| Q: | What is asphalt and how is it installed? |
| A: | Asphalt is a petroleum based flexible pavement. For the best result, a professional organization like G&H Paving, utilizing specialized equipment should complete the installation. |
| Q: | What is Hot Mix Asphalt? |
| A: | Also known as blacktop - known in our industry as asphalt pavement or hot mix pavement. Asphalt is an engineered mixture of aggregates. There are two basic ingredients in hot mix asphalt. The first is the aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) and the second is asphalt cement (AC) - the black liquid that holds the pavement together. Mix the two ingredients and you get Hot Mix Asphalt. |
| Q: | What is the difference between Binder and Topcoat? |
| A: | Binder (also known as basecoat) and Topcoat are types of asphalt paving material, made from hot asphalt cement and aggregate. Depending on the specified use the percentages and sizes of aggregate vary. Typically a “Binder” Course also known as the load bearing coarse contains mostly 3/4” aggregate (The stone in the asphalt is larger), and is applied first at a thickness, depending on the application. “Finish” or “Top” coat contains mainly 3/8” Aggregate (the smooth topcoat that you see on most asphalt surfaces) for a smoother finish and is applied over the binder; its thickness is engineered, dependent on job specs. |
| Q: | How long does a new asphalt driveway take to cure? |
| A: | In order for driveway to fully harden the Asphalt Cement needs to cure. This typically takes about a year. During the first year your new driveway may be come soft or tender on very warm days. This is normal. Care should be used on these days. For example don’t turn the steering wheel of a car without the car moving, also be aware that a jack stand, or even a bicycle kickstand could make an impression. |
| Q: | Why do some parts of my driveway have a slightly different texture? |
| A: | Most driveways are paved by a paving machine. However due to the size of the paving machine certain areas such as in front of garages, walkways or along walls are spread and raked by hand. These areas may have a slightly different texture as a result of hand tools. This is normal and as the driveway ages, these areas will become less noticeable. |
| Q: | Why is a tack coat needed? |
| A: | A tack coat is used on an overlay/resurface project, it is used to form a bond between an existing surface and the overlying course. |
| Q: | What is an overlay? |
| A: | An overlay is the resurfacing of existing pavement. Existing asphalt or concrete pavements can be overlaid with hot mix asphalt with excellent results. Before paving, existing pavement should be checked for any repairs needed, cleaned of all loose debris and tacked for successful adhesion. |
| Q: | What are the benefits of an asphalt driveway or parking lot? |
| A: | Asphalt is a flexible pavement that flexes during the harsh weather conditions experienced in our area. An asphalt driveway or parking lot is aesthetically pleasing and maintained easily and inexpensively |
| Q: | How much will my asphalt project cost? |
| A: | The cost of asphalt varies for every job. Asphalt is a product whose cost is based on the amount of labor and material required to complete the job. The majority of the variation in cost lies in the preparation of the existing surface and the size of the project. |
| Q: | How long will my asphalt driveway or parking lot last? |
| A: | Your asphalt driveway or parking lot should last approximately 20 years if properly installed over a well compacted stone base. |
| Q: | How do I maintain my new asphalt surface? |
| A: | Keep gasoline and oil from accumulating on your driveway. Preventative maintenance including crack filling should be completed on an as-needed basis. |
| Q: | Do I have to be at home the day of the scheduled work? |
| A: | You do not have to be home the day of scheduled work as long as the driveway is clear of all vehicles and any vehicles required over the next 48 hours should be removed from your garage |
| Q: | How long should I stay off a newly paved surface? |
| A: | Most driveways or parking lots are blocked off for 2 to 3 days. However, if imperative, asphalt can be driven on (not parked on) once the roller has completed the job. Extreme care should be taken for at least one week (for example no sharp wheel turns). |
| Q: | Will you block my driveway/parking lot after services are completed? |
| A: | Yes, we will block off your driveway/parking lot when the job is complete. You can open your drive to traffic the day after completion. |
| Q: | Can asphalt be applied year round in Connecticut? |
| A: | No. Our season for asphalt application runs from March through December. |
| G&H paving Connecticut territories : For more information call, 1 203 929 2129 or email us at: GHpaving |
|
|
|
|