Faq
1. WHAT IS ASPHALT?
Asphalt is a dark brown or black cementitious materials and byproducts which is a natural constituent of crude oils. Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler, used for constructing and maintaining roads,driveways, walkways, parking lot areas, railway tracks, ports, airport runways, bicycle lanes, sidewalks and also play- and sport areas. Aggregates used for asphalt mixtures could be crushed rock, sand, gravel or slags. Nowadays, certain waste and by-products, such as construction and demolition debris, are being used as aggregates, which increases the sustainability of asphalt.
2. IS ASPHALT AND HOT MIX ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND?
Yes, in fact, it is the most recycled product in the USA at 80 percent. That compares to significantly lower percentages for aluminum cans, newsprint, plastic and glass beverage containers, and magazines. Asphalt driveways and roads are removed, recrushed, mixed with additional aggregate and asphalt cement (binder), remixed, and placed back on driveways and roads.
3. HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW ASPHALT DRIVEWAY?
Now that the Summer Season is over and cold weather is rapidly approaching, the time for winter drive way preparation begins . It’s important as well to protect both the interior and exterior of our homes, including our asphalt driveways. The wet weather and low temperatures are two main factors and leading causes for the cracks formation in your asphalt.
The best prevention and preservation of your asphalt is to hire a professional asphalt/sealcoating company to apply a high-grade crack-sealing compound and apply a fresh layer of seal coat to help preserve the existing asphalt. The crack sealer contains a rubberized mixture that bonds to the asphalt driveways to help provide a strong seal.
4. WHAT MAKES ASPHALT CRACK?
In Massachusetts, the frost penetrates the ground as deep as 3 feet. The ground, when frozen this deep, will heave often times as much as 1 to 2 inches. Asphalt will give to a certain extent then will crack. Now matter how strong the asphalt pavement is constructed, the forces of nature are stronger. However, thicker asphalt certainly helps.
5. HOW SOON CAN I DRIVE ON MY DRIVEWAY AFTER IT’S BEEN PAVED?
You should stay off of your driveway for a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours after your asphalt driveway has been installed and paved. Longer is better.
6. WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER GETTING MY DRIVEWAY REMOVED AND REPLACED?
The removal of an existing asphalt driveway should be considered when (1) a repair of failed areas and the subsequent overlay is not cost-effective or (2) an adequate slope cannot be attained with an overlay to ensure that water moves away from the house and garage. Because a remove and replace consists of removing the existing asphalt surface, the adding and grading additional base (to compensate for what has been lost to time, erosion and removal process) and a new asphalt surface, many of the concerns inherent in an overlay are irrelevant.
7. HOW LONG DOES AN ASPHALT DRIVEWAY LAST?
Three factors contribute to asphalt’s longevity; geology, construction and maintenance. Poor geology like bad genes can doom a driveway to an early demise. Quality construction can counter some of geology’s anomalies. If the soil is excessively wet, larger stones can be added to stabilize the base before the limestone and asphalt are applied. Strategically placed drainage. can also mitigate the effects of too much soil moisture. If geology and construction are optimal, proper maintenance can extend the life of a driveway and add to its appearance. Appropriate sealcoat and crack sealer applications ensure that neither the surface nor the base is exposed to more weather conditions than necessary. A single application of sealer should be applied every other year. Cracks of 3/8ths inch or larger should be sealed with a hot crack sealer. An asphalt driveway will last 5-30 years or more, depending upon the quality of the workmanship.
8. DO YOU GIVE FREE ESTIMATES?
Yes. If you call for an estimate at 781-643-2535, We do not provide estimates in the field (with the exception of sealcoat) or on-the-fly. When you receive our estimate it will be in writing, on our letterhead and accompanied by other relevant paperwork.