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8 Benefits of Commercial Asphalt Paving

Commercial Asphalt Paving Company

Are you a commercial property owner and wondering whether it is time to install an asphalt parking lot or driveway on your property? The first impression that visitors, clients, or potential customers have is important and occurs the moment they arrive. Poorly maintained roads and parkings lots can give clients a negative impression right from the start. The good news is that a nice parking lot or entry roadway can also give visitors a good impression of your business as well

This is one of the reasons why an asphalt roadway and/or parking lot is critical to the success of commercial businesses. We at Elite Asphalt have been commercial asphalt contractors for over 30 years and understand this truth. Whether you are considering hiring an asphalt paving contractor or doing some preliminary research for a future project, here are 8 benefits to commercial asphalt that you should know.

1. A Great First Impression

As we stated at the beginning, the entry road and parking lot are the very first thing that visitors see when they drive in or pass by your business. Is your current driveway or parking lot in poor condition and could benefit from repairs or a complete makeover? You don’t need to let your old road or parking lot with potholes and cracks keep business away! A new asphalt roadway or parking lot can give a professional, clean look if done by experienced asphalt contractors.

If you’re a commercial business, a new asphalt parking lot or entryway is an excellent investment to give a great impression right from the start.

2. Saves Your Business Money In The Long Run

Asphalt is a great investment for your business. It’s a quality product that can last for years to come if properly maintained. Whether you’re getting a pothole filled, a patch on a cracked section of a parking lot fixed or even starting with a fresh installation, if done right, asphalt can last a surprisingly long time.

This is one of the big benefits of commercial asphalt. It can last for years. When looking for an asphalt contractor to hire, it is important to hire one with the skill, expertise, and experience to do the job properly to ensure that the asphalt lasts for a long time. An experienced asphalt contractor will make sure the installation is done properly. This includes correctly installing a drainage system so that water doesn’t pool up and eventually ruin your asphalt.

In addition to a professional installation, asphalt maintenance will also help keep your asphalt looking good and lasting for years to come.

3. Simple Maintenance

As we said earlier, maintenance is necessary for keeping your commercial asphalt in good condition. Ensuring that your asphalt has no standing water or sitting debris can help stop your asphalt from cracking or developing potholes. If you neglect cleaning or maintenance, plants can grow in cracks causing damage that will need to be repaired at some point in time.

With this said, maintenance of commercial asphalt is relatively simple and easy. By removing dirt and debris you can keep your commercial asphalt looking good and lasting for a long time. You can do this yourself or hire out to do this work. Elite Asphalt offers asphalt maintenance services to make sure your asphalt is kept clean and lasts for a long time.

Parking Lot Resurfacing Commercial Building

4. Commercial Asphalt Installation is Quick

Once you’re ready to have asphalt laid on your commercial property, the process is quick. The asphalt paving contractor will gather details about the amount of traffic you expect, the environment, the size of the project, etc.. The contractor will visit the site to make sure all details are collected so that they can come up with a plan.

Once permits are collected, plans are made, the asphalt contractor will determine the right day to begin laying the asphalt to help make sure that your business is disrupted as little as possible. Depending on the size of the project will determine how quick the job is done, but overall compared to other types of construction projects, commercial asphalt jobs can be done very quickly.

5. Commercial Asphalt is Durable

One of the benefits of commercial asphalt is that it’s durable. In Texas, the weather can be harsh and deteriorate and break down materials quickly. Between heavy rains, cold temperatures, and hot summers asphalt can withstand harsh environments. You can even give asphalt a longer life by applying sealcoating to it to protect it even further from weather and traffic.

6. Choosing Commercial Asphalt is Choosing Eco-Friendly

More and more businesses are going green and eco-friendly, and deciding to go with asphalt is one way to be eco-friendly. How’s that? Asphalt is the most recycled material in the United States.

About 80% of the asphalt removed from road projects is recycled and reused for other projects. So not only is asphalt durable and affordable, it’s a great way to help our planet and be eco-friendly.

7. It’s the popular choice – and for the right reasons.

Asphalt is used by many commercial businesses, because of its durability, cost, and reusability. It is no surprise that it is a popular choice for commercial companies. Studies show that over 85% of parking lots are paved with asphalt.

It’s also a top choice for roads with millions of miles of roads and highways within the United States being paved with asphalt. Asphalt is used for roads, because it is the right balance between price and durability. For an economical price you can get long-lasting roads that can withstand a lot of traffic and harsh weather. As we’ve said earlier, in order for asphalt parking lots and roads to last a long time, you’ll need to make sure it’s installed by a professional commercial asphalt paver.

Commercial Parking Lot Paving Company

8. Ability to Add a Professional Shine To It

Once asphalt has been poured you have the option for sealcoating. Sealcoating protects the asphalt from weather conditions, moisture, oils, chemicals, and the sun. But not only is it protective, it is also a way to give your asphalt a professional finished look to it. We highly recommend getting your commercial asphalt finished with sealcoating for protective and aesthetic reasons.

More Questions You Have About Commercial Asphalt

Does commercial asphalt have more uses than parking lots? Commercial asphalt has many more uses than only for parking lots. Commonly asphalt contractors use asphalt for parking lots and also for roads. While these are the most common uses it can also be used for walkways, basketball courts, and other paving projects.

Should a commercial business choose asphalt or concrete? There’s pros & cons to both asphalt and concrete. One of the benefits to asphalt is that it’s less likely to crack compared to concrete. If you’re looking for an affordable AND durable material you’d be best off choosing asphalt.

