FAQs

ACT Asphalt Specialties

Have an asphalt-related question? ACT Asphalt Specialties has the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • Are tire tracks on asphalt normal?

    Asphalt surfaces may show marks from tires. Per our team of asphalt contractors, it is especially common for them to appear during the first year or so that it takes for the driveway to fully cure. These are perfectly normal. Tire marks are not an indication that the surface was improperly installed. Usually, these marks will fade over time, since even indentations typically smooth out after a while.

  • Is it better to repair or replace asphalt?

    It can sometimes be hard to decide whether you should have your driveway resurfaced or have it entirely replaced. One of the first factors that you should consider is the age of your driveway. If your surface is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, our asphalt contractors recommend to go ahead and install a new one.


    Major repair needs are another sign that replacement is the right choice. If your driveway is in serious disrepair, it can be more affordable to simply replace it than to try to fix each problem one by one.

  • Do worn-out driveways detract from curb appeal?

    Be honest with yourself: Does a cracked, faded, crumbled driveway look good? No, quite the opposite. Driveways in need of replacement are ugly, and they can make your entire property look bad.


    The fact of the matter is that people judge your property based on first their impressions, and the look of your driveway can play a large role in that. Even more significant: People may judge you as a person or a business owner based on their first-impression evaluation of your property.


    Homeowners who are looking to sell may find that a shabby driveway turns away potential buyers. Business owners in need of driveway updates may find that a property's unkempt appearance costs them customers.


    Driveway replacement and repair is the best fix for old, unattractive driveways. When you replace your driveway, it will instantly boost the curb appeal of your property. Others will notice and be pleased with your efforts, and you'll feel proud of the care that you are putting into your property.

  • Does DIY patching only last a few years?

    When your driveway has acquired cracks or potholes in the past, you may have used DIY patching materials to repair them. This can be a decent short-term fix to get more life out of your driveway. However, DIY patches do not use the same materials as professional repairs, so they aren't a long-term solution for driveway damage.


    DIY patching materials cannot fully penetrate the nooks and crannies of the original asphalt, so small gaps will remain. Water will get into these gaps, and the damage that it causes can bring the cracks right back.


    You can only limp along with repairs like this for so long. Eventually, it will be time to break the cycle of patching and repairing and put down a new surface instead. For expert driveway replacement and repair services, turn to ACT Asphalt Specialties!

  • What are common pavement issues to watch for?

    If left for too long, these issues develop into serious problems that require additional repairs, so it’s best to nip them in the bud.


    Raveling - If you see lots of loose stones and bits of asphalt on top of your pavement, it may be raveling. Raveling is when the asphalt slowly crumbles up into tiny bits, leaving it rough and rocky. Raveling normally happens when the liquid binder that holds asphalt together becomes brittle. Then, the asphalt is more prone to breaking, and the weight of traffic crumbles it up little by little.


    Cracking - Various things may cause asphalt cracks. One common cause is temperature variations, which make the ground swell and move, causing the asphalt to crack. Water worsens the issue by getting into the fissures, compromising the base layer, or freezing and expanding inside the crack.


    Alligatoring - “Alligatoring” is when a series of small cracks form in a sort of alligator skin pattern. Alligatoring is almost always a sign that your subgrade has problems. Normally, alligatoring is caused by water seeping into small cracks in the pavement and slowly weakening the subgrade. This causes the pavement to become unstable and start cracking.


    Potholes - Nobody likes a jarring pothole! Various factors can cause potholes: 

    • Subgrade weakened due to moisture 
    • Asphalt that was never properly compacted 
    • Alligatoring left unattended

    Potholes may be the most annoying type of asphalt flaw, and they only get larger if not taken care of, so it’s best to fix them ASAP!


    Of course, not all asphalt problems are visually obvious at first. You should still implement good maintenance practices, even if your asphalt looks perfect. Get in touch with our asphalt contractors for the support you need.

  • How thick does my asphalt need to be?

    Surface thickness is largely dependent on the types of vehicles and stresses on your parking lot. Share as many details as possible with ACT Asphalt Specialties, one of the finest paving companies around. We're here to make the best recommendation on asphalt thickness.

  • How long does an asphalt parking lot or driveway last?

    Per our experts, asphalt that is properly installed with quality materials by our experienced asphalt contractors should last 30 years or more years. The key to extending the lifespan and durability of your asphalt surface is to perform regular preventative maintenance to keep your surface looking great. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your lot to 40 to 50 years.

  • What will the asphalt look like when finished?

    When your asphalt pavement is brand new, the surface is very black. Sometimes, you may be able to notice roller marks and some areas where hand work was done may be more visible. After a short time of use, however, the surface will blend together and have a very smooth appearance.


    Ready to get started with quality services provided by excellent asphalt and concrete contractors? If so, contact our team today!

  • How long does it take to complete a repaving project?

    As with any construction project, timelines will vary based on the requirements of the project and the accessibility needs of the project site. For example, a business parking lot may need to stay partially open at all times. 


    Generally, there are two phases: the excavation phase and the site preparation, followed by the binder and surface installation. 


    As one of the most reliable paving companies around, we're committed to extensive and transparent communication. Our project managers will work with you to develop a schedule that both fits your needs and ensures the end result lives up to ACT quality standards.

  • What should I do to help prevent the edges of my driveway from cracking?

    The edges or "shoulders" of your drive are one of the most vulnerable areas of the drive. If you put a lot of weight on the edge (say by driving your car or lawn mower right to the edge), there is the possibility that the edge will crack or break off if it is not properly supported. 


    Our driveway replacement and repair experts try to help the situation by creating a "beveled edge" on the side of the drive with a 45° angle to defuse the pressure. You can help by installing seeded topsoil against the finished height of the asphalt once the job is completed.

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