FAQs
Tom Lovell Asphalt Paving
What is the difference between driveway resurfacing and sealcoating?
Resurfacing involves structural repair that adds years to your asphalt's lifespan. This process includes patching damaged areas and applying a fresh layer of hot bituminous asphalt, usually between 1.5 and 3 inches thick. Sealcoating isn't a structural fix—it's more of a protective treatment, similar to applying a fresh coat of paint to your home. While sealcoating does help protect and extend the life of your asphalt, it won't resolve underlying structural problems. The cost of sealcoating is generally lower than resurfacing. If you'd like more specific information about either service, please reach out to our driveway paving company.Can you create asphalt in colors other than black?
Asphalt naturally appears black because aggregates are mixed with hot asphalt cement during production. As the material oxidizes over time, you may begin to see the color of the aggregate showing through. If lighter-colored aggregates were used, this can create a slightly grayish tone. However, the base color of asphalt will always be black due to its composition.When can I use my new driveway?
A new asphalt driveway needs up to 30 days to fully cure, though this timeframe can vary based on temperature. You should be able to carefully drive on the surface within two to three days of installation. IBISWorld reports there are roughly 123,000 paving contractors operating throughout the United States. We invite you to contact us for professional asphalt services.My car left tire scuff marks on the asphalt. Are they permanent?
These marks usually appear when you turn your steering wheel while the car isn't moving, particularly on warm days before the asphalt has completely cured. The good news is that these scuff marks typically fade with time and become much less obvious. For dependable driveway paving services, we're here to help—please contact us.Why do I see roller marks on the surface of my asphalt?
Achieving proper compaction is essential for creating a long-lasting asphalt surface. Our team works to reach an ideal compaction rate of 90%. Those roller marks or streaks you're noticing are usually temporary and will gradually fade and become less apparent over the next several months.My driveway is deteriorating in places. Should I wait one to two years to get the entire driveway resurfaced or address the issue now?
Repairing deteriorating patches immediately is more economical than postponing repairs and resurfacing the entire driveway down the road. Typically, every dollar invested in early-stage repairs can prevent $4 to $5 in future expenses. We strongly suggest taking care of these problems right away. Contact us to discuss our asphalt driveway paving services.When should I sealcoat my new driveway?
How often you'll need sealcoating depends on several factors, including how much direct sunlight your driveway receives and how much traffic it handles. The Capital Gazette, a trusted news publication, notes that sealcoating typically shouldn't be needed more frequently than every three to four years. Applying sealcoating too often can actually create a slick surface when it rains. Contact us for professional asphalt services in your area.What are the pros and cons of using asphalt versus concrete for driveways?
While personal preference plays a role, there are two key distinctions worth noting. Asphalt offers flexibility, which allows it to adjust to usage and minor shifts in the base material. Concrete depends on its inherent strength to support loads and compensate for any weaknesses in the sub-base. The other consideration is cost—concrete installations typically run higher than asphalt surfaces with similar strength characteristics.Can I put an asphalt surface over my old concrete driveway?
Yes, you can install asphalt over an existing concrete driveway as long as the concrete is still in reasonably good condition. Keep in mind that expansion joints in the concrete may eventually create cracks that show through the asphalt overlay. We can apply paving fabric over these joints to postpone cracking, but they'll likely become visible at some point. Another option is to fully remove the existing concrete and build a brand-new asphalt or concrete driveway from the ground up, though this approach costs more. We recommend contacting our experienced paving company for a customized evaluation and estimate.