Your Go-To Commercial Asphalt Pavers in Texas

One size does not fit all when it comes to commercial asphalt installation. That’s why Elite Asphalt LLC takes the time to assess your property and discuss your needs and goals with you. We want to make sure that you get the right parking lot or driveway options, not just the fastest or most expensive solutions. We’ll work with you to identify exactly what you need when it comes to sealing maintenance, chip seal driveway installation, or parking lot striping, and then we’ll work carefully to implement those services precisely.

It’s that attention to detail that can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with the result, so our commercial asphalt paving contractors make sure to go above and beyond to take great care of you and your property.

Ready to learn more about what Elite Asphalt LLC can do for you? Contact us now for a free estimate or to find out more about our commercial asphalt paving company.

How To Build A Road

Contractors Building a Road

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a road? If so, you’ve likely imagined a giant steamroller pressing asphalt or some other building material into a flat road surface. While the use of heavy machinery is definitely part of the road building process, there’s actually much more to it than utilizing heavy paving equipment.

Building a road requires proper assessment, planning, and preparation before any road installation takes place. The road building planning process is vital to road building. Proper planning is deciding what the road will be made of, how to build it in a way that it will last, and so much more.

Are you looking for a new road? Perhaps a road for a new housing development, a RV park, a subdivision, your personal property, or a storage center? Regardless of where you need a road installed we can help you understand how roads are built.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about building a road. Here’s the steps for building a road.

Step 1: Planning

Planning is the first step of building a road, and cannot be skipped. While you may think planning is as simple as choosing a material and deciding where to place the road, there’s much more than that.

Building a new road requires a permit to be issued. This permit will only be issued if all the checkboxes are properly checked off. This includes answering the following questions:

  • What material will the road be built with?
  • Is the terrain going to cause issues with the road’s integrity?
  • Are utilities going to be affected by the installation of this road?
  • Are there environmental issues that must be considered?
  • Is an easement necessary for the construction of this road?

These are only a handful of questions that must be considered and answered to get a permit for the construction of a new road. Having a professional road construction contractor can be very helpful to making sure that everything needed in the planning process is done correctly.

Whether you’re in need of a new road for a housing development, your personal property, a RV park, or wherever you need a new road, a professional road contractor can help answer all these questions and ensure the planning process is done right.

new asphalt paving project in process

Step 2: Design

Once the planning process of building a road is done, you’re ready to start step 2 of the road project: design.

This requires someone to survey the area that you’re planning to build the road on. Surveying the area is critical to understanding the terrain and will influence the construction.

As professional asphalt road contractors, we use a number of tools and technology to make this part of the process easier than ever before. Laser surveys and GPS can make this part of the process more accurate than ever.

Some of the factors that must be considered when surveying the land include:

  • Location
  • The properties of the terrain and soil
  • Drainage capabilities
  • The amount of traffic that the road will receive
  • The ratio of cars to large trucks, busses, and other larger vehicles
  • The potential for future development in the area (new housing development, commercial buildings, RV park, new subdivision, storage center, schools, churches, etc.)
  • The effects of the environment due to the addition of this road
  • How the road will affect nearby residents

We highly advise that you hire a contractor to do the actual designing of the road. There are so many factors that only a trained professional can do effectively and efficiently.

Step 3: Earthwork

Now is the time in the process of building a road that the tools come out and construction begins. Earthwork is the process of establishing a sturdy and stable foundation for your road. Skipping out on earthwork is guaranteeing that your road’s foundation will be faulty and eventually fail. The base layer of earth is important to the integrity of your road.

By properly doing earthwork, you’re guaranteeing that your road will not only be level and stronger,  but also have a longer lasting life.

Here are the steps that a road contractor takes with earthwork.

  • Embankments are created using fills and cuts.
  • The next step is using heavy machinery (bulldozer, grader, etc.) to level the dirt. This is a critical step in ensuring that bumps are flattened and dips are filled so that the surface is completely level and will be able to support a road for a long, long time.
  • The dirt is then sprayed with water and compacted to make it denser. This ensures that it doesn’t sink when the road is installed and the weight of traffic is placed on it.
  • Next step is the installation of drains and sewers for proper sewage. The road contractor will build the road so that the center of the road is slightly higher than the edges of the road to allow water to run off and into the drainage sewers. No one wants to drive on a road with standing water on it. Proper drainage is important for the safety of drivers, but also it helps increase the life of your new road.

All of this earthwork must pass inspections before the road installation can continue. The inspections are very strict and must be adhered to. Again, this is why it’s important to have a road contractor that can do the earthwork exactly as it’s required.

The final part of the earthwork is a layer of gravel over the earth. This layer will help solidify the foundation of the road. The contractor will then compact each layer and add more until the road’s bed reaches the desired height for the road’s design.

new asphalt paving project in process

Step 5: Paving

Once the earthwork is completed and has passed inspection you’re ready to start paving!

This is the point where you’ll either pave your road with asphalt or concrete. There’s pros and cons to asphalt and concrete, and your contractor can help advise you in this decision. We have over 30+ years paving roads and can help you with this decision. Read our frequently asked questions related to concrete and asphalt to help make your decision.

Paving with concrete and asphalt look a little different. Asphalt is heated and spread onto the foundation that was done during earthwork. Concrete is mixed and usually is poured into molds called forms. Lastly, a machine is used to level and get the road to the proper height. Works will cut joints into concrete slabs to prevent any cracks from forming.

Step 5: Test and Use

Once the road is given time to set, it’s time to test it out! Drainage test is usually done to ensure that the road drains properly. Usually equipment is used to test the integrity of the road as well. Once all the tests are completed, the final permanent road markings are placed, and the road is opened up for traffic!

