F.A.Q.'S

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions...

The following is a list of our most frequently asked questions. You will find FAQS for both Pavement Maintenance as well as Grading and Paving. If you would like to go directly to the Grading and Paving FAQ section please click here.

Pavement Maintenance FAQ'S

Q. How do I maintain my new asphalt driveway/parking lot?

A. Preventative maintenance includes crack-filling and sealing. Both should be done on an as-needed basis.

Q. What are the benefits of sealing my driveway/parking lot?

A. If applied properly, sealing benefits the pavement in many ways. It renews the dark appearance of faded asphalt, making it look and wear like new. It also protects the pavement from water penetration, gas and oil spills and the ultraviolet rays of the sun—all of which can rapidly deteriorate an asphalt surface.

Q. What is sealer and how is it applied?

A. Asphalt sealer is a water based surface treatment used to protect an existing asphalt surface. It can be applied by hand or with a spray unit. Brentleys Asphalt recommends the initial application be done by hand, with every application following the same method for optimal protection on your investment.

Q. When should I seal my newly paved driveway/parking lot and how often should it be done?

A. We recommend the initial application be done the following year after paving. After the initial application, your driveway/parking lot should be sealed every 2 to 3 years depending on personal preference.

Q. What should I do when my asphalt driveway/parking lot cracks?

A. Crackfilling is part of the preventative maintenance required for asphalt surfaces. It should be done prior to or in conjunction with sealing.

Q. What causes potholes and how do I fix them?

A. Most potholes are caused by improper drainage or lack of base material. Permanent patching is available and may require extensive work, which would include to saw cut the bad area remove the old asphalt, Fix the root of the problem (which is most likely the sub-grade) and then repave with new asphalt ensuring the problem to be fixed Please call for an estimate.

Q. How much will it cost to have my driveway/parking lot sealed professionally?

A. The cost of sealing a driveway depends on the amount of labor and material required to furnish and apply the sealer.

Q. Can I seal my driveway/parking lot myself?

A. Yes, but it is a very labor intensive project. We don't recommend this as it labor intensive and the results will not likely be the same.

Q. How long should I stay off a newly sealed surface?

A. We recommend staying off the asphalt surface for a minimum of 24 hours. Weather conditions greatly affect the amount of cure time. The sealer is brown when applied and black when dry. Once the sealer is dry, it can be walked on.

Q. Will Brentleys Asphalt block my driveway/parking lot after services are completed?

A. Yes, we will block off the driveway/parking lot when we are done. You can open your drive to traffic the following day.

Q. What if it rains after my drive has been sealed?

A. Once the sealer is dry, rain will not affect it. If it is not dry, the sealer will simply wash away and will need to be reapplied.

Grading and Paving

Q. What is asphalt and why should I consider it for my roadway project?

A. Asphalt is a petroleum based product used for driveways, roads, cart/walking paths and any project that requires a smooth surface for foot traffic or motorized vehicles. Asphalt is flexible and “gives” during the harsh weather conditions experienced in our area. It is easily and inexpensively maintained and is aesthetically pleasing.

Q. How much does asphalt cost?

A. The price for asphalt varies depending on the size of the project. The cost for your project also depends on the amount of base preparation work needed.

Q. How long does asphalt pavement last?

A. Generally speaking, asphalt pavement should last about 20 years. Pavement life can vary greatly depending on base conditions, traffic, type of traffic and maintenance.

Q. How long do I need to stay off a newly paved asphalt surface?

A. For a newly paved roadway, asphalt can be driven on as soon as the rolling is completed. However, for parking areas we recommend waiting 24 hours for the asphalt to cool completely before driving on it.

Q. What is the standard thickness for asphalt pavement?

A. The standard for pavement design in this area is 6 inches of aggregate base course and 2 inches of compacted asphalt. Standards may vary based on the amount and type of traffic that will be utilizing the pavement.

Q. What maintenance do I need to do to my asphalt?

A. For asphalt parking lots and driveways, we usually recommend sealing new asphalt within the first year and crack filling annually to prevent moisture from reaching the base material.