FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it true that Asphalt is America's Most Recycled Product?
2. Is Asphalt safer than concrete roads?
3. How long should I stay off my new driveway?
4. Why does my blacktop get scarred?
5. Why are the edges of my driveway cracking?
6. My driveway looks smoother in some areas and not in others, why is that?
7. Do I need to seal my driveway?

1. Asphalt pavement is the surprise leader in recycling.

What’s recycled the most? While Americans are accustomed to thinking about recycling their newspapers and beverage containers, the most widely recycled product in terms of both percentage and tonnage is actually asphalt pavement.

A Federal Highway Administration report shows that 80 percent of the asphalt pavement that's removed each year during widening and resurfacing projects is reused. The 80 percent rate for using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is substantially higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recycling rates of 60 percent for aluminum cans, 56 percent for newsprint, 37 percent for plastic soft drink bottles, 31 percent for glass beverage bottles and 23 percent for magazines.

Top

2. Asphalt = Safety

A smooth road is a safe road. The smoother and more consistent the surface of the road is, the better traction that vehicles traveling on the road will have, as a result of more surface area between the tires and pavement.

•  Motorists care about smooth pavements.
  A national survey of motorists funded by the Federal Highway Administration showed that a smooth ride is the top priority of the traveling public.

•  Smooth pavements save fuel.
  Results from a pavement test track in Nevada showed that trucks could save 4.5 percent of their fuel cost by running on a smoother surface.

•  Smooth pavements save vehicle-operating costs.
  Results from the same Nevada test track showed a significant reduction of frame, suspension, and engine component problems when the pavement smoothness was improved.
  
  According to figures developed by The Road Information Program (TRIP) from data supplied by the U.S. Department of Transportation, driving on too-rough roads costs our nation's motorists $23 billion a year -- or $126 per year per motorist -- in extra vehicle operating costs.

•  Smooth pavements last longer.
  Smoothness means that truck tires don't bounce on the pavement and deliver the kind of impact loading they would on a rougher pavement. Some experts estimate that increasing pavement smoothness by 25 percent results in a 10 percent increase in the life of pavements. With asphalt pavements, improvements in smoothness can be achieved at little to no additional cost.

•  Asphalt pavements are smoother.
  While some public agencies have the same requirements for the smoothness of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and concrete pavements, many actually have stricter requirements for asphalt. Why are asphalt roads held to a higher standard? Because they can be!

•  A quality pavement.
  Asphalt provides a smooth, quality, and long-lasting surface. The surface is resilient underfoot, has no joints like concrete, does not reflect glare, provides a hard surface and is easily kept clean by sweeping and hosing down. Small areas, which may be damaged, can be readily patched – and should it be necessary to dig up part of the driveway for alterations, the driveway can be quickly and economically repaired and successfully blended in with the existing surface.

Top

3. How long should I stay off my new driveway?

You may walk on you driveway immediately, but keep automobiles off it for at least three days and longer in hotter temperatures.

Top

4. Why does my blacktop get scarred?

This occurs by starting out to fast, pulling in too quickly or just plain driving to fast.

Top

5. Why are the edges of my driveway cracking?

The edges are the weakest part of your driveway. We suggest building up the sides with topsoil. This will support the edges and enhance the appearance after grass has grown.

Top

6. My driveway looks smoother in some areas than others, why is that?

This is due to the makeup of the blacktop. Blacktop has various sizes of stones, sand, liquid asphalt and other ingredients, which causes a varied texture of the surface. Also, blacktop areas that have been raked and spread by hand will appear differently than those areas done by machine.

Top

7. Do I need to seal my driveway?

To preserve a new driveway, it is advisable to seal coat it after it has been paved. Sealing too soon may cause damage to your new driveway. The time to seal is approximately twelve months after it has been paved and every three to five years thereafter.

Top