Looking for a new asphalt or concrete road?

We’re Elite Asphalt – an  asphalt and concrete paving contractor with 30+ years’ experience, Elite Asphalt is a trusted contractor in Texas. We have paved thousands of jobs on residential properties, commercial properties, and industrial sites. We are well equipped to tackle jobs of any size.

We’re available to help you with road construction for:

Our past clients can attest that the quality of work we offer, combined with our excellent customer service, make us an easy choice for your paving project. Our goal is to bring cutting-edge technology combined with our years of experience to ensure that customers in Texas receive the highest quality of paving and maintenance.

We’re happy to tackle any asphalt paving jobs on parking lots, driveways, roads, and more. We also offer ongoing asphalt maintenance to ensure that the surfaces we construct (and even those we didn’t) continue to work for years to come. Between the summers and winters in Texas, asphalt surfaces that aren’t constructed or protected properly will break down over time. Our maintenance work guarantees that your asphalt surfaces stay at optimum condition.

Maintenance is worth its cost for a number of reasons. The number one reason is that asphalt maintenance will drastically extend the life of your surface. Rather than having to spend money to resurface an entire commercial parking lot of industrial roadway, Elite Asphalt maintenance keeps costs low and your surface working as it should.

Asphalt paving isn’t our only offering. We also have the capability to do a variety of concrete paving projects and have experience with steps, garden features, and other paving needs.

If you’re looking for the very highest level of surface and professionalism for paving in Texas then look no further than Elite Asphalt LLC. Get in touch today!

Everything You Need To Know About Paving a Parking Lot

Paved Parking Lot

Are you the owner of a business and considering paving a parking lot for your business? A paved parking lot can increase your property value, make parking much easier for customers, and overall make your property look better. Before you begin to look for a contractor to come to your site and begin the process of pouring asphalt, you should know a few things about paving a parking lot.

As Asphalt experts we will explain everything you need to know about paving a parking lot.

What is the process of paving a parking lot?

The first step of the process is a consultation with paving experts. A paving parking lot professional will need to have a conversation about your location, the needs you have, and discuss logistics to get a proper understanding of exactly what your new lot will require.

The next step is an on-site survey in which the proposed area will be looked over and measured so that a design can be crafted that will efficiently use the space.

Grading and leveling the site location will be the next step. This is important for proper drainage and done before installing a base layer of gravel. Once the gravel is layered, it will be compacted to make sure the ground is stable and ready for the asphalt to be poured.

Next is the moment that you’ve likely imagined in your head. A team of paving contractors will pour a high quality asphalt layer on the location. The asphalt layer is at least a couple inches thick and will over time cure into a hard, sturdy, but flexible surface.

The final steps of paving a parking lot are painting down the lanes and other appropriate parking lot markings. During this phase the parking contractors will also install any concrete curbs, walkways, speed bumps, and more.

That’s the entire process! At this point your new parking lot is completed and you and your customers can park cars on it.

Qualities of an excellent Parking Lot Pavement Job

There’s a few qualities and characteristics that you should be aware of when thinking about installing a new paved parking lot. Keep these in mind when you’re talking with a qualified contractor.

Proper Drainage

Have you ever been in a parking lot that turned into a miniature pond during the rainy season? The reason for this is that it didn’t have a good drainage system with it. The water pools up in low spots and has nowhere to go. Parking lots that don’t drain weren’t constructed properly.

Make sure that part of the discussion with the contractor revolves around drainage. You want to make sure that they’re going to be implementing a drainage system that will prevent standing water. Standing water on a paved parking lot is not only a nuisance to walk through, but it can do long term damage to your parking lot. Keep your parking lot in top shape for a long time by installing a drainage system.

Solid Gravel Base Layer

A parking lot that doesn’t have a solid gravel base won’t last long. One of the most important parts of a paved parking lot is a gravel foundation that’s installed properly. The gravel base will help give the parking lot asphalt the strength it needs to not buckle or break under the weight of car traffic. An asphalt expert will make sure that the gravel is layered thick enough and with precision to ensure your parking lot lasts for years to come.

The Details Are Important

A new paved parking lot should not only be functional, but look good too. Skilled contractors can use tools to make sure that your new paved parking lot is level and that all the edges are sharp. At Elite Asphalt we can assure you that we take the time to make sure our finished product is not only built to last, but that it looks great too. We want you to be proud of your new parking lot.

How long will a paved parking lot last?

There are many factors that determine how long a paved parking lot can last. Factors that contribute to the wear and tear of a parking lot include: weather, amount of traffic, whether it’s maintained, etc. Generally speaking, a parking lot that is constructed properly and with the right materials can last 30 years. With proper and regular maintenance, a paved parking lot can last up to 20 to 30 years! All this to say – make sure to keep up with ongoing maintenance. It can keep your lot looking good for a long time.

paving a commercial parking lot

How do you maintain a paved parking lot?

There are many maintenance procedures and routines that can be done to ensure that your paved parking lot lasts a long time.

Some paved parking lot maintenance includes:

  • Pothole repair
  • Minor repairs to damaged areas
  • Asphalt crack repair and filling
  • Asphalt sealcoating
  • Asphalt patching
  • Stabilization
  • Ensuring the drainage system continues to work properly
  • Keeping the lot clean from debris and dirt.

What’s asphalt sealcoating? Sealcoating is an incredibly effective way of protecting your paved parking lot from water, traffic, and weather. It’s a maintenance technique that can extend the life of your parking lot and is highly recommended. By using high-quality sealants you can extend its life and save you money in the long run by not having to relay the surface.

