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ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING LOTS 

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What is Asphalt? 

The American Society for Testing & Materials defines asphalt as a dark brown to black cementations material in which the predominating constituents are bitumen that occurs in nature or is obtained in petroleum processing. Bitumen is a generic term for natural or manufactured black or dark-colored solid, semisolid, or viscous cementations materials that are composed mainly of high molecular weight hydrocarbons. The term includes tars and pitches derived from coal. 

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**Residential estimates are $45.00 cash only. If you choose our team to install your product the $45.00 cash will be returned to you on the first day of installation.   

** Credit Cards payments are accepted for contracts above $8,000.00

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Why an Asphalt Driveway?     

Asphalt paved driveways are typically cheaper to install than concrete paved driveways. 
Asphalt driveways, if maintained can typically last 25-30 years. 
Asphalt cracks are easier to repair than concrete driveway cracks. 
Concrete is susceptible to cracks in colder climates and damage caused by salts to treat ice and snow. 

A new asphalt driveway can be installed by in a relatively short amount of time, usually a day or two after the sub-grade preparation which can take anywhere from less than a day to a couple of weeks. There’s a very little inconvenience when having asphalt driveways installed unless you live in a region that requires the sub-grade to sit and air out for a couple of weeks. Asphalt driveways can generally be driven at least 24 hours after installation. However, new asphalt can take years to fully cure, so minor scarring of the surface may occur from sharp turns, power steering divots, tractor tires, snow blade… a variety of things for the first couple of years, especially on hot sunny days.

 

After your new driveway is installed we ask you not to reseal it for five years. This is because when repairing the asphalt service we use a torch to heat up the asphalt. If there is sealer on the asphalt it causes toxic fumes, as well as, severe surface discoloration.

 

Of the four types of driveways, an asphalt driveway is #3
when comparing cost and # 2 when comparing ongoing maintenance.


How to Prepare for your Estimate? 

Know what area you would like paved. If you already have gravel it will need to be hauled off and good base material gravel hauled in. 


If the area you want to be paved exceeds the area currently used for example: if you want to add a new parking area and it is currently grass or a planting bed the area will need to be excavated and extra stone brought in to make the area stable. If a tree is removed from an area that you would like paved you must allow time for the area to settle. If the stump is not fully removed you run the risk of the area failing. 


Take any notes of water drainage problems you have without an asphalted driveway because the problems will be much worse after paving. Sometimes the driveway will need extra grading or drains installed to divert the water property. 

 

  • Do you have trees along the side of the driveway? Look to see if the trees have exposed roots in your current graveled areas. Trees can wreak havoc on an asphalt driveway and may need to be addressed prior to paving. 

  • Do you have any heavy home repairs that are needed? Large equipment can damage a new driveway so you should have any work done prior to paving your driveway. 

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What is Sealcoating?

 

Sealcoating will provide a layer of protection blocking out the elements: water, oils, and U.V. damage. In addition, when applied to manufacturers’ specifications, sealcoating provides a slip resistant surface with a deep black finish that beautifies the parking lot or driveway. Seal coats are typically bituminous based products or acrylics. The sealcoat is in a liquid formulation of one of the above emulsions, mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other proprietary fillers and solids. These products can be applied by brush, spray or squeegee. A regularly scheduled sealcoating program will more than double the life of the asphalt, saving you significant dollars down the line. Instead of having to pay thousands of dollars for new pavement, it is more cost effective to spend only pennies on the dollar per square foot to maintain.

When applying a sealcoating product, follow the important steps referenced below to get the most protection and optimum performance:
• A minimum of two coats should be applied.
• Temperatures must be a minimum of 50 degrees and rising for a period of not less than 24 hours.Do not apply when temperatures are
forecasted to get below the 50 degree mark.


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Your Estimate 

The estimate should consist of a drawing or diagram with square footages clear1y indicated on the drawing. Total square footage should also be indicated on the estimate. 
The process should be written in specific terms. All steps should be indicated and noted on your estimate. 
Payment terms and what is included in the job should be on the quotation. A copy of the warranty should be available. 


You should be left with a copy of the estimates as well as information on how to proceed with the work. 
Preparing for your driveway paving. 


Make sure you have sent in your signed contract. The signed contract is a must because it protects the company as well as you the consumer. THE CONCRETE LADY will not perform any work without written consent. 
The office will call to schedule a day the job will be completed. Make sure to leave all your contact information so we can personally get in touch with you prior to the job being done and also during the paving process. 
If any excavation is to be done Georgia Power will be called to mark any underground wires we need to be aware of while proceeding with your job. 


Make sure all the people in your household are aware of the work scheduled so that there are no cars on the driveway. 


Make sure any pets are not in an area that will cause stress to them or our workers while asphalting your driveway. 
Special consideration should be made during weather situations. We cannot pave your driveway while it is raining or if the temperature is too low. If there has been an excessive amount of rain prior to your driveway installation it may be necessary to reschedule. 


If there are any problems that arise while performing your job we will stop and immediately get in touch with you, at that time we will let you know what has happened and what your options are for a remedy of the issue. 

 

After your driveway is installed

  • The area should be left clean and orderly by our crew. 

  • The driveway will be taped off so no one will drive on the driveway. 

  • The asphalt will need to cure before driving on it. During hot summer months, it may take up to 3 days. 

  • You can walk on the driveway but do not walk on the driveway with high heels. 

  • To help cure the driveway during hot summer months you can water the driveway down with a hose prior to sunset. The evenings are the best time for the driveway to harden. 

  • Refer to our Warranty for dos and don'ts for your new driveway. 

 

Here’s what our warranty covers

  • Driveway Failure – For up to one year, the warranty covers any type of breakup of the driveway due to an asphalt mix defect.

  • Workmanship – Our warranty covers any type of workmanship issues, such as asphalt thickness issues and improper compaction or seaming of the asphalt installation.

  • Drainage – If there is any standing water on the driveway more than the thickness of a quarter where there is a slope of 2% or greater, the problem area will be replaced.

Our warranty does not cover settling caused by work done by others or due to inadequate compaction on the new construction of the home. It also does not cover settling due to driveways built on fill, underground pipes, utility trenches, or settling of material beneath the base installed by us.

Heaving caused by ground freezing in winter is also not covered. Normally, this will correct itself in the springtime. Our limited warranty does not cover cracking of the driveway, since cracking may develop in any driveway for many reasons. There are also other limitations in warranty coverage.

 

Full Warranty Disclosure on Your Estimate and Contract

All terms of your warranty are explained on the estimate you sign when you approve your driveway construction. Your THE CONCRETE LADY representative will be happy to explain our warranty to you, point-by-point.

It is important to know exactly what is and is not covered in any driveway warranty. All features of a warranty should be clearly spelled out on the estimated copy you will sign when you contract with any paving company. If that information is not present on the estimate you sign, there is no warranty that can be enforced. At THE CONCRETE LADY, you will always have all the information, clearly written and explained.

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