An asphalt overlay consists of one or more layers of fresh asphalt that a paving contractor installs on top of an existing pavement. When the existing pavement is asphalt, contractors typically refer to the procedure as asphalt resurfacing. As part of the resurfacing procedure, most contractors will use a milling machine to help ensure high-quality results.

What Is an Asphalt Milling Machine?

An asphalt milling machine is a type of construction equipment with a rotating drum that has carbide cutters attached. The operator sets the machine to remove a precise depth of the asphalt pavement, and the machine grinds it away. The removed pavement then moves automatically onto an attached conveyor for recycling, typically at an asphalt plant.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt pavement resurfacing is substantially less expensive than removing and replacing one, but the results are almost identical. Resurfacing is also faster, so you can reopen your pavement sooner, reducing any inconvenience to your visitors or employees. Because the milled asphalt is completely recyclable, resurfacing is an eco-friendly option. Furthermore, as long as you protect the structural integrity of your pavement, you can repeat the asphalt overlay process as often as needed. Thus, you could theoretically go many decades without ever requiring a complete pavement reconstruction.

Why Do Contractors Use Milling Machines During Asphalt Resurfacing Projects?

When resurfacing pavement, a contractor must perform a series of steps to achieve satisfactory results. Contractors virtually always use a milling machine as part of an asphalt overlay process for all of the following reasons.

1. Speed: Asphalt milling is much faster than removing the existing pavement with traditional methods. This can speed up your job, which means that the contractor may be able to charge less for your asphalt overlaying project.
2. Repair: Overlaying asphalt pavements that have potholes or significant cracks is simply unacceptable to a reputable contractor. The damage pattern will soon begin to show up in the overlay. If the contractor must repair numerous breaks in the pavement, your cost will increase. However, on most pavement resurfacing projects, contractors remove between two and three inches of the existing pavement. This is often sufficient to remove all or most of the damage. It also exposes any damage that goes deeper, making it easier for your contractor to repair it.
3. Elevation: If you examine your pavement, you will probably see that it is not an isolated, unbroken expanse. There will be other pavements that connect to it, including driveways, curb ramps, and streets. There are usually curbs, catch basins, gutters, manhole covers, and other features. Imagine what would happen if your contractor installed two or three inches of fresh asphalt on top of your existing pavement without milling it first. You would be left with rough transitions between pavements, presenting potential tripping hazards to pedestrians and annoying drivers. Manhole covers and drain grates would be recessed into the pavement. The ability of your gutters and curbs to channel runoff would be reduced. You expected a renovated pavement that looked and functioned like a new one. Instead, you have a pavement that clearly shows that your contractor did a poor job on your pavement resurfacing project.

Black Hawk Paving is a full-service asphalt paving company serving the greater Chicagoland area. Our services include asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt overlaying and paving, hot crack sealing, asphalt repairs, concrete installation, asphalt sealcoating, and concrete repairs. We serve national clients as well as local businesses. We have an exemplary reputation, decades of experience, and the ability to handle all phases of construction from site grading to pavement markings. Submit our online form if you are interested in requesting a free quote. If you prefer to call us, you can reach us at 708-479-0400.

For better or worse, insurance has become a necessary part of American life. After all, if you are involved in an auto accident in which you were not at fault, your first thought was probably not a hope that the guilty driver was not insured. You may carry a variety of personal coverages, including medical, home, or auto insurance, and you likely carry commercial insurance if you operate a business. Your insurance policies protect you from financial loss in the eventuality that a covered event occurs. Therefore, it is only logical that you should want the asphalt paving company you hire to be fully insured so that you will be protected if something goes wrong on your job.

What Could Go Wrong for an Asphalt Paving Company on a Job?

Asphalt paving companies are keenly aware that they are in an industry that can pose potential risks, and most of them are exceptionally good at mitigating those risks. However, experienced asphalt contractors know that there is always a remote possibility that something could go wrong. An employee has a momentary distraction, a client’s employee intrudes into the work area, or a piece of equipment belonging to the paving company experiences a catastrophic failure. In the blink of an eye, someone could be injured, or property belonging to you, your neighbor, or a passer-by could be damaged.

