Driveway damage is a common problem for property owners in Folcroft, Pennsylvania. When water collects on a paved surface or potholes form, the asphalt starts to break down very quickly. The local climate in Delaware County brings heavy moisture and severe freeze-thaw cycles every winter. Superior Asphalt Solutions receives many questions from homeowners regarding Asphalt Repair and Asphalt Maintenance. Here are the answers to the most common questions about fixing damaged pavement in Folcroft, PA.
How do I know if I need a patch or a total replacement?
The decision between an Asphalt Patch and a complete Asphalt Replacement depends on the extent of the damage. If a driveway has one or two isolated potholes or a localized depression where water pools after a heavy rain, an Asphalt Patch is usually sufficient. However, if the entire surface is covered in alligator cracks or the sub-base has completely washed out, patching is no longer effective. When the foundation gives way, Superior Asphalt Solutions recommends a full-depth rebuild.
Can I just use those bags of cold-patch from the hardware store?
Store-bought cold-patch is only meant to be a temporary fix during the winter months when hot-mix asphalt plants are closed. Because cold-patch material does not require heat to compact properly, it stays somewhat soft and tends to kick out under car tires after a few heavy rainstorms. For permanent Asphalt Repair in Folcroft, PA, property owners need a professional hot-mix patch that actually bonds to the surrounding asphalt.
What causes those annoying edges to crumble near my garage apron?
Crumbling edges near a garage apron are a classic symptom of poor drainage and weak sub-base compaction right where the driveway meets the concrete structure. Water easily sneaks into the joint between the garage and the asphalt. When temperatures drop below freezing, that trapped water expands and breaks the bond. Superior Asphalt Solutions fixes this by cutting out the crumbling material, rebuilding a stable crushed-stone sub-base, and sealing that joint properly so water stays out.
How long does a proper asphalt patch actually last?
A professionally installed, full-depth saw-cut Asphalt Patch will easily last anywhere from five to ten years, provided the rest of the surface receives proper maintenance. If water is allowed to seep in around the edges or routine sealcoating is ignored, the lifespan of the patch will decrease rapidly. Catching the damage early prevents it from destroying the sub-base underneath.
Will a patched area stick out like a sore thumb against my old driveway?
A fresh Asphalt Patch will initially look darker and smoother than the weathered asphalt around it. This is simply due to the nature of fresh liquid bitumen. After a few months of UV exposure and vehicle traffic, the patch will start to blend in with the older pavement. Applying a fresh coat of sealcoat over the entire driveway a few months after the patch cures will also tie the whole look together for homes in Folcroft, PA.
When is the best time of year to schedule a patch?
Asphalt repairs should be scheduled when the hot-mix asphalt plants are open, which usually spans from late spring through mid-autumn. Working in warm weather ensures the material stays hot long enough for Superior Asphalt Solutions to compact it into a dense, solid repair. Waiting until the dead of winter usually limits repairs to temporary cold-mix solutions.