Blackout Paving

The Benefits of Asphalt Driveway Sealcoating

Sealcoating every few years is a part of regular maintenance for your asphalt driveway. Water, weather and the sun all take a toll on asphalt, as do the fluids from your car. Oil, gas and transmission fluids can stain or break down your asphalt driveway.

In this video, you can learn the benefits of sealcoating your asphalt driveway 90 days after installation and again every two to four years. This helps protect your driveway from cracks in staining that would otherwise come with regular use. Sealcoating also makes your driveway smoother and more visually appealing by restoring asphalt’s deep black color.

Blackout Paving provides sealcoating services to all our customers. To learn more about this process or schedule your sealcoating, contact us at (888) 851-0329 or visit our website today.

Common Problems that Can Develop in Asphalt Surfaces that Don't Have Sealcoating

Asphalt surfaces are widely used as automotive surfaces like driveways, parking lots, roads, highways. Asphalt is a flexible material that offers a smooth driving surface while adapting to changes in temperature. Unfortunately, it is also these characteristics that make it vulnerable to the effects of sun and weather, as well as driving stresses and automotive fluids.

Without regular sealcoating, asphalt can soon see a few common issues that will require repairs and if allowed to progress unchecked will cause eventual failure of the surface entirely.

• Cracking: Asphalt surfaces are prone to cracks when not properly sealcoated. Over time, driving stresses combine with the effects of sun and moisture to reduce the flexibility of the surface. Cracks can form, and naturally expand and contract with the movement of the asphalt surface. Without repairs, the cracks only become worse and can even form into potholes.
• Weakening: Asphalt can become weakened by long-term exposure to the sun. The same factors that cause cracking can also cause spontaneous potholes due to weak areas in the asphalt surface. Small chips evolve into larger holes that require more extensive repairs.
• Sagging: As asphalt weakens due to weight stress and ultraviolet radiation, layers underneath the surface can use their integrity causing the surface to sag. Again, this could eventually lead to cracking and potholes that require repairs.
• Loose Aggregate: The asphalt surface itself is subject to the full effects of weather and stress without sealcoating. Aggregate can come loose, which presents a hazard to drivers and further weakens the surface.
• Staining: Automotive fluids like oil and grease can cause staining of an asphalt surface and some damage if allowed to penetrate. Sealcoating helps to protect the surface from these fluids.
• Fading: Asphalt without sealcoating can lose its rich black color over time. Sealcoating normally preserves this color and repeated applications actually restore it to a natural sheen.

If you would like to learn more about sealcoating your asphalt surfaces to protect them and keep them looking great for many years to come, contact Blackout Paving at (888) 851-0329. You can also visit our website to view our full range of asphalt installation and sealing services.

What Does Your Driveway Look Like After Winter?

Here are five websites and articles with information on seasonal effects on asphalt and driveway design. For asphalt paving services in San Antonio, contact Blackout Paving at (888) 851-0329.

• Ever wonder why your driveway looks so bad after the winter? Read this article from Purdue University about the effects of salt on asphalt pavement.
• Here’s a great page from Houzz.com featuring some interesting asphalt driveway designs.
• For more information on the effects of salt and sand during wintertime paving maintenance, take a look at this issue of the Wisconsin Transportation Bulletin.
• To learn more about asphalt paving and driveways, visit this page from Landscape Planet.
• Check out this page from eHow to learn more about salt damage on asphalt.

Water Puddles, Cracks, And Asphalt Driveway Damage

Asphalt driveways can withstand all types of wear and tear, but prolonged exposure to certain threats can actually cause substantial damage. One of these threats is root infiltration from nearby trees and plants - which may cause cracks and bumps in your driveway.

This video will help you learn the signs of driveway damage associated with root infiltration. You’ll also learn about the most efficient and effective ways to repair this type of damage, and what you can do to prevent root infiltration in the future.

For asphalt repair services at your home or business, contact Blackout Paving today by calling (888) 851-0329. We serve the entire San Antonio area with high quality asphalt and cement paving installation, repair and seal coating.