What is asphalt paving?
Asphalt, or bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. Its primary use is in road construction as the glue or binder that is mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete. It is an excellent choice due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Learn more here.
Asphalt paving involves preparing the base, spreading the asphalt mix, compacting it, and then sealing the surface. Professional contractors typically handle the installation.
The lifespan of asphalt can vary depending on factors like climate, traffic volume, and maintenance. Generally, properly installed and maintained asphalt can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years or more.
Asphalt is a popular paving option for a reason. It’s the most commonly used road construction material in the U.S. In our experience, after 30 years of paving, the advantages of using asphalt for residential paving or commercial paving are that it’s:
- Safe
- Low cost
- Environmentally friendly
- Convenient
- Durable
- Quiet
- Attractive
It requires 20% less energy to install asphalt paving compared to other paving materials. Because asphalt is beneficial to vehicle efficiency, it lowers the potential impact on the environment. Less friction means improved longevity for the road, reduced vehicle maintenance costs, lessened carbon dioxide emissions, and improvements to fuel economy. Learn more here.
Yes. One reason that asphalt is used for road surfaces and pavements so frequently is that it offers high skid resistance. Asphalt is the airline industry’s material of choice, providing the impeccable surfaces required for runways and taxiways. And not only will it stand up to ice and snow, but it can also handle the chemicals we use to get rid of ice and snow without causing risk to drivers or pedestrians. Asphalt provides excellent contact between the road surface and tires, leading to better vehicle handling and a safer ride for drivers and passengers.
Regular maintenance includes sealcoating, crack filling, and occasional resurfacing. Promptly addressing cracks and potholes can extend the life of your asphalt surface.
Yes, asphalt surfaces can be resurfaced to extend their lifespan. Repair methods include patching, crack filling, and sealcoating to address minor issues.
Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of asphalt to shield it from UV rays, water, and chemicals. It helps to prolong the life of the pavement and maintain its appearance.
Sealcoating is typically recommended every 2-5 years, depending on the level of wear and tear, climate conditions, and traffic volume.
Spring and summer are generally the best times for asphalt paving, when the weather is drier and temperatures are milder.
Yes. If your site has a slope, erosion problems, or a water drainage issue, we will properly grade the site and and prepare it. Our services include everything needed to build and maintain a stable pavement surface:
- Base rock and surface paving
- Demolition & surface removal
- Redesigns to improve drainage
- Installation of culverts & ditches
- Seal coats & asphalt repairs
Yes. In most cases, it is possible to overlay a new layer of asphalt over an existing one if the existing surface is in reasonably good condition. However, a thorough evaluation is required to determine if it’s suitable.
The duration of a project depends on various factors, including size, complexity, weather conditions, and equipment availability. Typically, a small residential driveway can be completed in a day or two, while larger commercial projects may take several days to weeks.
It’s best to avoid heavy traffic for a few days after paving to allow the asphalt to cure. Your contractor will provide specific guidance on when it’s safe to use.
Several factors can lead to the failure of a pavement system, such as subpar initial construction, improper drainage, usage patterns, insufficient thickness of the asphalt concrete, and a lack of proper maintenance. It’s important to note that among these factors, water poses the greatest threat to asphalt, as any infiltration through the asphalt into the subsoil will lead to the degradation of the pavement.
Regions with extreme temperature fluctuations and weather conditions may require more frequent maintenance to preserve the asphalt’s integrity.
- Look for a licensed and insured contractor with a good reputation and experience in asphalt paving.
- Check references and past projects.
- Request a written estimate and contract with all details of the work, including materials, timelines, and costs.
Yes, asphalt is highly recyclable. Asphalt is the most recycled product in the U.S., where 100 million tons of asphalt pavement is recycled every year. Asphalt can also be made from other waste, including tires and shingles, reducing the use of landfills. Recycling of this material protects the environment by reducing quarrying, mining and oil consumption. Recycling reduces consumption of fuel, machinery, transportation and labor as well as protecting the scarce natural resources of aggregate and asphalt. Ultimately this keeps many millions of tons of collected material out of our landfills.
Yes. While the basic principles are the same, commercial projects often involve larger areas and heavier traffic loads, requiring thicker asphalt layers and more robust construction.
The thickness can vary, but residential driveways are usually 2-3 inches thick, while roads and commercial areas may require 4-6 inches or more, depending on traffic.
Cracks, potholes, surface deterioration, and unevenness are common signs that your asphalt may need repair or resurfacing.
Yes, we have been licensed since 1990 with the State of California are both licensed State of California License #589875 Class A General Engineering Contractor & C-12 Earthwork and Paving. We are A+ rated through the Better Business Bureau Paving Company and a member of the North Coast Builders Exchange.
Asphalt driveways are typically more flexible and cost-effective but may require more maintenance. Concrete driveways are durable but tend to be more expensive.
Yes, alternatives include porous asphalt, gravel driveways, pavers, and permeable pavement systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Hot mix asphalt is produced at high temperatures and is commonly used for major road construction. Cold mix asphalt, on the other hand, can be used at lower temperatures and is often used for patching and temporary repairs.
Proper maintenance and regular sealcoating can help prevent weed growth. Additionally, installing a weed barrier fabric before paving can be effective.
Yes, asphalt can be colored, stamped, or stained to create decorative patterns and designs. This is often done for aesthetic purposes on residential driveways or commercial properties.
Yes, asphalt is commonly used for sports courts like tennis or basketball courts due to its smooth and durable surface.
Yes. Regularly inspect for cracks and address them promptly, keep the surface clean, and schedule periodic sealcoating and resurfacing as needed.
Promptly clean up any spills to prevent stains. Sealcoating can also provide some protection against these types of stains.
The lifespan of an asphalt overlay can vary but is generally around 10-15 years, depending on factors like traffic volume and maintenance.
Yes, paving over an existing asphalt surface (overlay) is possible if it’s in reasonably good condition. However, severe damage or structural issues may require removal and replacement.
Proper grading during installation and regular maintenance can help ensure adequate drainage. Installing catch basins or drains may also be necessary in some cases.
Yes, speed bumps can be added to control speed and improve safety in areas like parking lots or private roads.
Contact us right away and we will be sure to help address your concerns and issues.
Yes, asphalt can be used for patios and pathways, but it’s less common than concrete or pavers for such applications.
Yes, you can paint lines and markings on an asphalt surface for parking spaces, crosswalks, or traffic lanes. It’s a common practice for safety and organization.
While asphalt is typically black or dark gray, color additives can be used during the paving process to achieve different colors, but it’s less common than traditional asphalt.
Yes, asphalt is sometimes used for playgrounds and skate parks due to its smooth surface, but safety considerations and cushioning materials may also be needed.
No. Asphalt is not commonly used for sports tracks, as synthetic track surfaces are preferred for their performance characteristics.
You can request a quote for asphalt services by contacting our company through our website or calling our customer service. We will schedule an assessment of your pavement and provide you with a customized quote based on your specific needs.
If you have any more questions or need specific information related to asphalt, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Pimentel Paving Inc.