Frequently Asked Questions
Why Asphalt Sealcoating?
Asphalt sealcoating is an important maintenance service that protects against many damaging elements. Asphalt paving typically receives continual exposure to harsh sun and rough weather. It also encounters regular wear and damage from leaking vehicle fluids, road salts, chemicals, etc. Over time, that exposure will take a toll. Surfaces can suffer from water penetration and premature oxidation, turning your once-reliable asphalt pavement into a brittle, crack-prone mess.
Sealcoating creates a strong barrier against damage, protecting the pavement from premature wear. Regular sealing can mitigate the risk of severe damage and extend the surface’s lifespan. While sealcoating is an added cost, it’s an investment in your pavement’s long-term integrity. Consider it preventative care that can prevent substantial repair costs and early reconstruction.
How Often Is Parking Lot Striping Needed in Louisville?
Generally, parking lot striping contractors recommend service every 18 to 24 months to maintain visibility. However, the recommended frequency of fresh striping will depend on many factors. These include the amount of traffic the pavement receives, its exposure to the elements, the type of paint used and more. High-traffic parking lots may need restriping more often. Meanwhile, investing in premium paint formulas may allow you to go longer without needing a refresh.
The best approach is to keep an eye on your striping and get regular inspections. Contractors can assess your pavement to monitor the wear of your striping. Most will recommend service once the paint loses 25 percent of its visibility, allowing you to take action and avoid the risks of faded stripes.
What Is the Best Time for Sealcoating in Louisville, KY?
The best time to seal asphalt paving in Kentucky is usually in the spring, summer or early fall. There are a few reasons why. First, the weather is more conducive to asphalt sealcoating during the warmer months.
Asphalt emulsion sealers need warm and dry conditions to properly cure. Rainfall, high humidity levels, cool conditions and strong winds can interfere with curing. After application, the water in the sealer must evaporate. In inclement weather, the process slows to a halt, and the sealer may not bond to your pavement correctly.
Contractors always look at the forecast when scheduling sealcoating appointments. The ideal temperatures for this maintenance service are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels below 60 percent. There should also be zero chance of precipitation and a gentle breeze.
Is Asphalt Crack Filling Necessary?
Asphalt crack filling is a necessary service that you should get at least once annually. Even more frequent crack repairs are even better.
Cracks are the perfect entry point for water intrusion. Trash and debris can also accumulate and cause damage. If water flows into even the smallest void, there’s a risk that it can penetrate the foundation. When that happens, the water can erode the soil, weakening the lower layers. Slowly, that erosion can turn into potholes and serious deterioration. Without repairs, small cracks can turn into massive problems. But that’s not all.
Cracked asphalt is also a safety hazard. Pedestrians can trip and fall; suffering injuries, you may be liable for.
It’s important to fill and seal cracks. Doing so will prevent water penetration and spreading while making your pavement safer. This vital service will also reduce the risk of serious damage, maintaining your pavement’s integrity for much longer.
What Happens If I Don't Seal My Concrete?
Concrete sealing helps to repel water, chemicals and other substances that could cause damage. Cured concrete is naturally porous. Thus, it can absorb moisture. During the winter, that moisture will go through freeze/thaw cycles that wreak havoc on the concrete. If the material absorbs chemicals or salts, they may cause rapid deterioration and weakening. That damage may manifest as pitting, spalling and more.
Periodic sealing forms a moisture-resistant barrier over the concrete’s surface. It prevents absorption, mitigating the risk of damage. Furthermore, sealing can provide a beautiful finish while keeping the material in fantastic shape for decades.
What Do Pavement Markings Help With?
Contractors can apply many different types of pavement markings. What’s appropriate for your property will depend on the traffic it receives and your unique needs. That said, well-placed and highly visible markings can provide numerous benefits.
- Improved Safety: Pavement markings provide valuable safety and navigational information. Strategic planning will ensure that markings reduce confusion among drivers and help prevent potential accidents.
- Enhanced Traffic Flow: Markings can establish and enforce a more efficient traffic pattern. Depending on your needs, markings can manage vehicle volume, create one-way lanes to prevent congestion, guide drivers in the right direction and more.
- Better Visibility in Low-Light Conditions: Driving in low-light conditions during dawn, dusk and night hours can be challenging. High-quality markings with vibrant paint make it easier, allowing drivers to remain alert while confidently navigating parking lots and roadways.
- Increased Pedestrian Safety: Pavement markings also benefit pedestrians by marking safe crossing zones. The right markings can also raise awareness about potential hazards.
How Do I Prevent Asphalt Failure?
The best way to prevent pavement failure is to invest in preventative maintenance. Asphalt is a durable material, but it requires ongoing care throughout its life. Neglecting important maintenance services will lead to premature deterioration, significant damage and eventual structural failure.
Hire contractors for annual inspections. Experts can assess your pavement, taking note of its condition over time. They’ll apply their expertise to recommend vital services and help you develop a maintenance routine that makes a difference.
Good asphalt maintenance includes regular cleaning, annual crack filling, prompt repairs and sealcoating. Stay on top of those tasks, and your pavement will stay in great shape.
Why Parking Lot Maintenance Is Best Scheduled in Summer or Early Fall?
Scheduling parking lot maintenance in the summer or early fall creates a better environment for contractors to work in. Many maintenance tasks require warm and dry weather to complete. Unpredictable conditions and extreme temperature fluctuations interfere with repairs and maintenance, resulting in inferior results.
In the summer and early fall, environmental conditions are more stable. Therefore, there are more days to complete work on your pavement. Additionally, it’s easier to plan around traffic. There are often fewer vehicles on the road during this time. As a result, you can schedule maintenance work more effectively to minimize disruptions and delays.
