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Most asphalt parking lot paving companies would be happy to build or resurface large pavements in every season. Unfortunately, in the Chicago area, the winters are typically far too harsh for jobs requiring hot mix asphalt. However, that does not mean that there are not some things that you and your contractor can do to protect your existing pavement.

What Is the Problem With Asphalt Parking Lot Paving During the Winter in Chicago?

Most people know that paving contractors cannot install asphalt while there is snow on the ground. In a typical year, Chicago receives more than 38 inches of snow. That factor alone is a major obstacle to wintertime asphalt paving in Chicago. However, snow or not, other weather-related issues can prevent an asphalt contractor from installing or overlaying a pavement. These other issues relate to the need to compact asphalt paving properly while the temperature of the mix is sufficiently hot.

1. Most asphalt paving companies will not pave when the surface or air temperature is less than 50 degrees. The hot mix will cool too rapidly to allow enough time for sufficient compaction.
2. Temperatures may need to be above 50 degrees in certain cases. For example, a windy or cloudy day may force contractors to set a higher threshold for temperatures. Furthermore, asphalt overlays and some other projects require multiple thin courses of asphalt. Thin courses lose their heat more rapidly than thick ones.
3. No reputable paving contractor will install asphalt if the ground is frozen. Even if the contractor receives the asphalt mix at a high temperature, it will stiffen almost instantaneously. It is impossible to compact stiff, lumpy asphalt sufficiently to provide a long-lasting, smooth-surfaced, attractive pavement.

What Are Some Ways to Protect Asphalt Parking Lot Paving Over the Winter?

If possible, have a trustworthy asphalt paving company inspect your pavement before the onset of harsh weather. Your paving contractor can recommend which of the following services your pavement will need.

1. Repair any significant cracks. The goal is to prevent water from melting ice and snow or rain from getting below the surface and causing more damage. If necessary, your paving contractor in Chicago can use a cold-weather product to make a temporary repair.
2. Perform any asphalt repairs needed. If your pavement has potholes, edge cracking, alligator cracking, or similar damage, have your contractor make repairs.
3. Protect your pavement and enhance its wintertime safety through the responsible use of melts and deicers. There are products you can apply before a storm to prevent ice and snow from sticking to your pavement. There are also products you can apply to melt accumulations after a storm. Ask your contractor to recommend asphalt-friendly products.
4. If you need to plow your parking lot, be sure to select an experienced professional. Amateurs often set the blade height incorrectly, and this can tear chunks out of your pavement.
5. Ask your contractor to verify that all components of your drainage system are functioning properly. Clogged storm sewers or gutters can force water to accumulate and freeze around them.

If you have additional questions about your paving needs, call Black Hawk Paving!  We are a leading provider of asphalt, concrete, and construction services to national and local commercial clients. Our services include asphalt repair, excavation, asphalt milling, concrete flatwork, asphalt paving, sealcoating, car stops, asphalt overlays, concrete curbing, site grading, asphalt crack sealing, pavement markings, traffic signage, and parking lot striping. Since opening our company in 1975, we have been known for the exceptionally high quality of both our customer service and our workmanship. For a free job quote, fill out our online form, send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or give us a call at 708-479-0400.

What goes into a workable asphalt paving budget? Property owners routinely consider curb appeal, safety, and the ability to maintain the parcel’s overall value. You won’t need a real estate professional to tell you that potholes, crumbling edges, and unattractive surface discoloration detract from the property’s value. Working with an asphalt contractor in the know makes the most sense.

An Asphalt Paving Budget Now Saves Money Later

Any asphalt company worth its salt will warn you that potholes and cracks only get larger. As a result, the entirety of the pavement will have a shorter useful life and plague you with ongoing repairs for spot fixes. Similarly, the safety of your property is in jeopardy. However, setting up a 2023 asphalt paving budget lets you get in front of the problem.

Line Items for Asphalt Paving Chicago Property Owners

What is the end goal? In other words, are you looking to add years of useful life to the asphalt surface, or are you considering cosmetic repairs that will maintain the surface’s good looks and safety for a year or so? Considering that the average asphalt surface lasts around two decades, it makes more sense to budget for a replacement if you are in year 18. Conversely, if you only had the surface for about five years, you have different needs.

Examples include:
Asphalt overlays. Asphalt contractor technicians put a new layer of pavement on the existing surface. Because it is only about an inch or two thick, it is ideal for covering minor scratches, cracks, and crumbles. When done at the right time, it can lengthen the pavement’s useful life by about 15 years.

