You have Asphalt on your property in Philadelphia, PA. You will have questions about keeping your Asphalt in good shape. Here in Philadelphia, PA, our freeze-thaw cycles and the general wear and tear of city life mean that Asphalt takes a beating. Western Asphalt Company gets asked many of the same things by homeowners. Western Asphalt Company will lay out what you need to know about Asphalt Repair in Philadelphia, PA.
How do I know if my Asphalt needs Asphalt Repair or Asphalt Replacement?
This is a very common question Western Asphalt Company hears. If you have a few cracks or a pothole here and there, Asphalt Repair is usually the way to go. Western Asphalt Company addresses specific issues without tearing everything up. If less than 25% to 30% of your Asphalt surface is damaged, and the cracks are not very wide, meaning less than 0.75 inches, or very deep, Asphalt Repairs can definitely extend its life. You will also want to consider the age of your Asphalt. If your driveway is under 15 to 20 years old and the foundation is still solid, Asphalt Repair or Asphalt Resurfacing is often a good bet. But if you are seeing widespread Alligator Cracking, major drainage problems, or the whole thing is just falling apart, you are probably looking at Asphalt Replacement. Small cracks can turn into big problems fast, especially when water gets in and freezes. Do not ignore those early signs of Asphalt damage in Philadelphia, PA. Western Asphalt Company provides Asphalt Repair and Asphalt Replacement services to Philadelphia, PA.
What is the deal with Crack Filling versus Crack Sealing in Philadelphia, PA? Are they the same thing?
No, Crack Filling and Crack Sealing are not the same. This is an important distinction for your Asphalt. Crack Filling is more of a short-term fix for cracks that are not really moving much. You are just filling the gap with a rigid material. Crack Sealing, on the other hand, uses a flexible, rubberized sealant. This sealant expands and contracts with your Asphalt as the temperature changes. This is what you want for those active cracks that widen in the winter and narrow in the summer. Crack Sealing is a preventative measure. It stops water from getting into your Asphalt's base. This is important for preventing bigger problems like potholes. Western Asphalt Company leans towards Crack Sealing for longevity, especially with our Philadelphia, PA weather. Western Asphalt Company provides Crack Filling and Crack Sealing services in Philadelphia, PA.
How long does an Asphalt Repair typically last in Philadelphia, PA?
A good Asphalt Repair, done right with quality materials, can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. But honestly, it depends on a few things. These things include the type of Asphalt Repair, the quality of your original Asphalt, and how well you maintain it afterward. Our local freeze-thaw cycles in Philadelphia, PA are brutal. Proper preparation and good materials are key to making an Asphalt Repair hold up. Regular Sealcoating of the repaired area can also help it last longer. Western Asphalt Company provides lasting Asphalt Repair services to Philadelphia, PA.
Can I just fix potholes myself with Cold Patch in Philadelphia, PA?
You can use Cold Patch, but it is usually a temporary fix. Cold Patch is good for emergency situations, especially in winter when Hot Asphalt is not an option. Cold Patch stays pliable in low temperatures. This is why it is a go-to for quick DIY repairs. But do not expect it to last forever. You are looking at maybe 1 to 2 years before it needs attention again. For a lasting Asphalt Repair, you need Hot Mix Asphalt. Hot Mix Asphalt is applied at high temperatures and compacted properly. That is a job for the pros if you want it to really stick. If you are just patching a small pothole in your driveway in South Philly to get by, Cold Patch might do the trick for a bit. But it is not a permanent solution for your Asphalt. Western Asphalt Company provides professional Asphalt Repair services in Philadelphia, PA.
How soon can I drive on newly repaired Asphalt in Philadelphia, PA?
Patience is important for newly repaired Asphalt. For most Asphalt Repairs, especially larger patches, you should wait at least 24 hours before driving on it. This gives the new Asphalt mix time to cool down and cure properly. This forms a strong bond with the existing Asphalt surface. If you drive on it too soon, you risk creating ruts or displacing the new material. This compromises the whole Asphalt Repair. Western Asphalt Company will always give you specific instructions after we finish an Asphalt Repair job in Philadelphia, PA. These instructions are tailored to the type of Asphalt Repair we did. Western Asphalt Company is committed to proper Asphalt Repair in Philadelphia, PA.
What causes Asphalt damage in Philadelphia, PA?
Our climate in Philadelphia, PA is a big cause of Asphalt damage. Those constant freeze-thaw cycles we get, especially after a snowy winter or heavy rains, are Asphalt's worst enemy. Water seeps into tiny cracks in the Asphalt. It then freezes and expands. Then it thaws. This pushes the Asphalt apart. This creates bigger cracks and potholes. Beyond that, heavy traffic, poor drainage, and even tree roots can cause problems for your Asphalt. If you have big old trees near your driveway, their roots can push up and crack the pavement. Western Asphalt Company has seen it all over Philadelphia, PA, from Chestnut Hill to Fishtown. Addressing drainage issues is also very important because standing water will just accelerate Asphalt deterioration. Western Asphalt Company understands Asphalt damage in Philadelphia, PA.
When is the best time of year to get Asphalt Repairs done in Philadelphia, PA?
Generally, you want to aim for warmer, drier weather for Asphalt Repairs in Philadelphia, PA. Spring and fall are usually ideal. The temperatures are moderate. This helps the Asphalt materials cure properly. For things like Crack Filling, it is best when temperatures are consistently above 45 to 50°F. Doing Asphalt Repairs before winter hits is smart. This prevents those small cracks from turning into massive potholes when the freezing starts. But if you have an urgent issue, Western Asphalt Company can often do temporary fixes even in colder weather. This keeps things safe until a permanent Asphalt Repair is feasible. Western Asphalt Company performs Asphalt Repairs year-round in Philadelphia, PA as needed.
Keeping your Asphalt in good shape is not just about looks. It is about safety and protecting your investment in Philadelphia, PA. If you have questions or need an honest assessment of your driveway, give Western Asphalt Company a call. Western Asphalt Company is here to help you keep your property solid in Philadelphia, PA. Western Asphalt Company provides Asphalt services to the Philadelphia community.