CALL US FOR FAST EMERGENCY REPAIRS!
845-356-4800

FAQ

NY Asphalt FAQ | New York Paving Contractors

What is Asphalt Pavement?
Asphalt pavement is a highly durable compound of stone, sand, additives and liquid asphalt. This mix is placed and compacted by highly specialized paving equipment to product a smooth pavement surface. The pavement is composed of roughly 90-95% aggregate and sand, and 5-10% of liquid asphalt (aka bitumin). The liquid asphalt acts as the binding material in the mix and possesses a number of characteristics that lend themselves well to creating a great pavement. For one, the flexible nature of the liquid asphalt helps it to contract and expand with the seasons. As long as flexibility is retained, asphalt cracking is kept at bay. Asphalt is also excellent at repelling water and preventing moisture from seeping down into the base layers of the pavement. Finally, asphalt pavement is one of the most recycled materials in the United States, more than paper or plastic!
What are some of the benefits of asphalt?
Asphalt pavements are highly durable and resilient. Two of the primary benefits of asphalt are its strength and ability to take on many years of high volume traffic. It’s no secret that the majority of roads, parking lots, driveways and airstrips are made with asphalt pavement. If installed and maintained properly, asphalt pavement can last 25 to 30 years. Asphalt’s smooth surface is another benefit. Nothing – not even concrete – offers the smooth seamless ride of asphalt pavement. Other benefits include:

– Asphalt pavement costs less to install than other pavements
– Asphalt pavements are less expensive to maintain
– Asphalt pavement’s rich black color offers more contrast against traffic lines and directives, making it more safe
– Asphalt pavement’s are quieter than other pavements
– Asphalt pavement is recyclable – the most recycled product in America!
What causes asphalt pavement to fail?
Simply put, if asphalt pavements are installed properly along with their underlying base structure, the main cause of asphalt failure is water. Initially, asphalt pavements are very resistant to water and do a great job of keeping it out of its structure. This is mainly due to the flexible and water-repellant nature of the liquid asphalt in the mix. As asphalt ages however, it slowly begins to loose its flexibility due to exposure to the sunlights UV rays. In other words, the liquid asphalt begins to harden. Once this happens the pavement no longer has the ability to expand and contract with the temperature fluctuations of the seasons. Without this flexibility the pavement cracks and allows water into the structure. As water penetrates and goes beneath the pavement it causes a wide range of defects like cracking, potholes, depressions, upheavals and more.
How do I maintain my asphalt driveway or parking lot?
The best way to maintain any asphalt pavement structure is to put a regular maintenance program in place. Unfortunately, many property owners think pavement doesn’t require maintenance and end up spending many thousands of dollars in repairs. In fact, when a pavement maintenance routine is put in place within the first year of its installation, you can more than double its service life!

A effective pavement maintenance plan begins with asphalt sealcoating within the first year and every 2 to 3 years thereafter. Once the pavement begins to age you may begin to see small cracks in the pavement. It is critical that these cracks be filled as soon as possible to prevent water from penetrating below the surface. These cracks will usually begin to show themselves in late winter or early spring as the pavement begins to contract and expand. As the pavement draws near to the end of its service life you will see more advanced defects beginning to form such as alligator cracking, potholes, depressions, upheavals, etc. Repair these as soon as possible to prevent a total failure in the asphalt and further extend its life-cycle.

All County Asphalt

11 Old School Lane
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Phone: 845-356-4800
Fax: 845-356-4804
Email: info@allcountyasphalt.com

All County Asphalt Logo

Family owned and operated since 1994