Patio 2Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my asphalt investment?

Apply a seal coat within six months to one year of installation of new asphalt. Check for cracks and have them filled annually. Any crack, which is ¼-inch or wider in the pavement, will allow moisture to penetrate to the subbase. The goal of a good pavement management plan should be to keep the moisture from entering the asphalt pavement. Additionally, we recommend applying sealant every two- to-three years, depending on wear. This will help prevent deterioration of your pavement due to the sun’s rays, gasoline, traffic, and the weather elements.

What are some of the causes of asphalt failure?

Some causes include inadequate thickness of the pavement section to support the loads traveling across the asphalt, lack of maintenance, and weak or unstable subgrade components. Asphalt deteriorates when “fines” aggregates are worn away by weather and traffic. When the “fines” are worn away, there is nothing to bind the larger aggregates together and the surface begins to ravel. This weakens the pavement section and eventually allows water to penetrate the subgrade, which leads to pavement failure.

How does sunlight affect asphalt deterioration?

The sun heats up the binder cement, which depletes the holding characteristics of the chemical compounds in the dried liquid asphalt. This enables the stone to loosen up and fall away into curbsides, ditches, and storm drains.

What causes sink holes near my catch basin?

Water penetrates the basin through gaps in the rings and erodes the stone subbase in the surrounding asphalt. Another cause may be that the stone base adjacent to the basin has settled and cannot support the surrounding asphalt.

Can you explain the proper way to repair a pothole or failed area of asphalt?

When asphalt plants are open, the proper repair is as follows: saw cut around the failed area, remove the asphalt, inspect and re-compact the subbase, tack the perimeter walls, install new hot mix asphalt in two lifts compacting after each lift, and then crack seal around the patch to prevent water infiltration around the patch area.

Will the price of oil affect asphalt prices?

Yes, the price of asphalt will always be affected by crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary. But, paving companies with multi-site, multi-regional projects have more buying power at asphalt plants, which means valuable savings for clients.

When should traffic be allowed on a parking lot that has just been worked on?

It depends on the job. For asphalt resurfacing, depending upon the temperature of the day, one should allow 2 to 6 hours before using the new lot. Sealcoating needs a 24-hour drying (curing) time after work is completed. Do not allow traffic on your lot before the end of the 24-hour drying period.

For all other services, a set time frame should be suggested to you from your contractor.

Why choose pavers over stamped concrete?

Stamped concrete although easy to install is subject to frequent cracking in a seismic area such as Southern California. Pavers are durable, flexible and resistant to UV light and weather cycles. They are slip resistant, easily repaired and maintenance is minimal.

What is the difference between natural stone pavers and concrete pavers?

Natural stones are primarily cut from real rock, concrete pavers are man-made and are manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

How to I clean for concrete pavers?

Concrete pavers should be swept occasionally and may be washed down with water. Special solvents are available for oil stains and pavers can be pressure washed. We also provide professional paver maintenance services.

How do I remove an oil stain from my concrete pavers?

Specially formulated chemical stain removers are available for your concrete pavers. Sometimes the fastest and easy way is to replace the stained paver.

What is ICPI?

Founded in 1993, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute is the North American trade association considered by peer associations around the world as the leader in development and dissemination of technical information for design professionals and contractors and engages in a broad range of technical, marketing, educational, government relations and communications activities.