshed look to a current asphalt without the hefty cost of installing a whole new surface.

You have probably seen an overlay process being done, but didn’t know the actual term. Drivers always complain when they see this being done because they fear the substance will get on their car and ruin their paint. The good news is that the contractor will make sure the overlay installation is ready for driving before allowing any drivers on the roads.

When is it a good option for a homeowner or business to have an overlay done to their current asphalt? It can be performed when the current asphalt has no deterioration of the sub-base, which must be in great condition. The sub-base must not have any drainage conditions. If the current asphalt has already had an overlay on it before, then another one is neither recommended or a good option.

An asphalt contractor is the only one that can look at the current asphalt and determine if it is a good candidate for an overlay. The contractor will examine the existing asphalt. The current asphalt may need minor repairs, before this service, for the best results. The overlay will be applied without tearing out the asphalt. It is just adding a few inches of new asphalt on the current surface.

An overlay provide a safe and secure asphalt for the homeowner and business. It is done in a few steps and will involve an experienced and professional asphalt contractor. You never want to have this process done by an inexperienced contractor because if important steps are missing, then the overlay will not be successful and can end up costing the homeowner much more money.

You can check out our asphalt paving and overlay services on our website, here!

Once the asphalt has been installed, then the homeowner always wants to know how long the asphalt will last. This is an important questions for the homeowner. It is a financial investment to add an asphalt driveway to the property. When a homeowner invests money into their property, they would like to know that the investment will give a good return.

The typical asphalt can last a homeowner ten to twenty years and it can last longer if the asphalt has been installed properly and maintained like it should be. When the asphalt is maintained, then it can last a homeowner up to thirty years.

What maintenance is needed to be done to add longer life to an asphalt driveway? Some of the maintenance would be filling cracks that develop in the asphalt. The cracks can allow added water into the base of the asphalt. The water will eventually ruin the base of the asphalt, which can cost a homeowner money to repair, but filling the cracks can prevent this.

Another maintenance that should be done for the asphalt is patching holes. Holes develop in the asphalt and the holes can be patched to prevent further damage to the asphalt. The asphalt also requires a seal coat. The seal coat should be applied to the asphalt every three years. The seal coat will add a moisture block to the asphalt and provide strength to the asphalt too.

When the asphalt is newly installed, then the homeowner should keep anything sharp off the asphalt. Sharp objects like tire jacks, ladders, motorcycle stands and even lawn chairs. These objects can dig ruts and holes into the asphalt and cause major damage to the surface.

A homeowner who wants to get the maximum life out of their asphalt can prevent any damage to the asphalt and maintain it. These are the two main factors that will allow the asphalt to last for many years. It isn’t hard to do, but it requires a little time and very little money to do. Asphalt is nearly maintenance free. Asphalt doesn’t require expensive maintenance to keep it looking good and lasting long. The homeowner just needs to dedicate the time to keep the asphalt in good shape. The investment that has been put forth for the asphalt will be returned in a strong surface and an attractive driveway.

For more information on our asphalt services at Advanced Sealing and Paving, click here!

It is important that the asphalt contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. Not only is it important, but essential. It is so important because the asphalt contractor and his workers are working with materials that are being heated up to a temperature of over three hundred degrees. Anything can happen when you are working with dangerous asphalt and equipment. The contractor will use the training that he received when he got his license and train his employees the proper way. The license that the contractor has requires classes on handling asphalt materials and products. They go through difficult testing to obtain the license. Once the contractor has this, they are qualified to work with all materials and equipment.

The insurance is also important because it will protect the homeowner of any responsibility of injuries or accidents that occur on their property. It covers equipment that is being used, the materials, the asphalt, and the workers. A special insurance called ‘workers compensation’ is required for the company to have. It protects the company if an employee is injured on the job.

Having a bond is another added benefit for the homeowner, as it will protect for any unsatisfied work that the asphalt contractor does. If the asphalt develops a problem, the bonding will rectify any damages. It will show the homeowner that the contractor wants to provide the highest standards and service with their asphalt. The contractor is doing all they can by possessing these items.

The homeowner can request a copy of these items from the asphalt contractor. They will  usually bring a copy of these items when they are inspecting the homeowner’s property for an asphalt project.

For more information on Advanced Sealing and Paving, click here!