Are There Specific Types of Insurance That an Asphalt Paving Company Should Have?

Potentially, there are several types of insurance that an asphalt contractor could carry. Some are required by local codes, licensing boards, or state law, but other types are completely voluntary.

1. Workers’ compensation is mandatory under Illinois law for virtually every company with at least one employee. Workers’ comp is designed to cover only the contractor’s employees, so it will not cover your employees, guests, or customers if they are injured on your property. If these other classifications of people are injured due to the actions of your asphalt company, the company’s general liability policy should cover the costs associated with their injuries.
2. General liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois for most businesses. General liability covers direct or indirect damages to others that are caused by the asphalt contractor or his employees. Thus, if you or one of your customers is injured or suffers property damage from the actions of your asphalt company, compensation could be provided under the contractor’s general liability policy. However, all businesses, including pavement companies, have a choice of policy limits, which means that the policy will not cover claims in excess of the specified limit. Your contractor should have a policy limit of at least $500,000.
3. Commercial vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois for all vehicles owned by a business that are solely used for work purposes. However, the state-mandated minimum coverages are comparatively low, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
4. Umbrella policies are optional in Illinois, but many asphalt companies carry them. Coverage under an umbrella policy is typically triggered when a claim exceeds the maximum limit of another type of insurance. Most asphalt paving companies that have an umbrella policy choose one with a limit of at least $1 million.

Black Hawk Paving is appropriately licensed, bonded, and insured, and we have been providing exceptional work since 1975. We serve local businesses as well as national chains. Our services include excavations, asphalt paving, concrete curbing and flatwork, asphalt repairs, site grading, parking lot striping, asphalt milling and grinding, sewer repairs, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt fabric, car stops, hot crack sealing, pavement markings, and traffic signage. We have built a loyal following by consistently providing exemplary service and remarkable results at competitive rates. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, submit the online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

What to Look for in a “Free Asphalt Paving Estimate”

When it is time to build a new pavement, you are typically limited to choosing between concrete and asphalt paving. Between the two, asphalt pavements are faster to complete and less expensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements that receive professional maintenance can have extremely long lives. Most contractors offer free estimates so that you will have a better idea of what your project will cost, and you should obtain estimates from several contractors so that you can compare the different quotes. When you compare the free estimates, it is important to make sure that you are not comparing apples to oranges. The two most critical areas for comparison are the section containing details about your project and the information about the contractor.

What Information Should an Estimate Contain About the Details of My Paving Project?

All asphalt paving companies do not use the same template when providing estimates. However, a Chicago asphalt contractor who only gives for a lump-sun quote may not be trustworthy. Regardless of how they present the information, your asphalt paving company should include the following details in a free estimate.

1. Scope: The scope of the job includes information about what services the asphalt contractor will provide and how he will provide them.
2. Size: Depending on the asphalt paving Chicago contractor and the specific project, the size of the job can be stated a little differently. For example, the square footage of a parking lot may be included, the cubic yards of asphalt needed might be given, or the tons of asphalt that will be required may be shown. A great paving contractor Chicago businesses can trust will usually specify the size in at least two ways.
3. Depth: Your estimate should show the thickness of the asphalt that your paving contractor will install. Keep in mind that this is the compacted depth.
4. Type: Asphalt mixes are available in several different types. Your asphalt paving company should specify the type to be used on your project.
5. Labor: Because not all asphalt paving companies pay their employees the same rates, labor costs can sometimes be tricky to compare. Typically, the best way is to compare the total labor hours, then compare the total labor costs. Watch out for an estimate that shows the same labor hours as other contractors, but the total labor cost is significantly less. This could be a sign that the contractor plans to use poorly trained or unskilled workers on your project.
6. Miscellaneous: The type of asphalt paving Chicago project you need determines whether there will be charges other than the ones listed about. For example, if you need the site cleared, an access road constructed, or swales installed, these charges will normally be shown separately.

