Asphalt and the Economic Slowdown
Almost everyone has been affected by the recent economic slowdown, and certainly homeowners, in particular, have been hit hard with inflation coupled with home devaluations. While most real estate experts agree that it's not a great time to consider selling your home, it's still important to preserve its value through home improvements and maintenance. Upkeep of asphalt driveways and walkways is a great way to start improving your home to minimize your chances of having to pay for costly asphalt replacement.
Asphalt, like other petroleum-based products, has significantly jumped in price over the course of the last several years. Asphalt paving contractors have passed on this price increase to their customers. Typical driveway repaving jobs have escalated so much in price that many homeowners are simply looking for more cost-effective alternatives.
Perfect Time to Start a Sealcoating Business
With
the present ever increasing prices in the paving world more and more contractors
turn to starting
their own asphalt sealcoating business as property owners don't want to
invest into repaving. Property owners are interested in increasing their
property esthetic value and maintain their investment at the lowest possible
cost which has driven an increase in demand for asphalt maintenance and repair. Starting
a sealcoating business is a great business opportunity, even while the
economy is under the present conditions.
Maintenance Is Your Best Defense
Asphalt pavement doesn't stay looking like new forever. Over time, the effects of the sun's UV rays, vehicle leaks, snow, rain, ice, and salt can cause asphalt to fade, crack and crumble. If your asphalt isn't maintained, eventually it will deteriorate to the point where it does need to be replaced.
Instead, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your asphalt by sealing it with a coal tar asphalt sealer. At Asphalt Kingdom, we sell commercial grade coal tar asphalt sealer at the lowest price and can deliver it directly to your home. It can be applied with a squeegee or sealer brush. Learn how to seal your asphalt pavement.
Fix the Cracks
In addition to sealing, asphalt pavement also requires crack repair on a regular basis. Over time, asphalt tends to dry out and harden. This can lead to both hairline and larger cracks. Not only are asphalt cracks unsightly, they are also very damaging because they let water penetrate below the surface of the pavement. Water that freezes in cracks will expand and deteriorate pavement all the way to the base layers. Without repair, you might need an entire replacement of your pavement much sooner than if you had simply fixed the cracks.
Fortunately, asphalt crack repair is an easy job for homeowners. You will need to first clean cracks with either a steel brush with 3-inch long bristles or a screw driver to remove vegetation and dirt. It will need to be cleaned at least ½” deep. Then, you simply fill the cracks with an asphalt crack filler and smooth with a spackle knife. You can purchase 1 gallon bottles of Elasta-Fill Cold Pour Crack Filler online at our store. We'll even ship it to you for free. Cracks filled with this extremely durable filler will not need additional repair for at least two to three years.
For people who have larger parking areas we strongly recommend using a hot pour crack filler along with a 10 gallon melter applicator machine.
Once the cracks in the asphalt surface are repaired you can then focus your attention on sealing the asphalt surface to protect it from the elements and damaging weather. Learn how to sealcoat your asphalt with the right sealer products and sealcoating spray equipment.
Do I Need to Replace My Pavement?
Whether or not you need to replace your asphalt pavement depends primarily on the condition of its foundation. If you have cracks that cover more than half of the surface, your underlying problem is probably a faulty or damaged foundation. Other signs of problems with the foundation are depressions or mounds and premature deterioration.
However, if you have properly installed pavement, and you keep it regularly maintained, you can expect it to last at least 15 to 20 years and possibly even longer.
Do you have questions about asphalt pavement maintenance? Give Asphalt Kingdom a call at 1-866-399-5562. We're happy to help you.
