Parking lot and driveway maintenance isn’t something most people are familiar with, so we’ve compiled a Frequently Asked Questions list to help you decide if our services are right for you.

What is asphalt?

Asphalt is a material made of aggregates (stone, gravel, and sand) and a petroleum by-product called polycyclic hydrocarbons (also known as bitumen) which is a dark, viscous material that holds the aggregates together. This composition allows asphalt the flexibility and strength to support heavy vehicles. However, exposure to varying temperatures, UV rays, and fluids like gasoline and transmission oil will deteriorate the bitumen, causing the asphalt to become brittle and eventually crack and crumble.

What is sealcoating?

Sealcoating maintains asphalt. It is an emulsion of asphalt or coal tar, clay, mineral fillers, and water and is applied using pressurized spray equipment. Once it is applied, the water evaporates and you’re left with a sleek black finish to your driveway or parking lot. Think of it as icing on a cake. Ideally, it is applied within 6-12 months of asphalt being laid to give the asphalt sufficient time to cure and accept the emulsion. The surface that is being sealed also needs to be prepared – existing cracks need to be filled by hand and all dirt and debris need to be cleared for the emulsion to stick to the surface.

What is chip sealing?

Chip sealing is another method of preserving asphalt and is cheaper than resurfacing it entirely. A layer of bitumen (usually called road tar) is laid using a pressurized spraying system. Shortly after the bitumen is applied, fine chips (also known as gravel) are distributed evenly over the surface and the chips are then compacted using rollers. After the mixture has set – a few days later – the excess chips are swept away. After that, a top layer (called a fog coat) may be applied to protect the chip seal.

How can I tell if my driveway or parking lot needs repair?

Your asphalt driveway or parking lot may be in need of repair if the surface is beginning to crack. These cracks are a result of oxidation of the bitumen in the asphalt and will only continue to deteriorate if left alone. Another way to tell is in the presence of any pot holes.

What happens if I don’t fix my driveway or parking lot?

If the cracks in your asphalt driveway or parking lot goes ignored for too long, it will eventually crumble and become unusable.

What are some of my options if I think my driveway or parking lot needs work?

If your driveway or parking lot needs work – don’t panic! Depending on the damage, the life of your asphalt may be extended for a short amount of time by something as simple as filling in the cracks. Call us at (208)733-3951 today to schedule a free estimate. You’re under no obligation to buy!

Can I repair pavement myself?

We’re not going to stop you. But we want you to know that unless you’re familiar with the industry, you’re probably not going to know what type of crack filler to use and spend a lot of money on buying inferior materials (you can’t get the good commercial stuff like we can) as well as renting a lot of specialized equipment… let alone all the time and stress it will take to figure out how to run said equipment. And even if you are familiar with the industry, you probably already know that you don’t want to be the one out in the hot sun, cleaning and prepping cracks to be filled as well as removing as much debris as possible from the pavement. Not to mention ruining a good pair of work boots in the process. Like we said, we’re not going to stop you – but you’ve been warned.

Why does road construction only happen in the summer?

Because we don’t want to work in the winter. Just joking! In cooler climates, road tar can only be applied in specific conditions. For example, no precipitation, low winds, and the surface temperature must be at least 80 degrees and rising are some of the conditions we must meet in the state of Idaho. These stipulations are determined by the government and are closely inspected by employees from the State who are on-site at all times.

Why does road construction take so long?

There are a multitude of reasons why road construction projects can take so long. Just a few include: inclement weather, equipment breakdowns, sourcing materials at far distances (so they take a while to get to the job site), passing State inspections, and the safety concerns of working around moving traffic conditions.

How do I get road tar off my car?

Tar happens. Luckily it’s not too difficult to remove. You can buy specialized cleaner from an automobile store or you can apply WD-40 or diesel to the affected area, wait 30-60 seconds, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary until it’s completely gone. Be sure to wash the cleaner off your car afterwards so it doesn’t damage the paint.