What Information About the Contractor Should My Asphalt Paving Estimate Include?

There is perhaps no decision more important to the success of your project than the asphalt contractor you choose. You want to hire a Chicago asphalt contractor with experience in completing projects similar to yours, and you want to hire a contractor who has good communication skills. Furthermore, your estimate should include the following details about the contractor.

1. Is the company’s street address shown on the estimate?
2. Does the form include at least one phone number and email address?
3. Did the contractor attach a list of references that you can call?
4. Does the contractor include a warranty on the work performed?
5. Will the contractor provide you with proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and vehicle liability insurance?

Black Hawk Paving is the paving contractor Chicago property owners have trusted since 1975. We offer a full range of services, including asphalt patching and paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt fabric, concrete repair, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, pavement markings, site grading, sealcoating, excavations, asphalt crack sealing, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We have an extraordinary reputation for remarkable workmanship and exemplary service. If you would like to request a free quote, fill out the online form, or you can reach us by phone at 708-479-0400.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time for Sealcoating in Chicago

Sealcoating is a protective barrier that can help asphalt pavements in Chicagoland shrug off cold winters, UV rays, automotive fluids, and other potential threats. However, sealcoating can be a bit tricky to apply because they are so sensitive to the weather conditions during and immediately after they are applied. The summer months typically offer the best combination of weather conditions, making it a great season for Chicago sealcoating.

What Are the Weather-Related Factors That Affect a Sealcoating Application?

There are four factors that every Chicago sealcoating company must consider when deciding whether conditions are suitable for an application.

1. The surface and ambient temperatures must be within the tolerance range specified by the asphalt sealcoating manufacturer.
2. The relative humidity levels must also be within the specified range.
3. When sealcoating Chicago pavements, contractors must ensure that the fresh sealcoat will receive sufficient sunshine.
4. The weather forecast should not predict rain on the day of or the day after the application.

What Are the Acceptable Temperatures for Sealcoating Parking Lots and Other Asphalt Pavements?

An asphalt sealcoating company is concerned about both the ambient and surface temperatures. Normally, these two temperatures are quite close, but there can also be significant differences. For example, after a cold night, the surface temperature may be several degrees cooler than the ambient temperature. Manufacturers usually instruct their customers to only apply if both the surface and ambient temperature is above 50 degrees when the application commences. Furthermore, the temperatures should continue to rise throughout the day, and they should not fall significantly for the following 24 hours.

What Effect Does the Relative Humidity Have on Sealcoating?

Sealcoat cures by evaporating the water contained in the mix. Excessive humidity slows evaporation, so the sealcoat will take longer to cure, potentially requiring you to keep your pavement closed longer. During a typical year, the average relative humidity in Chicago is at its lowest during May, June, and July, and August usually has comparatively low humidity levels.

Why Does Sunshine Matter to a Sealcoating Contractor?

The first reason is that sealcoating needs at least three or four hours of sunlight to cure properly. The second reason is that an asphalt sealcoating company can accomplish more on long summer days. For example, when sealcoating parking lots, the standard calls for two coats of sealcoat, followed by parking lot striping. The first coat of sealant must dry before the second can be applied, and the second coat must dry before the stripes and pavement markings can be applied. Depending on the size and complexity of the parking lot, it is often possible for a sealcoating contractor to complete all the work in one day, which makes things more convenient for you as well as your contractor.

Why Does an Asphalt Sealcoating Company Worry About the Forecast of Rain?

Just like asphalt paving contractors, an experienced sealcoating contractor knows that rain can affect the aesthetics of the pavement’s surface. Furthermore, if the sealcoat is in the early stages of curing, a heavy rain can wash it away.

Why Should I Call Black Hawk Paving for Assistance?

