Frequently Asked Questions
Asphalt pavement is usually 95% aggregate, which could be stone, sand, or gravel, and 5% asphalt cement as a binder. The binder is a product of oil refining and acts to glue the aggregates together. The aggregate and asphalt are heated, combined with the recycled material and mixed together. Then we load the hot pavement material into trucks and take it out to the site.
- It costs less to construct and maintain asphalt than alternative pavements.
- Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly than alternative pavements.
- Asphalt pavements are the smoothest pavements.
- Asphalt pavements generate less noise than alternative pavements.
- The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations - making asphalt a safer pavement.
- Properly designed, constructed and maintained asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.
- Asphalt is recyclable.
Yes, the price of asphalt is directly linked to crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary.
Yes, the price of asphalt is directly linked to crude oil prices, which fluctuate when supplies vary.
There are a number of steps that you can take to prolong the life of your asphalt and maximize your investment.
- Sealcoat within six months after installing new asphalt.
- Sealcoat every two to three years thereafter.
- Regularly check for longitudinal or transverse cracking and have cracks sealed.
- Patch low areas before cracking develops.
- Minimize irrigation run-off onto your asphalt.
- Work with a quality asphalt maintenance company like Asphalt Enterprises, Inc. to develop an asphalt maintenance plan that specifically meets your needs and budget.
Paving operations are weather dependant. If it is just morning mist or very light rain, we will sometimes work through it. If it is raining heavily or snowing, we normally reschedule the project until a dry day. Asphalt can be applied year round provided temperature and ground conditions are adequate.
key consideration when resurfacing is drainage. How well does the lot drain prior to resurfacing and how will a new layer affect this? As a general rule an asphalt parking lot should have a minimum slope of 1% for water to flow properly over its service life. This translates to roughly 1" of fall for every 10 feet. Anything less will not work! This is why edge milling is important, by milling the edges of the existing asphalt down below the level of adjacent concrete the new asphalt can be installed at the same level as the concrete thus preventing water from becoming trapped between the asphalt and concrete and preventing trip hazards. Without edge milling, the new layer of asphalt will sit one and half to two inches higher than the adjacent concrete.
AEI creates a detailed color mapping system that explains work being completed daily and where cars need to park. It is important for the manager to have a notice distributed to the community, 2 weeks or so prior to start of work explaining tentative work dates, then 3 days prior to starting project, and daily notices throughout work days.
After the plumber has completed the repair and has stabilized the area surrounding the pipe, he needs to pump out any water that is in the hole, then fill the hole with G.A.B granular aggregate base material, in 12 inch lifts, compacting each lift, until the hole is filled, with approximately 2-3 inches of rock remaining above street level. After approx. 5-7 days, the area can be patched, by removing the excess rock down to a depth of 3 inches, compacting the remaining rock, then patching the area with hot mix. Never let the plumber place the excavated dirt and material back into the hole after completing the plumbing repair, especially if the material is wet. Always use the method outlined above.
Here in Atlanta, our sealcoating season runs from April until the first week in November. Ideally, we recommend that you sealcoat during the months of May – September, when pavement temperature is ideal, as well as the amount of UV rays that can be exposed to the new sealer on the pavement, which is critical for the proper drying and curing of the sealer.
In order to follow manufacturers’ specifications and from our decades of experience in applying sealer, we only apply sealer from the last week of March to the first week in November. Many times some of our competitors apply sealer in December, even in January and February. Unfortunately these contractors are being less than honest and are doing their customers a disservice. Applying sealer during winter months will produce a sealant that will not cure properly and will prematurely wear within a matter of months. Sealer should NOT be applied unless the pavement temperature is at least 50 degrees F and RISING, along with the air temperature being 50 degrees F and RISING. The fusion of the binder particles in the sealant to form a uniform and continuous film depends on their ability to soften under the ideal air temperatures and pavement temperatures. The process of fusion is GREATLY reduced at temperatures below 50 degrees, and even higher temperatures when there is lack of ultra violet light. Also, when sealer is applied below the ideal temperatures, refined tar particles do not soften and form a continuous film, so they leave clay and filler particles (key ingredients in sealer) uncoated. This leaves the sealer a grey and blotchy color. The lack of ultra violet light also plays a huge factor in the proper curing of the sealant. Of course in winter months, the sun in very low in the sky, thus the ultra violet sun rays cannot help in the curing process of sealer. If you are still considering sealcoating your property, please consider performing this work before the last week of October, or else put if off until spring. If you have a contractor who insists on sealcoating during winter months, please re-consider having them do the work. Better yet, give us a call, and we would be more than happy to perform the work under ideal weather conditions, as per manufacturers’ specifications.