Asphalt sealing. Sometimes called sealcoating, it is the kind of protection you would have your asphalt company apply in the first year after the pavement’s installation and every couple of years thereafter. The coating prevents damage from acids and bases that are common where vehicles drive and park.

Asphalt repair. There is more to a crack than meets the eye. Did you know that this hole in the pavement allows water to enter, which gradually upsets the foundation supporting the asphalt? Catching cracks early prevents them from becoming crumbling ridges or potholes.

Asphalt Paving Budget Specialists Offer Invaluable Input on the Overall Integrity of the Surface

As a property manager, you easily recognize safety hazards and unsightly cracks. However, it is unlikely that you examine these same conditions with the eyes of an asphalt contractor. Experts in the field understand what these same cracks and hazards mean for the useful life of the pavement surface and its supporting foundation.

Also, because you want the asphalt paving Chicago winters will not destroy in a couple of years, it is time to work on the 2023 budget now. Work with the best asphalt company in the area, which means calling Black Hawk Paving at 773-906-4304. We gladly send out an expert to do a site survey and determine if you need asphalt paving or an asphalt overlay, sealing, complete repaving, minor asphalt repair, or a complete redesign and overhaul of the surface.  Get a free quote today by sending an email to info@blackhawkpaving.com, or filling out our online form!

In the greater Chicago area, asphalt paving makes a great deal of sense. It has excellent resiliency, is fast to install, offers exceptional aesthetics, and is surprisingly economical. An asphalt pavement can provide useful service for several decades if you maintain it properly. An extremely important part of your pavement maintenance should be the prompt repair of any significant cracks that develop. However, it is equally important to make every attempt to prevent cracks in the first place.

What Are Some Ways to Prevent Cracks in Asphalt Pavements?

It is impossible for you to prevent every type of crack from developing. For example, some cracks can be the result of a construction error made by the parking lot paving contractor. Other cracks may develop due to the movement of the ground underneath the pavement. However, the following tips can help prevent many cracks and reduce the number and severity of any that might develop.

1. If your pavement is new, have your parking lot maintenance contractor sealcoat it at the appropriate time. New asphalt pavements need time to exhaust their excess oil, so it is normally at least three months before you can sealcoat it. However, do not wait longer than 10 or 12 months for your initial sealcoating. You will then need a fresh application about every two years. Sealcoating help prevent damage from automotive fluids, UV rays, and chemicals that can lead to cracks and potholes.
2. Keep your pavement as clean as possible. Sweep up trash and leaves to prevent accumulations that can trap water on top of your pavement. Remove debris from grates and gutters to prevent clogging. Clean up automotive fluids at least every six months to prevent the pavement beneath them from deteriorating.
3. In the winter, you want to do all you can to prevent buildups of ice and snow. Ask your asphalt contractor to recommend safe products to use to prevent accumulations or melt them.
4. Call for professional paving repairs as soon as you need them. An economical crackfilling procedure can often prevent the need for a pothole repair. Similarly, a parking lot repair to mend a pothole could prevent alligator cracking and the need for a foundation repair.
5. Use your pavement properly. Your asphalt contractor considered many factors when designing your pavement. These included the average number of vehicles that would use your pavement on a typical day as well as their weights. Increasing either the number or weight of the vehicles can cause or contribute to cracking.

If you have more questions about preventing asphalt cracks, contact Black Hawk Paving. Since we launched our business in 1975, we have helped countless commercial clients build, maintain, and repair their pavements. We offer an extensive menu of services, including asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing, asphalt sealcoating, concrete flatwork, excavations, car stops, asphalt paving, site grading, parking lot striping, concrete repairs, and asphalt milling. We have an exemplary reputation for delivering extraordinary work and outstanding service on every job. We offer free job quotes, so request yours today. You can complete our online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

No matter what type of facility or business you manage, you keep a close eye on your spending. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the first things you want to know is the cost of paving in Chicago, IL. What might surprise you is that two parking lots with the identical square footage could potentially have very different prices. There are other variables that your contractor must consider before submitting a quote on your job.

What Are the Variables Contractors Must Consider When Quoting on Paving in Chicago, IL?

Normally, a contractor preparing a quote for asphalt paving in Chicago will ask potential clients the following questions.

1. What is the exact location of the job?
2. What is the purpose of the pavement?
3. Are there existing structures or pavements on the site?

There are also questions that asphalt companies and contractors must answer themselves.