First of all, we are highly experienced Chicago paving contractor, having been founded in 1975. Secondly, we have an exemplary reputation for professionalism, craftsmanship, integrity, and customer service. Furthermore, we have the ability to successfully complete jobs of all sizes for national clients as well as local businesses. In addition, we offer an extensive range of services, including asphalt sealcoating, asphalt paving, asphalt crack repair, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, pavement markings, excavations, sewer repairs, traffic sign installation, site grading, and car stops, and we also install concrete curbing and flatwork. Contact us today to request a free quote; simply fill out the form and submit it online, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call us at 708-478-0400, 773-378-2390, or 847-240-2560.

Asphalt Overlay or Asphalt Replacement?

Although asphalt pavements are quite long-lasting when given the proper attention, every pavement will eventually need more than just a few repairs. When the time comes, you might think that you have no choice except to replace your pavement. That might be the case, but it is also possible that an asphalt overlay is a faster, more economical solution.

What Is an Asphalt Overlay?

An overlay is often referred to as asphalt resurfacing. Normally, contractors remove about three inches of the existing pavement with an asphalt milling machine, send the milled particles to an asphalt recycling plant, then install new asphalt paving to replace what they removed.

What Is an Asphalt Pavement Replacement?

A replacement means that the contractor will remove all layers of the asphalt and, in some cases, the base layers. If necessary, the base and subbase are repaired, rebuilt, or strengthened, and new asphalt is then installed to reconstruct the pavement.

What Factors Determine Whether Overlaying Pavement Is Better Than Replacing It?

Basically, the decision boils down to an issue of which method is more cost-effective. If the base does not have extensive damage, an overlay is typically more cost-effective. However, if the base has been compromised underneath more than about a third of the pavement, a replacement may be more cost-effective. The same is true if more than about a third of the pavement has severe damage that goes deeper than what the paving contractor plans to remove for the overlay. Another factor that can determine whether asphalt resurfacing is the better option is the presence of subterranean issues that can only be corrected by removing or accessing the base layers.

Are Overlays Acceptable for Municipality Paving Projects?

Many municipality paving projects involve overlaying streets, parking lots, and other public pavements. When paving Chicago thoroughfares and parking facilities, the same factors would apply for determine the cost-effectiveness of an overlay as a parking lot paving company would evaluate for overlaying a privately owned pavement.

Is an Asphalt Overlay Possible for a Concrete Pavement?

In some cases, overlaying a concrete pavement is both possible and effective. In fact, there are many stretches of concrete pavements on interstate highways that have had overlays installed. However, it is possible for underlying patterns, including expansion joints, to eventually show up in the overlay. This is also the reason that a parking lot paving company should repair cracks and other damage before placing an overlay.

In Terms of Appearance, What Is the Difference Between Overlaying Pavement and Replacing Pavement?

In most cases, the appearance of an overlay will be virtually indistinguishable from a new asphalt pavement. However, unless asphalt milling is performed, the elevations of manhole covers, grates, curbs, and transitions will not be retained, and this can make it obvious that the pavement has received an overlay.

Do Overlays Require Any Maintenance?

Overlays should receive the same maintenance as a new asphalt pavement. At the very least, you should keep the overlay clean, promptly repair any cracks that develop, and have your contractor sealcoat it periodically.

Since 1975, Black Hawk Paving Has Served the Greater Chicagoland Area

If you are trying to decide between replacing your pavement or overlaying it, we can help. Black Hawk Paving is a leading paving and construction company with an impeccable reputation for workmanship, service, and integrity. We offer numerous services, including asphalt resurfacing, sealcoating, asphalt paving, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, excavations and grading, asphalt fabric, concrete paving, pavement markings, traffic signage, sewer repairs, car stops, and asphalt crack repair. To request a free quote, you can call 708-479-0400, fill out our contact form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Five Sealcoating Facts That Show Savings for Your Chicago Pavement

Asphalt paving is a logical choice for virtually any pavement in the Chicago metropolitan area. Asphalt pavements can be installed quickly, and they are more economical than comparable concrete pavements. Furthermore, a well-engineered, properly constructed, and well-maintained asphalt pavement can cope with the brutal winters for which Chicago is famous. However, if you want to obtain the best return on your asphalt investment, you should consider sealcoating your pavement periodically.