Keep the lot clean from debris and dirt? You read that correctly. The first line of defense to keeping your paved parking lot safe and damage free is keeping it clean. By sweeping your parking lot you can remove debris, dirt, and oil that can damage the integrity and health of your lot. Parking lot sweeps are a cost-effective way to secure a long life for your parking lot surface.

While some of these maintenance tasks can be done by yourself, many of them will require a professional who can come up with a proper maintenance plan.

Want to make sure that your paved parking lot lasts for a long time? Contact Elite Asphalt – we’re professionals who want to save you money and see your paved lot last.

How long does paving a parking lot take?

There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to pave a parking lot. Here’s a few of the factors that will decide how long it will take to install.

Weather

In the right temperature and weather conditions a new asphalt paved parking lot can cure and be ready to be used within 24 hours. With this said, paving a new parking lot cannot happen if it’s raining or snowing. It also can’t be done if it’s too cold. Colder temperatures will slow down or cause the asphalt to not cure properly.

Site Characteristics

Is there an existing parking lot that needs to be removed? Is the site location level or requires serious work to become level? Sometimes the most time consuming part of installing a new paved parking lot is the excavation or replacement of a previous parking lot. It can also take time for workers to level portions of the site out and stabilize the ground before the actual paving takes place.

Size of the Job

Lastly, a factor that must be considered is the size of the lot. It’s common sense that a larger parking lot will require more work hours to complete than a smaller one.

If the factors are favorable it can take a solid paving contractor and his team as little as 24 hours before the parking lot is installed and ready to be used. With this said – it is generally recommended to schedule paving around the holidays or weekends so there is no delay in operations.

Paved Asphalt Parking Lot at Church

More Questions You Have About Paving A Parking Lot

How much does a paved parking lot cost? Installation of a paved parking lot can cost anywhere between $2.50 to $5 per square foot. The pricing will depend on a number of factors including the cost of local materials and labor prices. The expertise of the contractor is also a factor that can raise the cost.

How thick should asphalt be for a paved parking lot? Generally a parking lot that will receive light traffic will have a minimum of 2 inches of asphalt. A paved parking lot that will be used often and in an environment with varied weather can be anywhere from 4 to 6 inches thick.

Are parking lots made of asphalt? Not all parking lots are made of asphalt. They can be made from concrete and other materials too. Generally parking lots are made with asphalt to keep costs low. Asphalt also allows for a quicker installation time.

Can you install a new paved parking lot over an old one? You can, but it’s not always recommended. At the beginning of the process the contractor will need to assess the old parking lot to ensure it’s stable, flat and will continue to last for years to come.

Attention to Detail for Your Paving Services

One size does not fit all when it comes to paved parking lot installation. That’s why Elite Asphalt LLC takes the time to assess your property and discuss your needs and goals with you. We want to make sure that you get the right parking lot or driveway options, not just the fastest or most expensive solutions. We’ll work with you to identify exactly what you need when it comes to sealing maintenance, chip seal driveway installation, or parking lot striping, and then we’ll work carefully to implement those services precisely.

It’s that attention to detail that can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with the result, so our paving contractors make sure to go above and beyond to take great care of you and your property.

Ready to learn more about what Elite Asphalt LLC can do for you? Contact us now for a free estimate or to find out more about our asphalt paving company.

13 Pavement Defects and Failures You Should Know

With all the snow and ice over the last week on the east coast I thought it would be an appropriate time to look at some of the identifiable ways asphalt is adversely affected by weather – and other conditions. After all, correctly identifying pavement problems and their causes is very important, Below we have identified and pictured 13 specific distresses/failures any pavement contractor should be able to identify.

Alligator crack in Pavement

Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking is a load associated structural failure. The failure can be due to weakness in the surface, base or sub grade; a surface or base that is too thin; poor drainage or the combination of all three. It often starts in the wheel path as longitudinal cracking and ends up as alligator cracking after severe distress.

FIX: Because a structural failure is taking place the only possible solution to alligatoring is to perform a full-depth patch.

Block crack in Paved Asphalt Road

Block Cracking 

Block cracks look like large interconnected rectangles (roughly). Block cracking is not load-associated, but generally caused by shrinkage of the asphalt pavement due to an inability of asphalt binder to expand and contract with temperature cycles. This can be because the mix was mixed and placed too dry; Fine aggregate mix with low penetration asphalt & absorptive aggregates; poor choice of asphalt binder in the mix design; or aging dried out asphalt.

FIX: Less severe cracks measuring 1/2 inch or less can be sealed to prevent moisture from entering into the sub grade. More severe cracks should be fixed by removing the cracked pavement layer and replacing it with an overlay.

Cracked Paved Asphalt

Longitudinal (Linear) Cracking

Longitudinal cracking are cracks that are parallel to the pavements centerline or laydown direction. These can be a result of both pavement fatigue, reflective cracking, and/or poor joint construction. Joints are generally the least dense areas of a pavement.

FIX: Less severe cracks measuring 1/2 inch or less can be sealed to prevent moisture from entering into the sub grade. More severe cracks should be fixed by removing the cracked pavement layer and replacing it with an overlay.

Traverse crack in pavement

Transverse Cracking

Transverse cracks are single cracks perpendicular to the pavement’s centerline or laydown direction. Transverse cracks can be caused by reflective cracks from an underlying layer, daily temperature cycles, and poor construction due to improper operation of the paver.

FIX: Less severe cracks measuring 1/2 inch or less can be sealed to prevent moisture from entering into the sub grade. More severe cracks should be fixed by removing the cracked pavement layer and replacing it with an overlay.

