As drivers, as passengers, and simply as humans, we have an intricate relationship with roads. We drive on them, yes. But we also ride bikes on them, walk next to them, use them to navigate, and define our towns, cities, and even states by the roads that run through. It's true that we have a strange and complex relationship with the road, and what happens to the road will affect us, too. That's why, when we hear about chip sealing, we naturally have countless questions.

The Chip Sealing Process

The chip sealing process begins when asphalt is mixed with about 30% water. The mixture is then applied to the road using a specialized spray truck, and immediately afterward, a layer of crushed gravel is placed. Next, a rubber-tired roller will pass over the road, pressing the gravel into the asphalt mixture. The roller may make several passes to ensure that as much gravel as possible is pressed down. Finally, the surface will require about two days to cure properly. During this time, traffic is usually allowed to continue, although at reduced speeds.

Benefits of Chip Sealing

So, why do we chip seal the roads? It's simple. What happens to the road will directly affect us--so we must ensure that our roads are taken care of and well-maintained.

Here's a quick look at the benefits of chip sealing.

Costs. Road maintenance can be pricey. It can often seem like we must sacrifice large amounts of money to keep our roads safe--but chip seal solves this problem. Chip seal offers a cost-effective, safe layer of protection over the road that will minimize the need for costly maintenance in the future. Cure. Roads suffer from age just like living things. They crack and become uneven, and, gradually, they become unsafe. Chip sealing can offer a solution to these age-based problems, sealing the cracks and making the surface of the road smooth and safe. Safety. Chip sealing doesn't just keep the roads safe; it actually makes them safer. By providing an anti-glare, anti-skid surface for wet weather and a highly reflective surface for night driving, chip sealing makes the road a little friendlier for all of us.

In Idaho, your asphalt puts up with a lot. It knows the true heat of our boiling summers, and it has to suffer through the long, cold winters too. On top of that, it still has to offer a safe and reliable way for drivers and pedestrians alike to travel. With that in mind, give your asphalt a helping hand this winter!

First Things First: Make a Plan

Asphalt maintenance is a year-round job. Why? Well, the truth is that a problem that looks small in the spring can quickly become a huge, expensive, frustrating issue when aggravated by the snow and ice of a chilly Idaho winter. The moral of the story is that a little maintenance all year is much better than costly replacement every time the snow melts. That's why it's important to have an asphalt maintenance plan that covers all seasons and has special tactics for surviving the winter months. The first step is always to pay attention to your asphalt. If you notice something wrong--from cracks to depressions--then you've got your work cut out for you. Beyond that, it's important to do routine maintenance, seal or waterproof often, and ensure that nothing is causing problems (like tree roots growing underneath the asphalt).

Surviving Winter

Once you have an all-seasons maintenance plan for your asphalt, it's time to specialize and focus on what's needed for winter. Winter maintenance is different and higher-stakes--so take it from our Idaho asphalt experts: get ready before it's too late!

Small problems. Remember how a small issue can quickly become a big issue in the winter? Even the tiniest crack can freeze, which causes more problems as the water melts and refreezes, widening the crack. That's why it's important to take care of even the smallest issues as soon as you notice them. Drainage. One of the most important parts of protecting your asphalt during the winter is ensuring that your drainage system is in working order. If water sits on the asphalt, it can freeze and cause damage--so make sure that water gets where it's going! Plan B. It's crucial to have a Plan B when it comes to winter survival for the asphalt. Always have the number of a reliable winter services expert on hand for plowing emergencies, de-icing, snow removal, and more.

Proper maintenance on your parking lot or parking center can reduce any damages and improve the look of your business. Your customers will appreciate having a clean, safe place to park especially at apartment complexes. Cleaning your parking space can take long hours and hard labor if you attempt to do it yourself. If you call in a professional, you should know some do’s and don’ts for getting your parking space cleaned by a professional.

Do: Make sure you let your professional know of any ramps, walkways or paths you may have in your parking center. Make sure their equipment can easily enter, exit and maneuver around your parking center. Let the professionals know of any additional cleaning you may require such as oil stains. Inquire about the professionals’ hours of operations to schedule an appropriate appointment time and day. Let your customers know in advance that you will have professionals come in and clean to avoid any problems. Don’t: Schedule last minute cleaning unless you are sure the parking lot will be free of cars. Leave large items or large pieces of trash in the parking lot. Hire an armature that may do more damage then clean. Schedule a parking lot cleaning during a busy traffic time for your business.

Pavement specialists are capable of providing a number of important services. They can assist you in not only installing pavement to your property. These professionals also winterize this pavement. Not all contractors offer the same services. The equipment needed for this work is important. This along with having qualified staff is essential. Winterizing is a way to keep employees and customers save. Those walking and driving on winterized pavement are protected.

There are a number of different techniques used in the winterizing process. In some instances, all of these techniques will be necessary. Depending on the season, you may only need one of them. Qualified contractors understand what is needed based upon the conditions. Here are some of the methods used in this process:

De-icing Plowing Sanding Maintenance

The pricing of this work will vary. The number of services required could increase or lessen this price. During particularly busy seasons, businesses benefit more from ensuring that pavements are winterized. This is important as more shoppers are out in inclement weather.

Weather Monitoring

The most dependable pavement specialists monitor the weather around-the-clock. This allows them to know when customers need services. Certain portions of the country face bad conditions more so than others. Commercial locations and businesses must be able to maintain their pavements. These services take into consideration people walking and driving.

Adequate Machinery

One of the things that make contractors stand apart is their capabilities. It is important to have all of the equipment needed for winterizing. Services are performed quickly and effectively. Conditions do impact this process. Many customers may require these services at the same time. Scheduling in advance is one option for these projects. You must consider seasonal availability issues, as well.

You will count on your pavement specialist for various reasons. There are times when bad weather occurs un-expectantly. There is a measure of convenience having a contractor who meets your needs. This prevents accidents when roads and pavements are hazardous. Hiring the right company for this work can result in fewer accidents. The safety of staff and customers is paramount when it comes to conducting business.

Do you own an asphalt parking lot? Do you want to take good care of your asphalt but don't know how?

It is important to take care of your asphalt to avoid having future problems and having to make repairs.

If you aren't sure what to do and not to do with your asphalt don't worry many people don't know how to properly take care of their asphalt.

That's what we are here for! Here is a list of some dos and don't that you should follow in order to take care of your asphalt.

Do wait at least 24 hours before driving on the new surface. Don’t drive over the edges. The edges weren’t designed to have angled pressure on them. Do think about snow plowing. Don’t park in the exact same spot every time Do hose it down once in a while. Don't seal coat the new asphalt for at least one year Do remember that your asphalt needs maintenance. Don’t store pointed or blunt-edged narrow objects on it. This compresses it and gives it susceptibility to cracking and compression. In hot weather, a ladder and even high heels can indent the surface. Don't turn the car wheels sharply on the pavement. Don't pull out too fast, pull in too quickly, or drive too fast on your asphalt driveway this will cause scarring.

Taking care of your asphalt is very important and sometimes be a difficult task. It is crucial to take proper care steps so that there isn't damage to your asphalt such as cracks and potholes.

If you need more advice on how to properly take care of your asphalt or a quote on asphalt installation or repair then please feel free to give a contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you!