Archive for: Asphalt Paving

In recent years, Americans have become increasingly aware of the need to use resources wisely and protect the environment. Eco-friendly, environmentally safe, greenhouse gases, carbon footprint and going green are just a few of the terms that have found their way into everyday conversations. One relatively new term that you will be hearing more frequently in the coming years is environmentally green paving.

Eco-friendly Green Paving – What does this mean?

Although there are a number of pavements that could technically be considered as environmentally green, the term is usually applied to permeable asphalt. Permeable asphalt pavement is sometimes called porous asphalt pavement.

Why Choose Permeable Asphalt Pavement?

Traditional asphalt pavement creates a waterproof barrier, so rain, melting snow and water deposited by sprinkler systems cannot penetrate it. Instead, the water drains into storm sewers and is eventually carried to nearby streams, rivers and lakes. As the water drains, it picks up contaminants from the pavement. Oil, deicing chemicals and other contaminants are carried into the water system.

Permeable asphalt, however, has small pores that allow water to penetrate beneath the pavement. A specially designed drainage system lies underneath the pavement, and this drainage system diverts the water into the ground around the pavement. Contaminants are contained, and the water can be channeled to supply the needs of nearby shrubs or other plants.

Are There Any Negatives to Permeable Asphalt?

Permeable asphalt is not ideal for pavements that receive a high volume of traffic or that must support heavy weights. A busy highway, for example, or the pavement surrounding the loading dock at a warehouse are not good choices for permeable asphalt. However, a parking lot that is limited to passenger vehicles, a residential driveway or a suburban cul-de-sac might all be perfect for porous asphalt pavement.

Permeable asphalt should be professionally power washed or vacuumed at least twice each year. Dirt and automotive fluids can clog the pavement’s pores, rendering them incapable of permitting water to enter.

Installation costs are slightly higher for permeable asphalt than they are for the traditional impervious type. However, since gutters, trench drains, curbs and storm sewers can usually be eliminated, these savings can help offset the price differential.

Contact Us to Learn More

Asphalt Pavement Solutions is a paving contractor serving customers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware with quality work at affordable prices since 1983. Whether you need asphalt paving, parking lot markings, sealcoating, pothole repairs or any other asphalt-related service, we can help. Call (800) 559-SEAL or (856) 461-1710 to request a free quote or submit our convenient online form.

See a similar FAQ below-

Why Sealcoating Works

The history of asphalt pavement is one of innovation. Practically from the day that the first asphalt road was built, manufacturers and engineers have sought ways to improve the material. As a result, there are now several different varieties of asphalt pavement.

The Different Types of Pavement

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)

The most commonly used asphalt in the United States is HMA. This is the traditional asphalt pavement, sometimes called blacktop or bitumen, that is an economical, durable and attractive all-purpose material. HMA typically contains a certain percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement although “virgin” pavement is also available.

Fine- and Coarse-Graded Asphalt

Fine-graded and coarse-graded asphalt are HMAs that have been assigned a grade according to the size of the particles, such as the aggregates, that have been included in the mix. To qualify as fine-graded, the particles must be small, usually about the size of a sand grain. Coarse-graded mixes have larger particles, and for many applications, these are considered to be superior for pavements that require better protection against rutting.

Porous Asphalt

Porous or permeable asphalt does not seal out water and confine it to the top of the pavement. Instead, pores in the pavement allow water to penetrate. The water is then directed into nearby soil instead of into a storm sewer. Top of the pavement runoff is reduced or eliminated, and fewer or smaller puddles collect on the pavement. Porous asphalt is more fragile than HMA, however, so it is typically reserved for areas that support only light loads and/or low volumes of traffic, such as parking lots.

Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)

Stone mastic asphalt has been popular in Europe for several decades, but it did not see use in America until the 1990s. SMA has a stone matrix that offers superior resistance to ruts and other deformations. Currently, most SMA is used on heavily traveled highways and interstates although some cities are using SMA at high-traffic intersections.

Uncertain Which Type of Pavement You Need?

Since 1983, Asphalt Pavement Solutions has been helping clients select the best pavement type for their particular needs. We offer an extensive range of asphalt maintenance services, including asphalt paving, repairs, driveway sealing and pavement markings. We have established an exceptional reputation among our customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland for providing superior quality at affordable rates.

For more information about asphalt paving or asphalt sealcoating or if you would like to request a free estimate, you can use our convenient online form or call us at 1-800-559-SEAL or 1-856-461-1710.

Recently, more than 3,000 drivers responded to a nationwide survey that asked them to prioritize 14 road-related factors. The respondents included operators of privately owned vehicles as well as professional truck drivers. The questions were designed to determine what drivers wanted from their roads as well as their attitudes regarding related issues. Here is what the survey found.

