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Asphalt & Paving Resources

Explore Our Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

When it comes to paving and asphalt, we understand that our customers have a lot of questions. Here you’ll find the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us.

Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of asphalt failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base. Asphalt failure often begins with the oxidation of an untreated pavement surface, which causes the asphalt to become dry and brittle. The top layer of the particles erodes, exposing the larger aggregate and leading to small cracks on the surface. These cracks will grow if left untreated, allowing water to penetrate to the base of the pavement. When water enters the base of the pavement, the base material shifts and settles leading to further cracking and a depression in the surface. As water pools in the depressed area, the asphalt further deteriorates and becomes unstable. When the pavement reaches this stage, removal and replacement of the old asphalt is often the only remedy.

There are a number of steps that you can take to prolong the life of your asphalt and maximize your investment, including:

Sealcoat 1 year after installing new asphalt.
Sealcoat every two to three years thereafter.
Regularly check for longitudinal or transverse cracking and have cracks sealed.
Patch low areas before cracking develops.
Minimize irrigation run-off onto your asphalt.
Work with a quality asphalt maintenance company like Liddil Paving to develop an asphalt maintenance plan that specifically meets your needs and budget.

In order to follow manufacturers’ specifications and from our decades of experience in applying sealer, we only apply sealer from around the last week of May to the first week in October. Many times, some of our competitors apply sealer later in the year. Unfortunately, these contractors are being less than honest and are doing their customers a disservice. Applying sealer during the late fall and winter months will produce a sealant that will not cure properly and will prematurely wear within a matter of months. Sealer should NOT be applied unless the pavement temperature is at least 60 degrees F and RISING, along with the air temperature being 60 degrees F and RISING. The fusion of the binder particles in the sealant to form a uniform and continuous film depends on their ability to soften under the ideal air temperatures and pavement temperatures. The process of fusion is GREATLY reduced at temperatures below 60 degrees, and even higher temperatures when there is a lack of ultra violet light. Also, when sealer is applied below the ideal temperatures, refined tar particles do not soften and form a continuous film, so they leave clay and filler particles (key ingredients in sealer) uncoated. This leaves the sealer a grey and blotchy color. The lack of ultra violet light also plays a huge factor in the proper curing of the sealant. Of course, in winter months, the sun is very low in the sky, thus the ultra violet sunrays cannot help in the curing process of sealer. If you are still considering sealcoating your property, please consider performing this work before the first week of October, or else put if off until spring. If you have a contractor who insists on sealcoating during winter months, please re-consider having them do the work. Better yet, give Liddil Paving a call, and we would be more than happy to perform the work under ideal weather conditions, as per manufacturers’ specifications.

What are the main benefits of asphalt?

Asphalt costs less to construct and maintain than alternative pavements.
Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly than alternative pavements.
Asphalt pavements are the smoothest, most attractive pavements.
Asphalt pavements generate less noise than alternative pavements.
The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations, making asphalt a safer pavement.
Properly designed, constructed and maintained asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.
Asphalt is recyclable.

No, it is normal for there to be tire marking and scuffing on newly paved parking lots, especially during periods of very hot weather as is common here during the summer months. The appearance of these marks and scuffs is normal, and in no way affects the long-term performance of the pavement. The marking and scuffing subsides within a few weeks, after the asphalt has a chance to totally cool down, and the marks will finally disappear. For a more detailed explanation of tire scuffing, marking, and indentations, please visit this link for a position paper on the subject, published by the Asphalt Institute.

Yes. You cannot afford to ignore the cracks in pavement. Cracks can be a result of pavement not being properly maintained, poor installation, or simply due to aging. Regardless, cracks allow moisture to seep down into the structure of the pavement and cause serious damage to its structure and the underlying base layers. As cracks grow and get larger, potholes begin to form. Left unrepaired the surrounding areas begin to disintegrate and require major asphalt repairs including a complete resurfacing. This is why crack sealing is so important.

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Follow These Maintenance Tips

There are a number of steps that you can take to prolong the life of your asphalt and maximize your investment, including:

Sealcoat 12 months after installing new asphalt.
Sealcoat every two to three years thereafter.
Regularly check for longitudinal or transverse cracking and have cracks sealed.
Patch low areas before cracking develops.
Minimize irrigation run-off onto your asphalt.
Work with a quality asphalt maintenance company like Liddil Paving to develop an asphalt maintenance plan that specifically meets your needs and budget.

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