Paying a contractor to build a new parking lot is not an expense that you can take out of petty cash. Although an asphalt parking lot is not as expensive as a comparable concrete one, it is still a significant investment. If you want to maximize the return on this investment, you should consider the benefits of a parking lot maintenance program.

What Is a Parking Lot Maintenance Program?

A parking lot pavement maintenance program is a comprehensive set of procedures that can help you achieve several goals. It can minimize your repair bills, maximize your pavement’s life, enhance your parking lot’s safety, and boost your curb appeal. The best pavement maintenance plan is one that a reputable asphalt professional customizes just for you.

What Should a Contractor Include in My Parking Lot Maintenance Program?

Because parking lots are far from identical, your asphalt maintenance program should reflect the unique needs of your parking lot. Therefore, you might not need every procedure on the following list.

1. Parking Lot Sealcoat: Sealcoating offers several cosmetic benefits, but its major benefit is its ability to protect asphalt pavements from premature deterioration. By helping prevent vehicle fluids and UV rays from inflicting damage, sealcoating can dramatically reduce your need for pavement repairs.
2. Crack Repairs: Any reputable Chicago asphalt company can tell you that open cracks pose a serious threat to your pavement. Water that enters through the cracks can erode the pavement’s foundation and destabilize it. In the winter, the trapped water can freeze and expand in all directions, causing even more damage.
3. Pavement Marking and Striping: Visible, clean stripes and markings make your parking lot safer and more attractive. Some markings and stripes are required by law.
4. Parking Lot Sweeping: A professional sweeping service can remove dirt, grass clippings, trash, leaves, and other debris. Piles of debris can trap moisture against your pavement, increasing the chance of water penetration and potentially staining your pavement.
5. Miscellaneous: You should replace faded or damaged signs, and you may need to replace their poles. Misaligned or broken wheel stops pose tripping hazards, so replace those as well. Grates and gutters must remain clear so that runoff does not back up around their edges.

How Often Do I Need the Above Asphalt Maintenance Procedures?

The timing will depend on various factors, including the age of your parking lot, the number of vehicles it supports, and the weight of those vehicles. However, here are some estimates that may help you.

1. Parking Lot Sealcoat: Asphalt companies recommend sealing a new parking lot within its first year. Thereafter, have your contractor sealcoat your parking lot every 18 to 30 months.
2. Crack Repairs: When cracks develop, you should try to have your asphalt company repair them as soon as possible. It is a good idea to ask a trustworthy pavement maintenance contractor to identify and repair cracks every six months.
3. Pavement Marking and Striping: Most parking lots will need fresh paint about as often as they need seal coating. However, if you notice that paint is peeling or flaking, ask your contractor to repaint sooner.
4. Parking Lot Sweeping: It is really impossible to provide a meaningful estimate on this service. An employee parking lot may only need weekly or even monthly sweepings. On the other hand, an extremely busy mall may need two or three sweepings every day.
5. Miscellaneous: Most businesses can get by with annual replacements of parking lot signs. Because of the potential hazards they present, it is a good idea to identify and replace problematic wheel stops every three months. Your parking lot’s proximity to trees and shrubs will play a crucial role in how often you need to clean your gutters and drains. Typically, fall is the season in which most clogs occur.

Black Hawk Paving is a full-service asphalt company serving the greater Chicagoland area. Our services include sealcoating, asphalt paving, excavations, asphalt repair, site grading, car stops, asphalt milling, concrete curbing, hot crack sealing, concrete flatwork, asphalt fabric, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, pavement markings, and sewer repairs. We have a stellar reputation for workmanship and customer service. Our clients include local industrial and commercial operations as well as national chains. For a free quote, fill out our online form, or send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com. If you prefer to call us, please choose the phone number for the area in which you need our services. For Chicago, call 773-378-2390. For the southern suburbs, call 708-479-0400. For the northwest suburbs, call 847-240-2560.

Asphalt is an excellent choice for Chicagoland pavements. It is economical, able to withstand cold weather, and visually appealing. With the right care, an asphalt pavement can last for 20 years or more. However, the longevity of an asphalt pavement is also highly dependent on the quality of its installation. One of the most critical factors affecting the longevity of asphalt paving is proper compaction.

Why Is Compaction Critical to the Longevity of Asphalt Paving?