We install 2” cast iron risers to make sure utility valves are even with new overlay.
Unfortunately this is happening more and more in the Atlanta area amongst a few sealcoating contractors, and NO, it is not normal. In fact, it is very dishonest and the contractor is basically cheating the customer with such an application, saving on both materials and labor. You see, according to manufacturer and federal specifications, sealer must be applied in at least 2 SEPARATE coats in order to achieve the proper application/coverage rate of .18 - .22 gallons per square yard. Unfortunately, as you stated, there are contractors using the terminology "2 overlapping coats", or "lap coat", then claiming they are applying 2 coats in one application by simply "doubling up" or "overlapping heavily" the sealer in the one coat application. This is contrary to all manufacturer and federal specifications, and the result will be a coating that will wear prematurely. Sealer MUST be applied in 2 separate coats with a minimum of 2 - 3 hours drying time between coats in order to achieve the proper coverage rate, and a final product that will perform properly for years. Be very suspicious of terminology such as "2 overlapping coats" and "lap coats". Require the contractor to spell out exactly how the sealer will be applied, and the coverage rates for both the final coating, and each individual coat. On an average job, the first coat coverage rate will be +/- .12 gallons per square yard, and the second coat +/- .08 gallons per square yard.
Please see the chart below:
Weather is an important factor when paving/placing hot asphalt mix. Asphaltic concrete (hot asphalt mix) cannot be placed if the existing surface is wet and/or frozen. Also, the placement cannot begin until the minimum temperature is in accordance with the following table. The temperature must be checked in the shade, away from artificial light. Please also keep in mind that wind chill must also be taken into account, since cold winds will cool asphalt quicker before and during placement.
LIFT THICKNESS MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
1” or less 55 degrees F
1.1” to 2” 45 degrees F
2.1” to 3” 40 degrees F
3.1” to 4 “ 35 degrees F
4.1” to 8” 32 degrees and rising
Yes, it is normal to see some tire marking, since the sealer is still tender, and hasn’t cured 100%. You will notice that the tracking and marking will subside after a week or so.
No, it is normal for there to be tire marking and scuffing on newly paved parking lots, especially during periods of very hot weather as is common here in Atlanta during the summer months. The appearance of these marks and scuffs is normal, and in no way affects the long term performance of the pavement. The marking and scuffing subsides within a few weeks, after the asphalt has a chance to totally cool down, and the marks will finally disappear. For a more detailed explanation of tire scuffing, marking, and indentations, please visit this link for a position paper on the subject, published by the Asphalt Institute.
The use of a pneumatic roller (or rubber tire roller) is vital in the compaction process of asphalt paving, in that, it is able to conform to the surface being paved. Steel drum rollers do a great job in the initial phase of rolling, but they also bridge some areas of the asphalt mat being laid, whereas, the pneumatic roller kneads the hot mix asphalt, working each of the 9 oscillating tires into the asphalt mat. Not only does this achieve denser compaction, but it also drives the bigger aggregate in the mix down, and brings the fine aggregate to the top, actually sealing the asphalt better to eliminate voids and preventing water intrusion. We use a rubber tire roller on every paving job, even using it on medium to large size asphalt repairs. In order to achieve the proper compaction and density of the asphalt and to ensure a long lasting, smooth pavement surface, the use of a rubber tire roller in the paving process is paramount.
Coal tar sealer manufacturers do not recommend that sealer be applied at night, nor do we at Asphalt Enterprises recommend it. In fact, we cannot warrant sealer that is applied at night. There are two factors that come into play when applying sealer at night. Firstly, the sun's ultra violet rays are very important in the curing process of sealer. When sealer dries from the rays of ultra-violet light it forms a harder film, thus giving it a longer life. Sealer applied at night will not receive the crucial sun's rays, and the dry film will be softer, thus subject it to premature wear once traffic hits the newly sealed pavement. Secondly, at night the humidity can be very high, especially here in the south. One will notice that early in the morning the grass is very wet, also one can notice morning dew on automobiles. This morning dew also has an effect on sealer that is applied at night. Again, the sealer cannot dry to a hard film, thus causing premature wear to the sealer once it is opened for traffic in the morning. In laboratory studies using abrasion tests, 2 samples of dry sealer were tested; one that was applied at night, with a high dew point, and one that was applied during the day with low humidity and direct sunlight. After the abrasion tests were completed, the sealer applied at night wore 3 times faster than that applied during daylight hours.