Highest Priority For U.S. Highways – An Example

1. Well-maintained roads were high on the list, with 73 percent of the professional truckers and 84 percent of the POV drivers prioritizing maintenance.
2. Drivers in both groups felt that maintenance work needed to be performed during low-volume times to minimize traffic snarls and congestion.
3. When it came to allocating funds to new roads versus spending on maintaining and repairing current roads, 78 percent of the truckers and 86 percent of the POV drivers felt that spending should focus on keeping existing roads in good repair instead of building new ones.
4. Respondents demonstrated an understanding of the costs involved; over half stated they would support additional or new funding initiatives for road maintenance or construction, and 69 percent were willing to accept traffic delays for maintenance if they resulted in smoother, more drivable roads.
5. Safe roads were a high priority for 56 percent of the respondents.

In short, what American drivers want are safe, smooth, well-maintained roads that do not cause them unnecessary delays. Asphalt pavement delivers everything that the survey shows that drivers want from their roads.

• Repairing and maintaining asphalt roads does not require the lengthy closures that are involved with concrete pavement, allowing traffic flow to resume much more quickly.
• Virtually all work on asphalt roads can be done when traffic is light so that rush-hour congestion caused by roadwork is eliminated.
• Asphalt pavement provides a smoother ride, making it more comfortable as well as boosting fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle “wear and tear.”
• Asphalt roads are smoother and more even, which makes them safer. The ease with which asphalt can be repaired means that asphalt roads are often better maintained than concrete roads, which again increases the safety factor.

At Asphalt Pavement Solutions, the results of the survey came as no surprise. We have been providing customers throughout the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania with all of their asphalt-related needs since 1983. Whether you need asphalt paving, car stops and bollards installed, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping or other asphalt services, we have the experience and training to give you exceptional results at competitive rates. Call us at (856) 461-1710 or toll-free at (800) 559-SEAL to discuss your next project. If you prefer, you can also submit on online form to request a free quote.

Would you be surprised to learn that the United States has approximately 4.09 million miles of public thoroughfares? What if you learned that over one-third of those — more than 1.4 million miles — were unpaved gravel or dirt roads? It might be hard to believe that the U.S. could have so many miles of unpaved roads in the 21st century, but it is true. The statistic becomes even more inexplicable when you compare the disadvantages of unpaved roads and advantages of asphalt pavement.

To Pave or Not to Pave – Why

• Paved roads are safer. Ruts in unpaved roads can wrench control of a vehicle from the driver and cause an accident. Unpaved roads become very slippery in wet weather, which can also lead to accidents. In dry weather, dust from an unpaved road can obscure the driver’s vision, which again poses a risk of accidents.
• Cars traveling on unpaved roads stir up a lot of dust that fills the air. This dust can find its way inside nearby homes or businesses, exacerbating existing respiratory problems.
• The gravel is not going to remain in place on unpaved roads. It can wash into drainage ditches and reduce their ability to handle run-off efficiently. Sediment washed into the drainage ditches along with the gravel can make the problem worse.
• Paved roads make adjacent properties more desirable to employees and customers as well as those seeking to purchase a home. This, in turn, can enhance property values.
• If an unpaved road is travelled by more than 100 vehicles per day, it will be substantially more expensive to maintain than a paved road. As the traffic increases, the costs of maintaining an unpaved road rise dramatically. By the time that the road is supporting an average of 250 to 300 vehicles per day, the unpaved road will cost 2.5 to 3 times as much.

Installing asphalt pavement is preferable to leaving a road unpaved in virtually all scenarios. Whether you base it on maintenance costs, safety factors or economic impact, it just makes sense.

Asphalt Pavement Solutions has more than three decades of industry experience and serves customers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. We offer an extensive range of asphalt-related services from asphalt paving to sealcoating. We can apply parking lot markings, car stops, bollards and signage, repair cracks or potholes in your asphalt pavement, or repair the inlets for your storm water drainage system. Our crews are dedicated to providing quality work at reasonable rates. You can request a free estimate by submitting our convenient online form, or you can call us (856) 461-1710 or toll-free at (800) 559-SEAL.

Whether they are planning a major highway or a residential driveway, asphalt contractors are always concerned about drainage issues. Water that does not drain properly can collect in pools that can freeze and pose a safety issue, and even during the summer months, puddles of water standing in your driveway are not particularly attractive. Furthermore, water is the most dangerous natural force that your asphalt pavement faces, so proper drainage can also help you protect your investment.

Asphalt Paving And Drainage – How Important?

Most homes are situated above the street level, so driveways normally increase in height as they approach the garage or parking area. Paving companies grade the driveway so that the change in elevation is gradual but consistent. This allows water to flow down to the street without creating any low spots in which it can collect. Many factors determine the rate of change, such as driveway length or municipal codes. At minimum, the height should increase 0.25 inches for every foot of pavement, so if the driveway is 20 feet long, there should be at least a 5-inch difference in the height. Many situations call for a greater height differential.

To ensure the best drainage, one side of the driveway should be slightly lower than the other. Typically, the difference does not need to be much — a 2-percent difference is normally sufficient. On a driveway that is 10 feet in width, this amounts to a change of 2.4 inches, graded evenly across the entire width of the driveway.