1. How complex is the pavement design?
2. What is the soil like at the construction site?
3. Does the surrounding terrain present any challenges?
4. Is the site accessible?
5. What type of asphalt will offer the best results for this particular pavement?

Why Does a Paving Contractor Ask the Customer Questions When Paving in Chicago, IL?

Of the many possible variables, customers can typically answer three questions. These answers can help your asphalt contractor begin to prepare an estimate for paving in Chicago IL.

1. Exact Location: A paving company typically stores its heavy equipment and supplies at or near its office. To install asphalt paving, contractors must move everything necessary for the job, including personnel, to the site. Your paving contractor will look up the exact mileage and travel time between the yard and your site. These mobilization costs are one variable that contractors consider. The exact location can also affect the price that the asphalt plant will charge for its product. The asphalt supplier must pay the salaries of the truck drivers as well as the fuel expenses.
2. Purpose: Asphalt paving in Chicago may serve any of several functions. It may provide parking for heavyweight trucks or equipment, or it may not provide parking for anything heavier than an SUV. A street may be a truck route, or it may be a residential street in a gated community. Cars may remain in a parking lot for several hours, or they may come and go within a few minutes. The pavement may support a few dozen vehicles, or it may support thousands. Paving companies consider all of these factors when deciding on the appropriate thickness of the asphalt.
3. Existing Structures: If structures or pavements currently exist on the site, the contractor will probably need to demolish them. Crew members will need to load the debris into dump trucks for removal.

Why Do Contractors Seek Answers for the Questions That Customers Cannot Provide?

There are variables that can impact the total cost of asphalt paving that only an experienced contractor can calculate.

1. Complexity: It is faster and easier to install pavements on flat land than to install them on hilly terrain. The same is true for pavements that feature predominantly straight lines.
2. Soil: The soil is the bottommost tier of an asphalt pavement. It needs to be compactible and stable. If it is not, your paving contractor will likely need to either amend it or design a special base.
3. Terrain: The terrain can present challenges above and below the ground. For example, if there is a nearby hill with unstable soil, your contractor might need to build a retaining wall. It might also be necessary to address an underground spring, a sinkhole, or a creek that could encroach on your pavement.
4. Accessibility: Contractors need a way to get their equipment and asphalt deliveries from the nearest public road to the site. If an access road is too narrow or weak to allow passage, your contractor may need to build one.
5. Asphalt Type: Asphalt suppliers offer a variety of mixes that have different qualities and prices. Some mixes can provide a smoother, quieter ride, while others offer superior longevity or better aesthetics.

No matter what type of asphalt pavement you need, the professionals at Black Hawk Paving have the expertise to provide you with exemplary results. We have been providing asphalt paving services since 1975. Our other services include asphalt overlays, concrete flatwork, site grading, hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, car stops, asphalt repairs, excavations, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, traffic signage, pavement markings, and sealcoating. We have a remarkable reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and service. If you would like to request a free job quote, you can fill in the online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Inevitably, every asphalt pavement will develop at least a few cracks. Naturally, you want to do everything you possible can to keep minimize the number and severity of any cracks that form. You should also be proactive about repairing cracks as soon as it is feasible to do so. However, you might not realize that asphalt crackfilling in Chicago is often not the best repair method.

What Is the Problem With Asphalt Crackfilling in Chicago?

Strictly speaking, asphalt crackfilling uses a material that is inflexible and rigid after it cures. When the pavement contracts in cold weather, the crackfilling cannot do the same. The filler may crack, or it may come unglued from the pavement. If the filler loses its bond, it may leave an opening for water to enter. In some cases, the contracting pavement may force the material out, or the tires of vehicles may knock it out of the crack.

What Is a Better Alternative to Asphalt Crackfilling in Chicago?

Given the area’s typically severe weather, asphalt crack sealing is a safer, longer-lasting crack repair method. Hot crack sealing uses a rubbery, flexible material that can move with the pavement. There is little chance that a professionally applied hot rubber crack repair will break its bond with the pavement.

Is Asphalt Crack Sealing More Expensive Than Filling?

Initially, it costs a bit more to seal a crack than to fill it. However, the asphalt industry considers hot crack sealing to be a permanent repair in most instances. Crack filling is not a permanent repair, so you may have to repeat the procedure several times over the course of your pavement’s life. Therefore, if you look at the lifetime cost, crack sealing is often more economical in the long run.

Is It Possible to Prevent Asphalt From Cracking?