A prime coat is an application of a low viscosity asphalt to a granular base in preparation for an initial layer (or surface course layer) of asphalt. The purpose of the prime coat is; to coat and bond loose material particles on the surface of the base, to harden or toughen the base surface to provide a work platform for construction equipment, to plug capillary voids in the base course surface to prevent migration of moisture, and to provide adhesion between the base course and succeeding asphalt course. After applying the prime coat, it must cure for a minimum of 48-72 hours before asphalt is placed, with no rain in the forecast.
At one time it was thought that a prime coat was an essential element of good pavement construction. However, in recent years many engineers have eliminated the use of a prime coat in their specifications, especially when asphalt layer(s), is 4 inches or more in thickness. In many instances, prime coats are not used even when surface thickness has been as thin as 2 inches. According to studies performed by The Asphalt Institute over the last 20 years, few if any, pavement failures can be attributed to the lack of a prime coat. We at Asphalt Enterprises, Inc. concur with the outcome of these studies.
Compaction affects the density of any material, and the more dense a material is, the stronger, more stable it is. And such is the case with the sub-base materials, base material, and hot mix asphalt, all of which make up asphalt pavement. The key to proper compaction is to eliminate or expel air voids from the material, thus forcing the particles close together. Increasing the density gives soil, base material, and asphalt: greater strength for supporting heavier loads, reduced settlement over the life of the pavement, less permeability to water and air, and resistance to rutting. Pages can be written about the proper methods and equipment for achieving proper compaction, and for that reason, we are providing this link to an interesting and informative article published by the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.
http://epdfiles.engr.wisc.edu/pdf_web_files/tic/bulletins/Bltn_011_Compaction.pdf
This type of application is superior to the standard 2 coat spray application on many levels. With a squeegee application the sealer is forced down into the voids and small hairline cracks, thus filling these areas. Secondly, the pavement receives a far better coverage than with a spray coat. Most asphalt varies in porosity, where even the best spray coat applicator cannot guarantee proper coverage with the spray wand. The squeegee machine forces the material down into the pavement, where there is no way any light spots can be left behind, which is sometimes common with a spray coat. After the squeegee coat is dry, we follow with a spray coat, thus providing a coating on the high ridges of the pavement, leaving a build up of material on these ridges, something the squeegee machine can't do. Thus you are getting the ideal application of sealer, working the material into voids, hairline cracks, and porous areas, followed by the build up of sealer on the ridges of the asphalt, providing a nice finish.
Asphalt Enterprises is one of the very few sealcoat applicators in Atlanta that has the equipment and experience to provide this type of coating. We have been applying sealer in this fashion since the late 1980's, with much success. We find that this type of application lasts much longer than the traditional 2 coat spray option, since more material is being placed on the pavement.
Please visit the completed projects section of our website to see pictures of sealer being applied using this method, or just click on these links:
http://www.asphaltenterprises.com/projects/post-spring-apartments/
http://www.asphaltenterprises.com/projects/kroger-shopping-center/
In these tough economic times, everyone is cost conscience, and finding ways to cut costs is paramount. But many times, choosing the contractor with the lowest price, but in return getting poor quality and service, can present problems that eliminate any cost savings, and many times cost more money down the road.
Here at Asphalt Enterprises, we have always strived to be very competitive when pricing projects, and yes, many times we are the lowest bid, but the majority of the time, we find out that we are usually in the middle. One thing a customer must investigate is, are apples and apples being compared? Is the scope of work the same? The specifications? What type of equipment are the bidders using? Some might think that apples and apples are always being compared when evaluating a proposal, even when specifications are the same. But there are many things that add value to a proposal that can't been seen on paper. We use 3-4 different types of rollers on paving jobs, including a rubber tire roller. This adds a huge value to the job. On large paving jobs we always bring a spare paving machine, to eliminate any down time if we have a breakdown. This downtime can prove disastrous to a property owner. Of course there is a value added to bringing a spare machine. We pride ourselves in answering our cell phones, and providing superior customer service. We do not use a voice mail system in our office, all phone lines are answered by one of our office staff, so our customers can be attended to immediately. There is a value added with this type of customer service. Our crews are the most experienced in the Atlanta area, and we have had very, very low employee turnover during our years in business. Most have been with the company 17-25 years. This type of experience also adds a huge value and also peace of mind to the customers that they will receive high quality work. And adding to that, the 3 principals of our company have over 80 years combined experience in the asphalt industry. No other company can match our experience.
