A Consumer's Guide to Asphalt Paving
Asphalt is a blind product. This means that you can only see the surface,
and not the base or thickness, which are much more important. You won’t
be able to see any problems that may develop in the future until after your
check is cashed; and by then, it is too late.
Why you should use DAMICO PAVING & SEALCOATING to install your drive or
parking lot.
Asphalt installed properly will last for decades. Asphalt installed incorrectly
may only last a few months. This is a specialized process and we are experts
at what we do!
Every year we install hundreds of new driveways. Unfortunately, a few of them
are new driveways that are replacing inferior drives installed by other companies.
Ask to see their work.
Below are “must ask” questions of any asphalt contractor:
How many workers will be on site when the asphalt
is being installed?
Asphalt has to be installed and compacted while it is very hot. We feel this
takes a minimum of six to eight workers on site while the asphalt is installed.
DAMICO PAVING & SEALCOATING always has six to ten workers on site during
asphalt installation. If the asphalt cools before proper compaction, it will
look rough and crack in a short amount of time.
Can you have a copy of their Certificate of Insurance
including worker’s Compensation Insurance in the event that someone is
injured on your property?
This is important for your protection.
Is their equipment up to date?
All of our equipment is State-of-the-Art.
Do they return calls promptly? Will they adjust their
schedule to accommodate yours?
With DAMICO PAVING & SEALCOATING, You will receive an owner or partner’s
personal phone number. We can always be reached before the job and after the
work is completed.
An asphalt driveway or parking lot is composed of the following layers:
Sub Base: This is the ground that is compacted
prior to installation of the original stone base.
Base: A minimum of 6-8” of stone, compacted
before asphalt paving.
Binder Asphalt: This large stones mixed with
oil and sand that is used on all parking lots and some driveways that will
have heavy vehicles parked on them. It is very strong and provides a very
sturdy base prior to putting on the surface asphalt.
Surface Asphalt: This is smaller stones combined
with oil and sand. It is heated to 325° and becomes flexible to work with
and then hardens as it cools. Paving is the process of installing the above
materials into finished asphalt.
There are many different grades and qualities of stone and asphalt. DAMICO
PAVING & SEALCOATING uses only the best products available for a beautiful,
top quality driveway. Below are definitions of terms relating to asphalt paving.
Resurfacing/Overlay: is putting a new layer of
asphalt over an existing layer.
Tac Coat Primer: This is the glue used to adhere
the new asphalt to the existing asphalt.
Petromat: This is the material that must be used
in resurfacing. It covers over existing asphalt cracks. If petromat is not
used, existing cracks in the asphalt will come back through in a very short
amount of time. This is known as reflective cracking.
Saw Cutting Butt Joints: This must be done on
every resurface job. This keeps all areas level where the new asphalt meets
other surfaces such as: Garage floors, sidewalks, curbs and especially the
street when no curb is present. If this procedure is not taken there will
be tripping hazards and the asphalt will crumble at the street. Many companies
do not take this extra step for a perfect finished look.
Buyer Beware: Never overlay any
driveway that is severely cracked or wavy. The new layer will follow the old
asphalt cracks and waves in a very short period of time. Unfortunately, every
year we replace brand new driveways that less reputable contractors have resurfaced
and will never return once your check has been cashed.
We install hundreds of driveways each year. Most of our paving jobs come via
word of mouth and referrals from happy customers. We insure that you will
have a positive experience from your initial call through the completion of
your project.