No matter what you do, asphalt can crack from age and normal wear and tear. However, there are ways to keep the number and size of cracks at a minimum. Periodic applications of sealcoating can be highly effective at preventing cracks. So can keeping your pavement clean, enforcing limits on vehicle weights, and having a professional remove accumulations of ice and snow.

Can a Chicago Contractor Make an Asphalt Crack Repair in the Winter?

As you know, the winters in Chicago can vary a great deal from one year to the next. Therefore, it is possible that a contractor might find an occasional day or two on which to make a crack repair. It may also be possible to make a temporary repair with a cold-pour filler. However, permanent repairs are usually impossible for the following reasons.

1. Snow and ice on the pavement will make it virtually impossible to make any sort of an effective repair.
2. Most asphalt crack repair materials require temperatures within a narrow range. Traditional materials for asphalt crackfilling and sealing require a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In cold weather, the cracks will be at their narrowest. Although this may sound like a good thing, it is not. It will make it difficult or impossible to prepare the void properly and insert a sufficient amount of filler. If you seal it, then you may have a problem when the crack expands in the summer.

Since 1975, Black Hawk Paving has been providing exceptional paving services throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our services include hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, site grading, asphalt paving, sealcoating, concrete flatwork, asphalt repairs, concrete curbing, excavations, car stops, sewer repair, pavement markings, concrete flatwork, traffic signs, and asphalt fabric. We have an exemplary reputation for service, craftsmanship, and professionalism. For a free quote, call 708-479-0400, submit our online form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Asphalt pavements have a lot to recommend them. They are highly economical, quite attractive, and rapid to construct. Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun, so ice and snow can melt more easily during a brutal Chicago winter. Maintaining or repairing an asphalt pavement is typically fast and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements can have remarkably long lives. However, the treatment that asphalt paving project receives during its first few months of existence can have long-term consequences.

Why Are the First Few Months in the Life of Paving Critical?

As any knowledgeable paving company can tell you, asphalt pavements have the ability to flex under load. When traffic passes over them, they can give a bit, then they rebound extremely quickly. However, there is a downside to this flexibility until the asphalt cures completely. The uncured asphalt is much more tender than it will be after curing, so it is more vulnerable to damage. It does not matter whether your asphalt paving company installs an overlay or constructs a new pavement. If you want to maximize its longevity and minimize your repair expenses, there are certain things that can help.

How Long Does Curing Take for Asphalt Paving?

The curing time for asphalt paving in Chicago can vary a great deal. The weather at the time of installation, the type of asphalt mix, and the lift thicknesses can all impact curing. Usually, a parking lot paving company expects complete curing to occur in no more than a year. On the other hand, due to its thinness, an asphalt overlay may only need three months or so. Your asphalt contractor can take all factors into consideration to estimate a more precise time frame.

What Actions Do Paving Contractors Advise Clients to Take and Avoid for a New Asphalt Pavement?

Typically, a roadway or parking lot paving company will make the following recommendations.

1. Do not get in too big a hurry to open your pavement to vehicles. The minimum wait is usually 24 hours, but it could extend to as long as 72 hours.
2. Do apply sealcoating once the asphalt reaches a sufficient level of curing. Depending on various factors, this could be anywhere from three months to a year.
3. Do not leave parked cars, heavy equipment, or pallets of heavy materials stationary on your new pavement. Move them around every few days.
4. Do remove puddles of oil or other vehicle fluids as quickly as possible, especially if you have yet to apply sealcoating. Petrochemicals can deteriorate the binder in asphalt pavements. The soft, crumbly spot they leave behind can turn into a pothole very quickly.
5. Do not allow drivers to practice stunt maneuvers on your new pavement. This includes drag racing, burning rubber, and spinouts.
6. Do prevent or remove accumulations of snow and ice. The frozen material next to your pavement will likely melt slightly on a warm day, then refreeze overnight. If the snow or ice melts even a little, the water can fill the pores in your pavement. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in these pores will turn to ice and expand, damaging your pavement.

At Black Hawk Paving, we offer a full range of asphalt services as well as concrete services. Our clients range from small commercial businesses to national chains. Our services include asphalt paving and resurfacing, concrete flatwork construction, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing, site grading and excavation, asphalt sealcoating, concrete curbing, asphalt fabric installation, sewer repairs, pavement markings, and traffic signage. We have been serving Chicagoland since 1975. Our prices are competitive, our reputation is exemplary, and our references are impeccable. We offer free quotes, so contact us today to request yours. You can email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, fill out the online form, or call 708-479-0400.

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.