On projects where vehicles can impede the commencement of work, we can arrange for a towing service beforehand to re-locate the vehicles and just bill you, with no markup on our end. We post "NO PARKING" signs in advance on all jobs so that tenants/customers/residents know which areas we are paving/sealcoating. We also can send out notices to tenants/residents to inform them of the upcoming work, again at no cost to our customers. We strive to make the paving/sealcoating projects as worry free to our customers as possible, and in the end a very positive experience.
So, when choosing a contractor for your next project, please take these facts into consideration. By visiting our website, viewing our equipment in action in the completed projects section, checking our references, looking at the vast experience we have, and weighing the above points, one must ask, why not choose Asphalt Enterprises for your next project, even if our price is a little higher than the lowest bid?
There are many benefits to having your asphalt parking lot striped by Asphalt Enterprises. One of the biggest benefits of striping your parking lot is safety. When lines do not exist in your parking lot or are faded, there is no structure or guidance for your customers to know where to park. You will find visitors parking in places that block intersections, access to sidewalks, business entrances, and more. All of these things can result in vehicles needing to be towed, fire department issues, door dings, fender benders, and even accidents. These types of accidents almost always result in naming you and your company as the responsible party. Having your parking lot lines, curbs, handicap, and directional arrows painted can save you a great deal of time and money.
Fresh line striping also increases curb appeal. First impressions matter. It’s important to impress your customers from the time they enter your parking lot, all the way until they leave. Having a well marked parking lot will definitely enhance your business or store front.
We are the Atlanta Line Striping Specialists
Asphalt Enterprises specializes in parking lot layout planning and line striping to maximize efficient traffic flow and safety. Do not put this critical aspect of your business in the hands of just anyone.
Yes. You cannot afford to ignore the cracks in pavement. Cracks can be a result of pavement not being properly maintained, poor installation, or simply due to aging. Regardless, cracks allow moisture to seep down into the structure of the pavement and cause serious damage to its structure and the underlying base layers. As cracks grow and get larger, potholes begin to form. Left unrepaired the surrounding areas begin to disintegrate and require major asphalt repairs including a complete resurfacing. This is why crack sealing is so important.
Asphalt Enterprises is the Atlanta crack sealing expert. We’ve saved atlanta property owners and businesses many thousands of dollars in costly repairs with this simple procedure.
Is Crack Sealing Expensive?
No. Crack sealing is a very inexpensive procedure. In fact, no single asphalt maintenance procedure is as critical -- and cost effective -- as asphalt crack sealing. This simple procedure will stop water in its tracks and allow pavement to expand and contract all while creating a barrier against moisture, dirt and chemicals.
To accomplish this, we first clean the cracks from all debris using wire brushes and compressed air. We then fill each crack using a high quality hot pour rubberized material. These materials withstand the changing of the seasons and are best at keeping cracks sealed and moisture free.
If you see large or even the smallest crack in your asphalt pavement, don’t delay. Asphalt Enterprises is the Atlanta asphalt crack sealing expert. We have over 30 years experience and have served some of areas largest brands and smallest businesses. Visit our recent work page to see a few of our best customers.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the overall condition of your lot. If your lot is nearing the end of its service life, it may be that you will need to consider a complete resurfacing or something major. If your lot is relatively new with few surface defects there are some very inexpensive options available to greatly increase the lifespan and attractiveness of your pavement property. Let’s start with a very simple option that can make a big difference simply on safety and curb appeal.
Pavement Markings & Signage Services
If pavement markings and parking lot stall lines on your lot are beginning to dull and lose their crisp look, you may consider brightening up your parking lot by repainting parking lot stripes and other appropriate markings. This alone, while inexpensive, can greatly increase your lots overall safety by providing clearly visible directives to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Along those same lines you can also add new signage for vehicles and pedestrians. By ensuring all exits, entrances and pedestrian walkways are clearly marked, you reduce the risk of accidents, and your legal liability, should one occur.
Both of these options will also keep your parking lot looking its best, adding curb appeal to your property and drawing new customers. Every business knows first impressions count, and it’s important your pavement reflects the professional image of your business before they walk in the door.