What Is Sealcoating?

A seal coating mix is a combination of water, sand, and a powdered sealcoat concentrate. Chicago sealcoating contractors often recommend incorporating an additive to accelerate drying, keep the sand evenly suspended, or enhance certain sealant properties. An asphalt sealcoating company will normally apply two thin coats of sealant, allowing the first to dry before starting the second. When sealcoating parking lots, it may be necessary to apply a third coat in the areas that receive the most traffic.

What Are Five Facts Which Demonstrate That Sealcoating Can Help Me Save Money?

1. Seal coating is economical, but it is a highly effective way to reduce repair bills and prolong the life of your asphalt pavement.
2. By blocking UV rays and resisting automotive fluids, parking lot sealcoating can help prevent the pavement from becoming brittle or crumbly.
3. A professionally applied, high-quality parking lot sealcoat increases the chances that your pavement’s foundation will be strong enough to allow an asphalt paving company to resurface the pavement instead of rebuilding it.
4. Sealcoating parking lots makes them safer by enhancing traction.
5. Seal coating increases the speed at which snow and ice will melt, improving safety and allowing you to reduce or eliminate the use of harsh deicing agents.

How Often Do Chicago Sealcoating Contractors Recommend Sealing an Asphalt Pavement?

It is impossible to recommend a precise schedule without knowing more about your particular pavement. How old is it? What is its condition? Does your pavement support passenger vehicles, pedestrians, or heavy trucks? How many vehicles drive or park there on an average day? As a ballpark estimate, Chicago sealcoating typically lasts between 18 and 30 months. Your initial application should not be performed until the asphalt has cured, but it should not be postponed for more than 10 or 12 months from the time your asphalt paving company installed your pavement or overlay.

What Else Should I Know About This Service?

There are two things you should keep in mind before you schedule an appointment with a sealcoating company.

1. You want to stick to the schedule recommended by your contractor. If you delay too long, your pavement will not have the protection it needs. However, some property managers err on the side of caution and sealcoat their pavements annually. This is almost always a waste of money; the sealant will probably crack and flake off, or it will remain a gooey mess that gets tracked everywhere.
2. Sealcoating obscures painted stripes and pavement markings, so you will need to have your contractor repaint them after applying your parking lot sealcoating. Repainting can begin as soon as the final coat of sealant has dried sufficiently, so your contractor may be able to perform both tasks on the same or consecutive days.

Whether your property is part of a national chain, a locally owned store, or a different type of commercial enterprise, we can assist you. Black Hawk Paving offers an extensive range of paving services, including asphalt milling and grinding, seal coating, asphalt repair, parking lot striping, hot crack sealing, concrete curbing, site grading, car stops, excavations, asphalt paving, asphalt resurfacing, sewer repair, traffic signage, and asphalt fabric. We are a highly respected company with an exemplary reputation for service, craftsmanship, and dependability. We offer free quotes, so contact us to request yours today. You can submit our online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400, 847-240-2560, or 773-378-2390.

How Is Sealcoating Different From Asphalt Paving?

Unless you have worked in the asphalt industry, you probably find some of the terms used by paving companies to be somewhat confusing. For example, if you need a pothole repaired, you might not understand the differences between a throw-and-go and a throw-and-roll repair, or you might wonder what the difference is between a full-depth and a partial-depth patch. Similarly, not every property owner is aware of the differences between sealcoating and asphalt paving.

What Is the Main Difference Between Paving and Sealcoating?

