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Sealcoating should be applied every 2-3 years, depending on traffic levels and weather conditions. It acts as a protective barrier against water, UV rays, oil spills, and everyday wear and tear.

Without sealcoating, asphalt becomes dry, brittle, and more likely to crack and develop potholes. If your parking lot or driveway sees heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions, you might need to sealcoat more frequently. A fresh sealcoat also restores the deep black color of asphalt, making it look newer and well-maintained.

Skipping sealcoating can lead to expensive repairs or even full resurfacing, so keeping up with regular applications helps extend your pavement’s lifespan and reduces long-term costs.

Potholes form when water seeps into small cracks in the asphalt, then freezes and expands. This expansion pushes apart the pavement, and when the ice melts, it leaves gaps. As vehicles drive over these weak spots, the asphalt breaks apart and forms potholes.

Heavy traffic, poor drainage, and lack of maintenance accelerate pothole formation. The best way to prevent potholes is to take care of minor cracks before they grow. Regular crack filling, sealcoating, and ensuring proper drainage will keep water from getting into the pavement.

If a pothole does form, repair it as soon as possible. Leaving potholes unpatched allows water to reach deeper layers of the asphalt, causing more extensive damage and shortening the pavement’s lifespan.

Freshly paved asphalt typically dries within 24-48 hours, allowing for light foot and vehicle traffic. However, it takes 6-12 months to fully cure, meaning it gradually hardens over time as excess oils evaporate.

During the curing process, it’s important to take special care of your new pavement:

• Avoid parking in the same spot for long periods to prevent depressions.
• Don’t use sharp objects or heavy equipment (such as car jacks) on the surface.
• Keep vehicles moving—try not to turn the steering wheel while stationary, as this can create scuff marks on soft asphalt.

Hot summer temperatures can make uncured asphalt softer, so be cautious of tire marks, especially in the first few weeks. If any small marks do appear, they typically fade over time as the asphalt continues to harden.

Yes, asphalt can be repaired in winter, but the methods are different. Cold-patch asphalt is used for emergency pothole repairs during winter months. It’s a temporary fix that can help prevent further damage until permanent repairs can be made in warmer weather.

For long-lasting asphalt repairs, it’s best to wait for warmer temperatures (above 50°F). This is because hot-mix asphalt, which is the most durable repair material, requires high temperatures to be properly compacted and bonded.

If you have cracks or potholes forming in winter, don’t ignore them. A temporary patch can prevent the damage from getting worse, but as soon as spring arrives, schedule a professional asphalt repair to ensure long-term durability.

Both resurfacing and replacement are options for worn-out pavement, but they serve different purposes.

• Asphalt resurfacing involves adding a new layer of asphalt over the existing pavement. This process is faster and more cost-effective than full replacement, and it can extend the life of the pavement by 10-15 years. Resurfacing is a great option if the foundation is still in good shape but the surface has cracks, wear, or minor damage.
• Asphalt replacement is necessary when the base layer is severely damaged. This process involves removing the old asphalt, fixing the foundation, and installing brand-new pavement. Full replacement is required when there are deep cracks, major potholes, or drainage issues that can’t be fixed with resurfacing.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your property, a professional asphalt assessment can determine whether resurfacing or replacement is the right solution.