These two services offered by Asphalt Enterprises are a great way improve a lot that has been sealed in the last several years and is structurally sound.
Asphalt Maintenance and Repair Services
If your parking lot is beginning to show signs of stress or the sealant is beginning to wear off, it may be time to re-seal your parking lot or perform minor asphalt repairs. Sealcoating is relatively inexpensive and should be performed every 3-5 years depending on traffic and pavement condition.
When properly applied, an asphalt sealant can greatly extend the life of your pavement, even double it. It will also restore the like new surface your parking lot had when it was newly installed. This alone can have a great impact on your business and attract new customers looking for the services you offer.
Other services offered to help improve the look of your parking lot include pothole repair and crack repair. These are more serious in nature because they can become a liability should anyone be injured on your lot.
Asphalt sealing is the most effective way to protect an asphalt pavement, greatly extending its life and serviceability. Asphalt Enterprises is the Atlanta asphalt sealing expert with over 30 years of experience.
The purpose of an asphalt sealant is much like the protective seal you would apply to a wooden deck or other material exposed to the elements. In the same way, asphalt sealants lock in the important qualitys of pavement that keep it sound, and lock out the elements that cause deterioration. When left unprotected, asphalt deteriorates much quicker due to its exposure to sunlight, water, salts, chemicals and petroleum products. These elements cause cracks and potholes to form that allow water into the pavement structure, greatly excelerating a pavement's failure. These failures not only cause serious problems for the pavement, but also create serious hazards for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Furthermore, if anyone trips and falls because of unmaintained asphalt, or steps into a pothole, you might end up in court facing a skilled slip and fall attorney.
Asphalt Enterprises is the Atlanta asphalt sealing expert with over 30 years experience performing asphalt paving, maintenance and repair in the metro Atlanta area.
Protect Your Pavement Investment from Costly Repairs
Quality asphalt sealing can help prevent all of these problems by protecting the asphalt, maintaining its flexibility, and keeping moisture at bay. Asphalt sealing can be performed several months after the pavement has been laid, and then every 2-4 years after depending on the amount of traffic and condition of the pavement.
If a pavement is not sealed, UV rays from the sun will cause it to oxidize, making the surface dry and brittle. As the liquid asphalt binder begins to dry raveling will occur and small cracks will begin to form. That opens the way for water, oil and other chemicals to easily enter the pavement and get down into the base. With moisture beneath the surface and the structure compromised, those cracks will only widen and eventually cause more serious defects like alligator cracking and potholes.
Visit our service page on asphalt sealcoating for more information about how we can help.
Leaving a parking lot’s asphalt to the whims of nature and vehicles can be a very expensive proposition. Not only will you need to repave the parking lot sooner than necessary if no maintenance is done, your lot can create all sorts of hazards that damage vehicles and injure pedestrians.
Defects on your lot are the responsibility of the owner, and lawsuits filed by people who trip and fall in parking lots can put your business at risk. It is mandatory that your pavement not only look great, but that it remains structurally sound and free of defects such as cracks, depressions and potholes.
Asphalt Enterprises specializes in parking lot maintenance in Atlanta and can save your business many thousands of dollars in pavement repairs.
Routine parking lot maintenance can ensure that both vehicles and pedestrians will flow through and around your lot without a problem. Asphalt Enterprises can also keep your pavement looking its best, increasing your businesses curb appeal and attracting new customers.
Once maintenance is complete Asphalt Enterprises can ensure you comply with all ADA regulations. Our parking lot striping and pavement marking professionals are up-to-date on all required markings, traffic signs and directives.
Get Started with the Atlanta Parking Lot Maintenance Experts
Your parking lot’s asphalt has many enemies: water, dirt, oil and other chemicals, all of which can seep through to the base of your asphalt and create big problems. With proper parking lot maintenance soon after it is installed, Asphalt Enterprises can help you protect and greatly extend its natural life cycle.
We DO NOT recommend applying sealer to hilly drives and steep inclines. Although we mix sand with our sealer which helps prevent slipperiness in flat to semi flat areas, the amount of sand that we apply to our mix does not prevent slipperiness in steep grades and hills.
In the August 2017 edition of PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE, Girish Dubey President of STAR Inc, a producer of sealcoating products, commented on this issue in an article he wrote flatly stating “Don’t sealcoat steeply inclined surfaces. Never claim that sealcoatings with sand will stop slipperiness.”