Cracked Edge on Pavement

Edge Cracks

Edge Cracks travel along the inside edge of a pavement surface within one or two feet. The most common cause for this type of crack is poor drainage conditions and lack of support at the pavement edge. As a result underlying base materials settle and become weakened. Heavy vegetation along the pavement edge and heavy traffic can also be the instigator of edge cracking.

FIX: The first stepin correcting the problem is to remove any existing vegetation close to the edge of the pavement and fix any drainage problems. Crack seal/fill the cracks to prevent further deterioration or remove and reconstruct to full depth fixing any support issues.

Joint problem with Asphalt Pavement

Joint Reflection Cracks

These are cracks in a flexible pavement overlay of a rigid pavement (i.e., asphalt over concrete). They occur directly over the underlying rigid pavement joints. Joint reflection cracking does not include reflection cracks that occur away from an underlying joint or from any other type of base (e.g., cement or lime stabilized).

FIX: For less severe cracks (less than 1/2 inch) crack sealing will prevent the further entry of moisture into the subgrade. If the cracks are more severe the removal of the cracked pavement layer followed by an overlay may be required.

Asphalt dealing with slippage

Slippage Cracks

Slippage cracks are crescent-shaped cracks or tears in the surface layer(s) of asphalt where the new material has slipped over the underlying course. This problem is caused by a lack of bonding between layers. This is often because a tack coat was not used to develop a bond between the asphalt layers or because a prime coat was not used to bond the asphalt to the underlying stone base course. The lack of bond can be also caused by dirt, oil, or other contaminants preventing adhesion between the layers.

FIX: All of the areas exhibiting the “stretch marks” will need to be removed and will require a partial or full depth patch.

Pot hole in Asphalt

Pot Holes

Small, bowl-shaped depressions in the pavement surface that penetrate all the way through the asphalt layer down to the base course. They generally have sharp edges and vertical sides near the top of the hole. Potholes are the result of moisture infiltration and usually the end result of untreated alligator cracking. As alligator cracking becomes severe, the interconnected cracks create small chunks of pavement, which can be dislodged as vehicles drive over them. The remaining hole after the pavement chunk is dislodged is called a pothole.

FIX: Full depth replacement patch

Asphalt with Depression

Depressions (bird baths)

Depressions are localized pavement surface areas with slightly lower elevations than the surrounding pavement. Depressions are very noticeable after a rain when they fill with water.

FIX: Depending on the severity of the depression the asphalt may have to be removed and replaced (severe). Less severe depressions can be fixed by applying a thin surface patch or infrared patch.

Asphalt with Rutting

Rutting

Ruts in asphalt pavements are channelized depressions in the wheel-tracks. Rutting results from consolidation or lateral movement of any of the pavement layers or the subgrade under traffic. It is caused by insufficient pavement thickness; lack of compaction of the asphalt, stone base or soil; weak asphalt mixes; or moisture infiltration.

FIX: If rutting is minor or if it has stabilized, the depressions can be filled and overlaid. If the deformations are severe, the rutted area should be removed and replaced with suitable material.

Asphalt that has shoving issue

Shoving

Shoving is the formation of ripples across a pavement. This characteristic shape is why this type of distress is sometimes called wash-boarding. Shoving occurs at locations having severe horizontal stresses, such as intersections. It is typically caused by: excess asphalt; too much fine aggregate; rounded aggregate; too soft an asphalt; or a weak granular base.

FIX: Partial or full depth patch

Asphalt Upheaval

Upheaval

Upheaval is a localized upward movement in a pavement due to swelling of the subgrade. This can be due to expansive soils that swell due to moisture or frost heave (ice under the pavement).

FIX: Full depth patch

ground with leaves

Raveling (very porous asphalt)

Raveling is the on-going separation of aggregate particles in a pavement from the surface downward or from the edges inward. Usually, the fine aggregate wears away first and then leaves little “pock marks” on the pavement surface. As the erosion continues, larger and larger particles are broken free and the pavement soon has the rough and jagged appearance typical of surface erosion.

There are many reasons why raveling can occur, but one common cause is placing asphalt too late in the season. This is because the mixture usually lacks warm weather traffic which reduces pavement surface voids, further densification, and kneading of the asphalt mat. For this reason raveling is more common in the more northern regions(snow belt).

FIX: Apply a thin hot-mix overlay. Other solutions could include: sand seal, chip seal, slurry seal or micro-surfacing.

Other issues that need treatment before maintenance:
Oil Spots – oil spots are a common problem in parking lots and driveways. These areas must be treated before sealcoating or the oil and chemicals will seep up through the newly applied material and render your sealed surface ineffective. There are number of great products for treating these types of issues. Ask your material supplier what they offer.
Grass – Poorly maintained parking lots will often have grass growing up through the cracks. Cleaning the cracks should be standard practice before sealing them. Use a heat lance to burn out the crack and/or blow out the cracks depending on the severity of the problem.
Mud, tree sap, berry stains, etc – Anything that would sit between the asphalt and the sealer must be removed. Without removing it the sealer can not properly adhere to the asphalt and will eventually (sooner than later most likely) peel off. Blowers, push brooms, pressure washers, and gas powered brooms are all tools you should have in your pavement maintenance arsenal.
If you spot any of these defects or issues, it’s a big indicator that your parking lot or pavement needs asphalt repairs. Learn about other indicators that it’s time to repair your asphalt.
Harry Gallagher
Elite Asphalt LLC
817-587-8158

Tar and Chip Paving: Can You DIY?