Perhaps the simplest way to explain the primary difference between asphalt paving and seal coating is to imagine that you are installing a genuine hardwood floor in your home. The strips or planks are installed, and you could conceivably end the process at that point, but you would be leaving your floor vulnerable to damage. Therefore, you apply varnish or other sealant to protect the wood. The asphalt paving Chicago contractors install is roughly equivalent to your wood floor, and the seal coat your asphalt maintenance contractor applies is roughly equivalent to the varnish on your floor.

What Are Some Other Differences Between Asphalt Paving and Seal Coating?

One important difference is the cost associated with each of the two procedures. Paving contractors will charge substantially more to build, reconstruct, or overlay a pavement than sealcoating will cost. Because material costs can change frequently, it is impossible to provide a precise comparison. However, as an example, parking lot paving typically costs at least seven times as much as parking lot sealcoating, and the difference can be as much as 12 to 15 times as much. Another important difference is how businesses and organizations account for the costs. Although there is no universal standard, a seal coat application is usually considered a maintenance expense. A new pavement is typically considered a capital asset. Depending on the circumstances and the organization’s policies, an overlay could be expensed as a repair or capitalized as a fixed asset. Yet another critical difference is the expected life of the two procedures. With proper care, an asphalt company will normally expect an average parking lot in Chicagoland to last 12 to 15 years before it needs an overlay or a reconstruction. Parking lot sealcoating seldom lasts more than two years before a fresh application is required.

How Quickly Does a New Asphalt Pavement or Overlay Need an Application of Sealcoat?

Asphalt paving contractors usually do not recommend sealing a new pavement until it has cured sufficiently to exhaust any excess oils. Depending on the time of year and other factors, this could take as little as two or three months, or it could take eight or nine months. The longest you should wait to seal new asphalt is 12 months. You will need to ask your asphalt paving company for a more precise timeline. While you are waiting, remember that your pavement is vulnerable, so give it a little extra attention. Remove spilled fuel, oil, and other vehicle fluids promptly. Avoid placing heavy loads on the pavement and leaving them stationary for more than a day or two. Remove dead vegetation, trash, dirt, and other debris promptly.

For Superb Paving Services, Contact Black Hawk Paving

From local retailers with a single store to national banking chains, our clients know that they can count on us to help them optimize their pavement investments. Black Hawk Paving offers a full range of paving services, including asphalt paving, parking lot sealcoating, asphalt milling and overlaying, concrete flatwork, excavations, parking lot striping, car stops, and site grading. We are a family business that was founded in 1975, and we remain committed to building strong relationships through exemplary craftsmanship and remarkable service. We would be happy to provide you with a free quote. You can fill out the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call either 708-479-0400 or 847-240-2560.

What Are the ADA Compliance Guidelines?

Regardless of the type of commercial property you own or manage, you must handle a myriad of tasks every day. One of the most challenging tasks is often ensuring that your parking lot meets all guidelines, codes, and laws for accessibility and safety. Without a doubt, one critical set of guidelines you must meet relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal law related to achieving and maintaining ADA compliance.

What Is ADA Compliance?

The ADA addresses many different features that may or may not apply to your property, but one extensive section on parking lots applies to virtually every company or organization that serves the public. Very few properties are exempt from the statutes covering ADA compliance for parking lots. ADA guidelines specify how many accessible spaces you need, where they must be located, how they must be identified, and how large each space must be. The guidelines also cover the slope of the spaces, accessible routes, and ramps, and they address the issue of obstacles in spaces and routes. There are numerous other requirements contained in the ADA guidelines, so the best way to avoid parking lot violations is to ensure that your asphalt paving company or maintenance contractor has extensive experience and full knowledge of all applicable regulations. It is important to remember that state and local regulations can sometimes exceed the ADA requirements. For example, to be ADA compliant in Illinois, you must also meet the requirements contained in the Illinois Environmental Barriers Act.

Who Must Comply With the ADA?

The ADA requires all government agencies, private companies, and charitable or nonprofit organizations that serve the public or employ at least 15 employees to comply. Illinois defines the public as either employees or users of the building. Houses of worship, private clubs, and religious organizations and the facilities they control are typically exempted from the ADA guidelines.