The short answer is that compaction increases density by removing air and empty spaces. A slightly longer answer is that compaction forces particles to knit together to enhance strength and stability. Compaction also enhances the pavement’s ability to resist water infiltration. Without proper compaction, the pavement can be more susceptible to potholes, subsidence, rutting, and cracking. The pavement will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, so it will require repairs sooner. Some of these repairs can be quite costly, and they can be extremely frequent. It is also possible that you will need to have your asphalt paving company remove and replace your pavement within a short time. Furthermore, improper compaction can leave the surface uneven and unattractive.

What Do Contractors Compact on Asphalt Paving in Chicago?

Compaction will depend on the precise design of your paving project. For example, when constructing a new pavement, your paving contractor will compact the subgrade and the asphalt courses. If the design calls for an aggregate base, your contractor will compact that as well. However, when installing an asphalt pavement overlay, a paving contractor in Chicago will virtually always compact only the asphalt courses.

What Might Prevent the Proper Compaction of Paving?

Although compaction issues could be the result of carelessness or incompetence, that is seldom the case. Typically, the rolling operation, the temperature, and the lift thickness are critical factors for proper compaction. Sometimes, the problem is related to a single factor, but it is more likely to involve more than one of the following factors.

1. Asphalt Temperature: A paving contractor must ensure that truckloads of asphalt do not cool too much before workers unload them. Hot mix asphalt typically has a temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit when it arrives at the site. Once workers place the asphalt, they need to work it and compact it before its temperature drops below 185 degrees. Depending on the ground temperature, workers may have less than 20 minutes to go from placement to compaction.
2. Ground Temperature: If the ground is cold, it will steal heat from the asphalt mix. When installing asphalt paving in Chicago, contractors cannot assume that the ground temperature will equal the ambient temperature. Usually, they are close, but they can be significantly different early in the morning following an exceptionally cold night. The ground temperature must be a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper compaction.
3. Lift Thickness: A lift is a layer or course of hot mix asphalt. When lifts are thinner, the asphalt will lose its heat faster. If contractors are installing an asphalt pavement overlay, they may want the ground temperature to be closer to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Rolling Design and Execution: Contractors must choose the best rolling machine for each specific job. The contractor must plan the rolling pattern to avoid unnecessary movement of the rollers or excessive passes. The roller operator must have the skills and experience to execute the rolling pattern.

When you need asphalt paving in Chicago, contact Black Hawk Paving for exceptional workmanship. We also offer asphalt repairs, asphalt milling, asphalt pavement overlays, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping, and hot crack sealing. In addition, we offer concrete flatwork, car stops, site grading, pavement markings, excavations, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We serve national chains as well as local commercial and industrial clients. Our employees are highly skilled professionals, our reputation is stellar, and our references are impeccable. You can easily request a free quote by emailing Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, calling either 708-479-0400 or 847-240-2560, or submitting the online form.

Sometimes, it is fine to take shortcuts that improve efficiency without negatively affecting an outcome. For example, taking a shortcut that shaves miles off your commute without lengthening the time can be helpful. However, a shortcut that has a detrimental effect on an outcome should be avoided. Unfortunately, some sealcoating contractors take inappropriate shortcuts that lead to inferior work and unhappy clients. These shortcuts can involve scheduling, but others involve mix preparation, pavement preparation, and sealant application.

What Are Some Unacceptable Scheduling Shortcuts an Asphalt Sealcoating Company Might Take?

Asphalt maintenance contractors need to make sure that the proper equipment is available at the scheduled start time. The sealcoating company must also ensure that it schedules the appropriate number of employees with the correct skills. A shortage of either equipment or workers can compromise the quality of the work. However, there is another common scheduling shortcut that can have even more serious consequences, and that involves the weather. Sealcoating is extremely reliant on the proper weather conditions to cure correctly. Sometimes, especially when sealcoating parking lots, contractors will not wait for suitable conditions to start or complete the work.

What Shortcuts Should a Paving Company Avoid When Preparing a Sealcoating Mix?

The asphalt contractor who receives the concentrated sealant is responsible for preparing a liquid mix for application. Each sealcoat manufacturer provides a specific recipe for preparing the mix. The recipe tells contractors how much sand, water, and sealant they should mix together. Contractors should measure each ingredient carefully, but some contractors mistakenly think that they can eyeball the amounts accurately. A bigger problem arises when asphalt paving companies create their own recipes for reconstituting the sealcoat. Typically, this shortcut is an attempt to reduce the contractor’s cost. For example, the contractor might eliminate sand from the recipe to increase the amount of water. This allows the contractor to cover a larger area with the same amount of sealant. However, the sealant will be too thin to provide adequate protection, and it will quickly wear away.