Tar and Chip Paving: Can you DIY?  You’re thinking about installing a new tar and chip seal driveway, but is it a DIY project?

The process of tar and chip seal paving is a highly popular alternative to traditional asphalt paving, largely because it’s more affordable and involves less maintenance over the journey. While the process is fairly straightforward, it is not necessarily a project you want to tackle yourself.

Before you perform hours of research, load up on materials, and purchase a handful of tools, take note of these four advantages that a professional tar and chip seal paving contractor brings to the table:

1. They have the expertise

Without any tar and chip seal expertise, you’re likely going to spend more time and money attempting to pave your new driveway on your own. Without knowledge of the different materials, machinery, and methods, you’re going to need to work closely with some kind of reference—whether it’s a guide, article, or video.

The professional tar and chip seal contractor not only has knowledge of the different materials and machinery that is used but also has an understanding of how to complete the work on schedule and as efficiently as possible.

2. They have the experience

As is the case with any type of skill, you don’t master tar and chip seal paving overnight. In all likelihood, you’re going to make a few mistakes along the way—mistakes that you might not be willing to make on something as important as your driveway!

But even if you’re willing to endure a few hiccups, issues may arise that you’re simply unable to troubleshoot on your own. The last thing you want is to have poured time, money, and resources into a project you can’t finish.

Professional tar and chip seal paving contractors, on the other hand, are masters of their craft and have installed driveways of all shapes, sizes, and conditions. Leaning on their past experiences, they are able to come up with creative solutions to problems and deliver the best possible end result for the customer.

3. They have easier access to materials

Because professional tar and chip seal contractors perform the work regularly, they have go-to vendors and suppliers that are often able to sell high-quality materials to them at discounted rates.

While you may know what you need to complete the job, you likely don’t have the relationships or connections to beat the kind of rates that your local contractor is able to secure for different materials.

4. They have the equipment

Tar and chip seal paving is not a job that can be performed with everyday tools. You won’t be able to stop in at your local department store and come home with everything you need to pave your new driveway.

Instead, you’ll need to rent out heavy machinery to turn your dream of a tar and chip seal driveway into a reality. At a minimum, you’ll need an asphalt distributor, chip spreader, and roller. What’s more, you’ll need to know how to operate this machinery—or at least know someone who can do it for you.

Tar and Chip Paving

Most professional contractors have their own equipment that allows them to perform the work, day in and day out. They are also experts at operating the equipment and know-how to use it to deliver a gorgeous finished product!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELITE ASPHALT

The Most Trusted Pavement Contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth & North Texas!

Elite Asphalt is formed of a team of pavement experts. With over 30 years’ experience, we have worked on all types of asphalt pavement and concrete projects. With an up-to-date, cutting-edge fleet of equipment, we offer services for all types of paving jobs, from complete installations to ongoing maintenance.
We carry out projects for property managers, developers, contractors and homeowners. If you need an estimate for your next commercial, industrial or residential project, please call (817) 587-8158 today to speak with one of our trusted advisers.

Elite Asphalt LLC.
5080 Ben Day Murrin Rd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76067
Tel: (817) 587-8158
www.eliteasphalt.net

Tar and Chip Seal Vs. Gravel for Ranch Driveways

Tar and Chip Seal Vs. Gravel for Ranch Driveways.  Tar and chip seal and gravel are both popular paving options for ranch driveways, but is one better than the other?

If you’re on a budget and aren’t willing to spend a large amount of money on asphalt, there are two highly popular alternatives that are both very affordable—tar and chip seal and gravel.

Tar and chip seal is similar to asphalt in that it uses a combination of liquid asphalt and aggregate to create a sturdy, compact surface. Gravel, on the other hand, uses loose aggregation of rocks and sand.

How do these two options compare? Let’s take a look…

The Cost

While it should be noted that both tar and chip seal and gravel are fairly affordable overall and both are more cost-effective than asphalt or concrete, one is generally more affordable than the other—it’s gravel.

Tar and chip seal may cost roughly $2 – $5 per square foot, whereas gravel may cost around $1 – $3 per square foot, depending on your contractor, materials, property, and other factors.

The Look

Most homeowners prefer the look of tar and chip seal to gravel. To start, tar and chip seal shares more of a resemblance to traditional asphalt, making it feel right at home with all of the other driveways in the neighborhood.

What’s more, the tar and chip seal driveway offers a slightly flatter and shinier surface than the gravel driveway. Tar and chip seal contractors also offer “chip” color options so that the buyer is able to customize his or her driveway for the property.

The Maintenance

While gravel has the potential to outlive tar and chip seal paving, it does come with its fair share of maintenance issues along the way.

Tar and chip is compact and self-healing, to the point where even cracks can close up over time. With gravel, loose aggregate is kicked around over time, which means that you’ll need to replenish it regularly.

You’ll also need to make an effort to keep loose stones off your lawn, as running over them could easily cause damage to your lawnmower and other vehicles.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you’re going to find it especially difficult to maintain a gravel driveway, as ruts and sinkholes will form easily.

The Texture

While tar and chip provides a rougher surface than blacktop, it offers the perfect amount of traction throughout all seasons. Gravel, on the other hand, can wear down your vehicle’s tires over time.

Another factor to consider is driveway activities. If you have children who use the driveway for sports such as basketball, bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading, a gravel driveway will make these activities very difficult.

The Verdict

While beauty is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, we highly recommend going with tar and chip seal for your ranch driveway, considering some of the different factors we’ve mentioned above.