Why Is ADA Compliance Important?

All provisions are important, but ADA compliance for parking lots is especially critical.

1. Your parking lot is typically the first thing that people driving by or entering your property see. If your lot is not compliant, you could be perceived as not caring about your customers or tenants with mobility issues.
2. Parking lot violations in the Chicago area can result in substantial fines or penalties, or you could find yourself sitting at the defendant’s table in a lawsuit. Fines can be as much as $150,000, and business owners could also be investigated by the Illinois Attorney General’s Disability Rights Bureau.
3. You could be losing sales if potential customers with disabilities cannot safely park in your lot or access your building.

If you need help to achieve or maintain ADA compliance, contact Black Hawk Paving and Construction. We offer a full range of services, including parking lot striping, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt repair, car stops, asphalt crack sealing, site grading, and asphalt sealcoating. We serve local clients as well as national chains. We are known for delivering exceptional quality and exemplary customer service at competitive rates. For a free quote, submit the online request form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Sealcoating: The Common Failures and Causes

If you want your asphalt pavement to have its longest, healthiest life, you should make sealcoating an essential part of your maintenance program. A sealcoat can help prevent damage from automotive fluids that can soften your pavement, and it is extremely effective at blocking the UV rays that can make asphalt pavements brittle, dry, and faded. Naturally, you want your sealant to last as long as it should, but failures can happen. Common failures include insufficient bonding, cracking, flaking, and peeling, but these failures have many potential causes. Common causes include inadequate pavement preparation, application errors, timing mistakes, and weather issues.

In the Sealcoating Industry, What Does Inadequate Pavement Preparation Mean?

Every pavement needs to be properly prepared to accept the sealant, and any of the common types of failures could be the result of overlooking preparation. Pavement preparation includes all of the items on the list below.

• Whether they are sealcoating parking lots, streets, or walkways, contractors must clean the pavement thoroughly. Any contaminant on the pavement, including tree sap, dirt, and gravel, can interfere with the bond between the sealant and the pavement.
• Asphalt sealcoating contractors often need to prime certain problem areas to ensure proper bonding. Problem areas may include oil stains, areas experiencing aggregate polishing, and patches with extreme oxidation.
• Cracks and other pavement breaks must be repaired prior to sealing. Sealants are not repair products. If there are breaks, the sealant will flow into the void and be wasted.

How Might Application Errors Cause Sealcoating to Crack?

One common mistake that some asphalt maintenance contractors make is to apply a coat of sealant that is too thick to cure properly. To maximize protection, sealants should be applied as two thin coats, and trying to apply the same amount in one coat is a recipe for failure. Another common application error occurs when asphalt sealcoating contractors prepare the sealant mix incorrectly. Parking lot maintenance companies receive powdered sealant from the manufacturer, and they must add the correct amount of silica sand and water to create a liquid for application.

When Sealcoating Parking Lots or Other Asphalt Pavements, How Might Timing Issues Lead to Failure?

The first timing issue happens when people sealcoat a new pavement before it has time to lose the excess oil that the asphalt contains. Your asphalt contractor should tell you how long to wait, and this could range from 90 days to 11 months. The second timing issue is to have a sealant applied too often. Chicago sealcoating has an average life of approximately two years on most pavements. However, some pavements can go three or four years between sealant applications.

How Do Weather Issues Affect the Quality of a Parking Lot Application?

• Sealants are highly reliant on the weather for evaporating the water they contain, and proper evaporation is crucial for proper curing.
• Sealants should never be applied to a wet pavement, and no precipitation can occur for at least the first 24 hours of the sealant’s life.
• If the wind speed is high, the top layer of the sealant could dry long before the lower levels, especially if the pavement is hot and humidity is low. The trapped sealant can continue to flow, cracking the top layer.
• Sealants cannot be subjected to freezing temperatures until they are completely cured. Asphalt sealcoating contractors must make sure that the forecast does not predict temperatures below or near freezing around the time of the application.

