We
are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with excellent
standing. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the causes of asphalt failure?
A: The reasons for the problems vary widely. Lack of maintenance, poor drainage, inadequate thickness, accumulated wear-and-tear, or unstable subgrade components contribute to the eventual need for significant repairs.
Asphalt deteriorates when "fines" aggregates are worn away by weather and traffic. When the "fines" are worn away, there is nothing to bind the larger aggregates together and the surface begins to ravel. This weakens the pavement section and eventually allows water to penetrate the subgrade, which leads to pavement failure.
Learn about asphalt paving services or contact us to schedule an estimate.
Q: When should cracks be sealed?
A: Immediately. Any crack measuring ¼-inch or wider in the pavement will allow moisture to penetrate to the subsurface. This moisture will eventually compromise the subgrade under the asphalt resulting in pavement failure.
Learn about asphalt sealcoat from Enterprise Commercial Paving.
Q: Is sealing cracks cost effective?
A: Proper crack repair procedures can double the life of most asphalt pavements.
Q: When should traffic be allowed on a recently paved or repaired parking lot?
A: The amount of time depends on several factors. For asphalt repairs, one should allow 2 to 6 hours before using the new lot depending on the temperature.
Sealcoating and overalys need a 24-hour curing time after work is completed. Do not allow traffic on your lot before the end of the 24-hour drying period. Cooler temperatures and the use of drying agents can also affect the cure time.
Q: What can I do to prolong the life of my asphalt?
A: Apply a sealcoat within six months to one year of installation of new asphalt. Check for longitudinal cracks and have them filled annually.
A formal maintenance plan including crackfilling, repairs of failures and potholes and sealcoating every two to three years, depending on wear, will prevent deterioration of your pavement due to the sun's rays, gasoline, traffic and the weather elements.
Q: How thick should the asphalt be?
A: In general, we use the following guidelines to determine asphalt depths:
- 2" Car traffic only, with limited truck traffic
- 2.5" for driveways and lots with occasional heavy traffic
- 3" for truck traffic
Q: What is sealcoating and what are its benefits?
A: Sealcoating is a general term for any of a variety of coal tar or asphalt emulsions applied to a relatively sound asphalt surface to prevent damage from ultraviolet rays, moisture and oxidation. Enterprise uses the coal tar sealant GemSeal which is more resistant to water, gas, oil, and other chemicals giving it greater durability.
By placing a sealcoat over the asphalt you are placing a protective barrier over the asphalt. This process of applying a sealcoat every 2-3 years will double the life of your asphalt, saving you from having to carry out costly repairs.
A sealcoat is a preservative coating but has no structural value. Minor cracks should be sealed with a hot pour, rubberized material (crackfilling) prior to sealcoating.
Call (713) 432-7500 or contact us online to schedule an estimate for your paving project