While you may pay a little more for your driveway, you’ll get a better-looking product that is easier to maintain over the journey!

More Questions about Tar & Chip Seal compared to Gravel

Can you can you chip seal a gravel driveway? Yes, you can tar and chip seal a gravel driveway was long as the existing gravel is in good condition. If the existing gravel driveway is in poor condition with cracks, tears, holes, etc. than it will affect the look and integrity of the tar and chip seal. Our recommendation is to repair the areas needing work before installing the tar & chip seal.

How long does a chip and seal driveway last? Generally tar and chip seal is installed on driveways that are low traffic. But if they’re maintained and traffic is low than a chip and seal driveway can have a lifetime of 15 years where it’s still looking great! Make sure to maintain it to keep it lasting longer.

Does gravel or tar and chip seal look better? It depends on the property’s style and look, but generally tar and chip seal is a better look than gravel. The nice thing about tar and chip is that you can choose different chip sizes to give it a stylized and textured look. In addition, the chips come in a variety of colors so that your driveway can match the accommodating buildings that it’s near.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELITE ASPHALT

The Most Trusted Pavement Contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth & North Texas!

Elite Asphalt is formed of a team of pavement experts. With over 30 years’ experience, we have worked on all types of asphalt pavement and concrete projects. With an up-to-date, cutting-edge fleet of equipment, we offer services for all types of paving jobs, from complete installations to ongoing maintenance.
We carry out projects for property managers, developers, contractors and homeowners. If you need an Estimate for your next commercial, industrial or residential project, please call (817) 451-0011 today to speak with one of our trusted advisers.

Elite Asphalt LLC.
5080 Ben Day Murrin Rd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76067
Tel: (817) 451-0011
www.eliteasphalt.net

Tar and Chip Seal Ranch Driveway. How to Choose a Color.

Tar and Chip Driveway.  You’ve decided on tar and chip seal paving for your ranch driveway, but how do you pick a color?

One of the greatest benefits of the tar and chip seal method is the color options that come with it. As a paying customer, you will likely have the final say on the color of your new surface; but this doesn’t necessarily make the process any easier.

Maybe it’s still early in the process and you’re not sure which color and stone options are even offered. Perhaps you simply lack a keen eye for which color will look best with your home.

Well, we’re here to help you navigate the process! Take note of these four important tips:

1. Ask Contractors What They Offer

While many contractors are able to offer a wide palette of color options—ranging from black to bright pink and everything in between—not all contractors will be able to provide you with such a selection, and options will often differ from contractor to contractor.

Particularly if you’ve already developed a relationship with a particular paving contractor and have signed a contract for their services, you should manage your expectations with regards to aggregate types and colors.

If you haven’t already chosen a contractor, on the other hand, stone and color options might factor into your decision. Be sure to ask potential paving contractors about their tar and chip seal stone options before signing on the dotted line!

2. Match Your Home’s Exterior to your Tar and Chip Driveway.

One of the most important factors to be mindful of is the exterior of your home. If you’ve never had a new driveway paved, it might be tempting to match the color of your new driveway to the road, your neighbor’s driveway, or even some of the ornamental features on your property.

As your driveway is an extension and reflection of your home, however, you should aim to choose a color that can be found on your home’s exterior or at least one that you are confident will match the colors that are used.

Many homeowners resort to neutral colors—such as black or gray—as they are typically safer, and more contractors are able to offer them. While there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe, a different or brighter color can add plenty of character and give your entire property a new dimension.

3. Don’t Go Too Dark

On the topic of safe colors, you might consider settling for black or dark gray, so that your new driveway almost resembles a traditional blacktop surface.

It’s important to keep in mind that choosing a color that is too dark can create a confusing look when contrasted with a brighter home. What’s more, darker colors also tend to retain heat. If you’d rather not have your driveway scold your feet when you walk out to collect the mail, consider choosing a lighter finish!

4. When in Doubt, Ask!

If you’re still struggling to find the right color for your driveway, ask your contractor for their recommendation.

In all likelihood, they have worked with different customers, properties, materials, and colors in the past; so don’t hesitate to use them as a professional resource!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELITE ASPHALT


The Most Trusted Pavement Contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth & North Texas!
Elite Asphalt is formed of a team of pavement experts. With over 30 years’ experience, we have worked on all types of asphalt pavement and concrete projects. With an up-to-date, cutting-edge fleet of equipment, we offer services for all types of paving jobs, from complete installations to ongoing maintenance.

We carry out projects for property managers, developers, contractors and homeowners. If you need an Estimate for your next commercial, industrial or residential project, please call (817) 587-8158 today to speak with one of our trusted advisers.

Elite Asphalt LLC.
5080 Ben Day Murrin Rd.,
Fort Worth, TX  76067
Tel: (817)-587-8158
www.eliteasphalt.net

5 Tips for Maintaining Your Tar and Chip Seal Surface

Tar and Chip Surface Maintenance.  If you want something to last, take care of it. Your tar and chip seal surface is no exception.

On average, you can expect a tar and chip seal surface to last roughly seven years or more. Mistreat your surface or neglect signs of wear and tear, however, and you might find yourself needing to repave your tar and chip surface long before its expiration date.
Maintenance may even be one of the main reasons why you elected to go with tar and chip over traditional asphalt paving in the first place. While it’s true that tar and chip seal involves significantly less maintenance than blacktop, you still need to be vigilant with the little maintenance that tar and chip requires.

Here are five handy tips to keep in mind for proper tar and chip seal maintenance:

1. Wait for the binder to fully set

You can avoid a number of maintenance headaches down the road by simply waiting for the tar and chip seal binder to set before using your newly paved surface.