If you have additional questions about asphalt sealing, let the experts at Black Hawk Paving provide you with the answers. We have been serving the greater Chicago area with exceptional work since 1975. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, parking lot striping, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt milling, hot crack sealing, asphalt repairs, site grading, car stops, sewer repair, parking lot signs, asphalt fabric, asphalt overlays, excavations, and concrete repairs. We serve a wide range of clients, including national chains, hospitals, car dealerships, and shopping centers. We are known for our honesty, craftsmanship, and customer service, but our rates are extremely competitive. We offer free quotes, so contact us today to submit your request. You can fill out the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call either 708-479-0400 or 773-378-2390.

What Is the Process for Asphalt Paving Construction?

To the uninitiated, it may seem that asphalt paving projects only require dumping a load of asphalt and then compacting it. In reality, the construction of an asphalt pavement requires considerably more work. Before the first car drives onto the pavement, your contractor must plan, prepare, and install all the necessary components for your project.

How Do Contractors Plan a Paving Project?

Asphalt companies and paving projects vary, so there is no single approach to planning that works for every contractor or every project. However, a typical asphalt paving company will handle the following tasks during the planning stages.

• Design the pavement by considering the loads it will support, the terrain surrounding the site, and the soil that will lie beneath the new construction.
• Calculate the amount of hot mix asphalt and other materials that will be needed for the project.
• Determine the types and numbers of machines, workers, tools, and supplies that will be needed.
• Evaluate what will need to be done to ensure a safe working environment, including traffic control measures.
• Prepare a schedule to ensure that the equipment and specialists will be available throughout the job.
• Schedule the delivery of truckloads of HMA from the asphalt company.
• Secure any necessary permits if they are the responsibility of the paving company.

How Do Contractors Prepare for an Asphalt Paving Project?

Whether you hire a road or parking lot paving contractor, there are tasks that must be completed before the actual construction can begin.

• On some jobs, a paving contractor will need to construct an access road to get the necessary heavy equipment from the nearest public thoroughfare to the exact location.
• The site will need to be cleared. Depending on the condition of the site, clearing could involve the demolition of an existing pavement, the removal of trees and other vegetation, the razing of existing structures, or the removal of fences or walls.
• The paving contractor will grade the site to establish the correct slope so that the pavement will drain efficiently. Typically, heavy equipment will be used to handle the bulk of the grading, but smoothing and leveling may be performed manually on some projects.

What Does an Asphalt Paving Company Consider the Installation Process?

Companies that provide asphalt paving services typically count the subgrade, base, and pavement itself as comprising the installation process.

• The subgrade is the ground on which the pavement will rest, so it must be well-compacted before the installation can continue. If the soil is unstable or otherwise insufficient, the contractor may remove some of it so that it can be replaced with more suitable soil.
• Although some asphalt pavements can be constructed directly on top of the subgrade, it is more common for asphalt companies to install a base. Depending on the project, the base will consist of crushed stone, gravel, or a similar aggregate.
• After completing the base, or compacting the subgrade if no base was required, the contractor can begin the actual installation work. The first layer will be installed on top of the base or subgrade, then the asphalt will be compacted. Layer by layer, asphalt will be installed and compacted to build the pavement. The final course of asphalt will be the surface layer or driving course.
• The contractor may perform other steps, including a final roll, before inspecting the pavement with the client.

If you need a dependable Chicago paving contractor with the experience, tools, and staffing to provide you with concrete or asphalt paving services, you can count on Black Hawk Paving and Construction. We offer a full range of services, including asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt milling, concrete repairs, site grading, parking lot striping, asphalt repair, car stops, excavations, hot crack sealing, sewer repair, traffic signage, and asphalt fabric. We serve national chains as well as local clients. Our reputation is immaculate, and our references are impeccable. For a free quote, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, call 708-479-0400, or submit the online form.