| How can I best protect my asphalt pavement investment? | |
| • | Apply a “SealCoat” during the first two to three of installation of new asphalt. |
| • | Inspect your pavement surfaces at least annually, checking for high wear locations and longitudinal cracking. Fill any noted cracks. |
| • | Then follow with a SealCoat every two to three years depending upon surface wear and traffic. |
| Why Slurry Surfacing? | |
Properly designed and constructed paved areas almost never wear out from use by traffic. Pavement problems are usually caused by surface deterioration from weathering, oxidation and damage from petroleum solvents. Left unprotected, pavement can lose it flexibility and become brittle from oxidation and weathering. After years of use “fine” aggregate ravels from the surface and texture becomes rough. Cracks can develop and allow water to penetrate to the base. Slurry Surfacing fills the existing cracked asphalt, replaces lost aggregate and provides 3/16" to 1/4" asphalt overlay of protection. |
|
| What is Slurry Surfacing? | |
Slurry Surfacing is an asphalt slurry mixture made from closely graded fine aggregate, emulsified asphalt and water, all carefully calibrated and mixed to form a mortar-like compound. |
|
| What are some of the more common causes of asphalt failure? | |
| • | Review the descriptions and photos in the “Asphalt Rating Report”. |
| • | Inadequate thickness of the pavement vs. travel loads. |
| • | Unstable sub-grade components. |
| • | Asphalt deteriorates when “fines” (sand that helps to bind larger aggregates with liquid asphalt) are worn away by excessive water, weather and traffic… leaving larger aggregates with nothing to bind with causing raveling. |
| When should cracks be sealed? | |
As soon as possible. A crack which is 1/4 inch or wider will allow moisture to penetrate the sub-surface. The goal of an effective pavement maintenance program is to keep moisture from entering the pavement. |
|
| What is the cause of fatigue cracks in pavements? | |
Excessive bending of the pavement surface from vehicle traffic results in fatigue cracks. |
|
| How soon can one drive on pavement that has been sealcoated? | |
Allow 24 hours drying/curing time after sealcoating work is completed. |
|
| How soon can one drive on pavement after new asphalt resurfacing is completed? | |
Dependent upon the temperature of the day, allow two to six hours before using the new pavement. |
|
| What is the importance of Petromat when used in an asphalt overlay project? | |
| • | Importantly serves as a waterproofing membrane between the existing surface and the new surface. |
| • | Aids in slowing the migration of cracks from the underlying surface. |
| • | Significantly extends the life expectancy of the new asphalt surface. |