Driving over your tar and chip surface prematurely could create uneven areas or produce an excess of loose stones.

2. Avoid hard accelerating and braking

While you may have limited control over hard accelerating and braking within your business’s parking lot or on a public roadway, you can certainly monitor these actions on your ranch driveway.

Both accelerating and braking can loosen stones, sometimes flicking them across your driveway and onto your lawn!

3. Sweep loose stones frequently

One of the drawbacks of a tar and chip seal surface is that stones can come loose from time to time. While this is normal and should be expected, be mindful of the potential damage that loose stones may cause to vehicles.

Especially on public roadways, where cars traveling at higher speeds, as well as in parking lots, where there is quite a bit of congestion, loose stones can easily be flicked up into the windshields and exteriors of other cars.
Unlike blacktop cracks that require frequent attention, you’ll find that cracks in tar and chip surfaces are largely self-healing. However, there may still be times when you need to perform maintenance and repairs on larger cracks or potholes.

In these cases, it’s important that you use new, clean stones. Liquid asphalt struggles to cling to old, dirty, or dusty chips.

5. Wash the surface regularly

The binder in your tar and chip seal surface is vulnerable to breaking down when motor oil and other petroleum-based products are introduced. Unfortunately, with cars parked in your parking lot or driveway, it’s likely that your surface is going to see its fair share of automotive fluids, regardless.

For this reason, it’s wise to have your tar and chip surface washed regularly—perhaps as little as every few years, but depending on the amount of traffic your surface sees, perhaps as often as every year or so.

Doing this will make sure that oil stains are removed before they are able to cause serious damage to your surface!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELITE ASPHALT


The Most Trusted Pavement Contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth & North Texas!
Elite Asphalt is formed of a team of pavement experts. With over 30 years’ experience, we have worked on all types of asphalt pavement and concrete projects. With an up-to-date, cutting-edge fleet of equipment, we offer services for all types of paving jobs, from complete installations to ongoing maintenance.

We carry out projects for property managers, developers, contractors and homeowners. If you need an Estimate for your next commercial, industrial or residential project, please call (817) 587-8158 today to speak with one of our trusted advisers.

Elite Asphalt LLC.
5080 Ben Day Murrin Rd.,
Fort Worth, TX  76067
Tel: (817)-587-8158
www.eliteasphalt.net

Tar and Chip Seal Paving: Good Option for Your Parking Lot?

Tar and Chip Paving.  When it comes time to pave your new parking lot, asphalt isn’t your only option.

You’ve likely seen tar and chip seal in a couple of different applications — namely, ranch driveways and maybe even certain roadways. But is tar and chip seal paving a viable option for your commercial parking lot?

Well, you’ll be pleased to know that it is not only viable, but it could even be advantageous for your business. Let’s look at a few different reasons why the tar and chip seal method is one to strongly consider for your lot.

1. It’s affordable

If you own a startup or small business, you’re likely more than familiar with tight budgets and cost-effective solutions. Well, your parking lot is another area where you can save money — all without compromising on providing your customers and employees with a high-quality surface to drive and walk across.

Tar and chip seal is quickly becoming a popular alternative to asphalt paving, largely because it delivers a similar result at a fraction of the price. Asphalt paving may cost $4 – $6 per square foot, whereas tar and chip seal paving typically cost just $2 – $5 per square foot.

Whether you’re looking to build a brand new lot or a much-needed addition, tar and chip seal is a highly affordable method worth considering. While you can do it yourself, you’ll find the time and money you save hiring a professional is well worth it.

2. It’s colorful and textured

We’re all familiar with the traditional blacktop look. While it looks clean and professional, it doesn’t add much character or uniqueness that would cause you to stand out among your competitors and other businesses nearby.

With a tar and chip seal parking lot, however, you can give your parking lot more of a textured look by choosing a preferred “chip” size. What’s more, you can choose a color or assortment of colors that you feel best reflects your business, works well against the color of your building or helps you stand out to customers!

3. It offers more traction

Although our great state of Texas is blessed with warmer weather than many of our northern friends, there are times when wet weather and icy conditions can become problematic.

It’s not unusual for cars to slip and slide across an asphalt surface when conditions are less than ideal. The stones in your tar and chip parking lot, on the other hand, will give your customers and employees a little extra traction — both when they drive through your lot and also walk to and from their cars.

4. It’s easy to maintain

Compared to asphalt, which is not only subject to cracks and potholes but also subject to greater damage over time, tar and chip seal parking lots also happen to be incredibly easy to maintain. Cracks are largely self-healing — with enough time and warm weather, they may actually begin to seal.

While their overall lifespan may not be able to compete with a well-maintained asphalt surface, you’ll likely spend less time and money in an effort to maintain your tar and chip seal parking lot.

If you have questions, please get in touch with us today – we’d be happy to help!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ELITE ASPHALT

The Most Trusted Pavement Contractor in Dallas, Fort Worth & North Texas!

Elite Asphalt is formed of a team of pavement experts. With over 30 years’ experience, we have worked on all types of asphalt pavement and concrete projects. With an up-to-date, cutting-edge fleet of equipment, we offer services for all types of paving jobs, from complete installations to ongoing maintenance.

We carry out projects for property managers, developers, contractors and homeowners. If you need an Estimate for your next commercial, industrial or residential project, please call (817) 587-8158 today to speak with one of our trusted advisers.

Elite Asphalt LLC.
5080 Ben Day Murrin Rd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76067
Tel: (817) 587-8158
www.eliteasphalt.net
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