What Sealcoating Shortcuts Should a Contractor Avoid When Preparing the Pavement?

Asphalt maintenance contractors must make sure that the pavement and the sealant can establish a strong bond. Dirt, loose gravel, tree sap, grass clippings, and other contaminants on the pavement interfere with bonding. Therefore, a sealcoating company must thoroughly clean the pavement before starting the application. Another important step in preparing the pavement is to repair any significant cracks or other breaks. The liquid sealcoat will simply drain into the openings without closing them.

What Application Errors Might an Asphalt Sealcoating Company Make?

The most common error is to apply a thick coat of sealant instead of the appropriate number of thin coats. Just like paint, thick coats of sealant cannot dry and cure as they should. About the best you can hope for is a pavement with an unattractive surface. Another error is using the wrong method to apply the sealant. There are two basic methods for applying sealcoating, and many contractors commonly use both methods on virtually every job.

1. Sprayers can cover large areas quickly, but workers may find it difficult to get a sprayer into tight areas.
2. Squeegees allow workers to apply the sealant with greater precision around structures or in tight spots. However, it takes longer to apply a sealant with a squeegee than with a sprayer.

If you are looking for an experienced sealcoating company, call Black Hawk Paving. Our other services include asphalt paving, hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt patching, site work, and concrete paving and repair. We have a sterling reputation for customer service, honesty, craftsmanship, and professionalism. Contact us today to request a free quote. You can call 708-479-0400, complete the online form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Asphalt paving is a popular choice for parking lots, streets, and other Chicagoland pavements. In addition to being economical and attractive, asphalt pavements that receive proper maintenance can have surprisingly long lives. However, even routine maintenance cannot make an asphalt pavement last forever. Eventually, your pavement will begin to show its age, and you may think that this reflects poorly on you. Although you do not look forward to the expense and inconvenience of a complete pavement reconstruction, you see no other alternative. Before you make any paving commitments, ask a reputable contractor whether your pavement is suitable for an asphalt overlay.

What Is an Asphalt Overlay?

Basically, asphalt overlays are courses of new asphalt that contractors apply on top of existing pavements. Some Chicago asphalt paving contractors refer to the procedure as asphalt resurfacing.

How Do Contractors Install Asphalt Overlays?

Typically, a paving contractor in Chicago begins by milling the existing pavement to grind away two or three inches. This will typically remove any damage to the surface of the pavement. If the milling exposes deeper damage, the contractor will repair the damage before overlaying the pavement. When overlaying pavements, some contractors apply a tack coat to the existing pavement. Next, they place and compact a sufficient number of asphalt courses to return the pavement to its original depth.

What Is the Life Expectancy of an Asphalt Overlay?

Experienced contractors know that there are many factors that can impact the longevity of an overlay on asphalt pavements. Factors include the number of freeze-thaw cycles annually, the quality of the underlying soil, and the traffic the pavement supports. Longevity also depends on the quality of the routine maintenance that the property owner or manager provides. Overlays need the same care as new pavements. You should have your contractor sealcoat your new overlay within a few months. If cracks or other breaks develop, you want to repair them as soon as possible. After taking into account all the various factors, Chicago asphalt paving contractors estimate that an overlay can last up to 15 years. However, a life of eight years is also possible. Due to the range of possibilities, most contractors estimate that an average overlay will last between 10 and 12 years.

What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Overlaying?

There are several good reasons to overlay asphalt pavements rather than reconstruct them. Here are four of the most important benefits.

1. It is significantly less expensive to overlay an asphalt pavement than to remove and rebuild it.
2. Asphalt overlaying is also faster, so there will be less inconvenience and disruption to traffic.
3. Milling before they overlay asphalt pavements allows contractors to retain manhole covers and other features at their correct elevations.
4. In terms of appearance and ride quality, there is virtually no difference between an overlay and a new pavement.

Black Hawk Paving is an asphalt paving company serving commercial clients throughout the Chicagoland area with an extensive selection of services. These services include asphalt overlaying and paving, concrete installation, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, traffic signs, excavations, car stops, sewer repairs, and site grading. We have the experience, tools, and staffing to complete jobs of all sizes on time, in a professional manner, and within budget. For a free quote, complete the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.

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.