Asphalt Repair and What You Need to Know

As the colder winter months draw closer, now is the time to begin planning any necessary maintenance or upgrades to your driveway, parking lot, or other areas of your property before they become necessary.

Think about what asphalt repair projects need to be done before the temperature drops and mother nature covers Ottawa and the surrounding areas in a blanket of snow and ice. This will give you plenty of time to get them done.

Our team of contractors is ready to get going regarding asphalt repair, and in this blog post, we look at some of the things you need to know about asphalt repair.

Asphalt surfaces can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years if adequately maintained. However, things come up in life, and most property owners are so preoccupied with their lives that they lose track of time.

Older asphalt surfaces lose their shine and show signs of wear and tear. It is much simpler for water and other substances to penetrate the surface, making it more susceptible to damage.

Get in touch with Black Tar, an asphalt paving contractor that serves Ottawa and the surrounding areas, as there is always the possibility of repairs being needed.

The highly trained professionals in asphalt repair will evaluate the condition of the surface and provide recommendations regarding the most effective next steps.

What is the process for asphalt repair?

This is something that we are regularly asked about. It depends on the condition of the existing asphalt. Sometimes, it can be repaired without the need to go right back to the beginning. Before anything, your asphalt repair contractors will thoroughly inspect the asphalt that is already down, paying close attention to the base and the surrounding area, as this is key.

If the base is ok, your asphalt repair contractors will look at fixing cracks and any other issues with your asphalt. By having a solid and steady supportive base, you lessen the chances of having to make more significant repairs further down the line. 

If it is determined that structural damage is present, a repair can be completed via cut and patch or infrared technology to repair the designated areas. In many situations, asphalt that has been removed can be reused and recycled, which is excellent news for the environment and your bank account! Once this has been done, the next step would be sealcoating. 

The asphalt sealcoating process

Applying a sealcoat is one of the final steps in asphalt repair and installation. This special layer is applied on top of any project to add a layer of protection and shine as a finishing touch. You will want to consider whether it has been more than a year since the last time you applied a sealcoat or if you have never had one poured before.

Parking lots and driveways that have been sealed can, on average, last up to ten years longer than those that have not. Because of this, you will have fewer maintenance projects and less money out of your pocket for repairs.

Sealcoating will protect against natural elements such as rain and the sun's harsh rays, in addition to protecting against the chemicals released by vehicles.

The benefits of sealcoating include protection from exposure to corrosive chemicals such as gas, radiator fluid, and other oils. Furthermore, it restores the tar and oil components in the asphalt to restore its elasticity, a preventative measure against cracking and elevation differences. 

In addition to serving a practical purpose, sealcoating gives your project an attractive and polished final appearance. Have you ever witnessed a driveway or parking lot that looked immaculate? This improved appearance was achieved by applying a new coat of sealcoat. This will increase the value of your home or property and is an essential step in your asphalt repair. 

When in doubt, consult an asphalt repair contractor who is trained and experienced.

Suppose you notice signs of damage to the asphalt surface on your property, whether residential or commercial. Attempting to figure out what to do on your own can be expensive and time-consuming.

It is in your best interest to seek the guidance of an asphalt repair specialist right from the start. They will conduct an exhaustive analysis and make recommendations, including a plan.