Homes that are located on the downhill end of a driveway face a different problem. The driveway has enough slope for water to drain efficiently, but where this water ends up may not be desirable. For example, the water may drain into the garage or basement. Having a covered trench installed in front of the area you want to protect can channel the water away safely.

A properly drained driveway will last longer and be both more appealing and safer. Improper drainage can also result in damage to your lawn and possibly your foundation, basement or garage.

If you need help planning your asphalt driveway, the asphalt maintenance professionals at Asphalt Pavement Solutions can help. We have been assisting customers throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware with all of their asphalt-related needs since 1983. Our services include sealcoating, asphalt repairs, pavement markings and paving. You can submit our online form to request a free estimate, or you can call us (856) 461-1710 or toll-free at 1-800-559-SEAL.

During its lifecycle, asphalt pavement may go through three stages: wear, distress and failure. Wear can be mitigated by launching a preventive maintenance program soon after your asphalt pavement is installed. However, distressed pavement typically requires prompt repairs to avoid or postpone a major failure. Distressed asphalt normally shows one or more of the following visual clues that warn you that something is not right with your pavement.

What Is Your Pavement Telling You – Examples

1. Rutting: Rutting is the term asphalt contractors use to describe longitudinal wavy marks in the pavement that follow the path of the traffic. It is an indication that the pavement cannot support the traffic loads to which it is being subjected. Ruts can present a driving hazard as water can pool in them, increasing the possibility of hydroplaning. The vehicle’s direction of travel can also be altered when it encounters them suddenly or at high speed.
2. Different wavy marks that may appear on distressed asphalt are referred to as shoving, wash-boarding or corrugation. These are usually found where vehicles stop and start, such as in the vicinity of traffic lights, stop signs or crosswalks. Wash-boarding is an indication that the mix was not quite right. It might be that the asphalt cement used was not the correct type for the climate, or perhaps excessive amounts of asphalt cement were used. It can also indicate that an insufficient amount of aggregate was added to the mix.
3. Flushing is the term used to describe smooth, shiny patches on asphalt pavement that normally appear in the wheel paths. Because it is the result of too much asphalt cement added to the mix, flushing and wash-boarding may both be present on the same expanse of pavement. Flushing normally appears during the first few years of the pavement’s life, and correction often requires removing the existing asphalt and replacing it.
4. Pavement that shows “rips” or wrinkles has suffered a bond failure. Asphalt pavement and its underlying base must remain “glued” (bonded) together for proper performance. If the bond fails in an area, the pavement will try to “move” with the traffic. Bond failures usually occur during the first year or two of operation. They are commonly the result of an error made in the installation, but they can also be caused by a structural flaw.
5. Alligator cracking is a term used to describe a pattern of damage involving numerous connected cracks that resemble an alligator’s skin. The condition can be caused by water that has penetrated beneath the pavement and destabilized the foundation, insufficient compaction during installation or pavement that is too thin for the loads placed upon it.
6. Water or mud being pumped to the pavement’s surface by traffic is an early warning that potholes will be arriving soon. Mud and water coming from beneath the pavement is an indication that water has found its way below the asphalt and is attacking the foundation. When the foundation has been sufficiently destabilized, the pavement will not have the resiliency to withstand traffic. Potholes will form, and your pavement will also be at risk for alligator cracking
Asphalt contractors may use a variety of techniques to save distressed pavement. One of the most common methods used is the cut-and-patch technique. This involves cutting the pavement to remove the damaged area and then applying a patch of new asphalt. Another method that is highly effective for some issues is to apply another layer of asphalt on top of the existing pavement. This is called an overlay. Depending on the extent and cause of the pavement distress, it may also be necessary to repair the foundation and/or fill and seal cracks.

Asphalt Pavement Solutions has over 30 years of industry experience, providing customers in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware with a wide range of asphalt-related services. We offer parking lot sealcoating, asphalt repair and maintenance services at competitive rates. Our experienced crews can sealcoat your parking lot, stripe it and install your car stops, bollards and traffic signs. From overlays to crack repairs, we consistently provide quality work and outstanding customer service. You can request a free quote by submitting our online form, or you can call us at 1.856.461.1710 or toll-free at 1.800.559.SEAL.

There is no such thing as an average cost for installing a new driveway. Asphalt contractors use a method for pricing jobs that is based on a number of different factors. Therefore, every driveway can be a different price, even if the overall square footage is the same. Here are the primary factors that must be taken into consideration when determining the cost of a specific driveway.

Expected Cost For Paving A Driveway

1. Many people believe that the square footage — the length of the driveway times its width — determines material costs. However, the depth of the asphalt required for a specific location must also be considered.
2. The job will require trucks to deliver the asphalt as well as to move the contractor’s crew and equipment to the site. How far the job is from the batch plant and the contractor’s yard plays a part in the cost. The cost of fuel is one aspect, but so too is the cost of the truckers’ salaries — the more miles behind the wheel and the drive time can impact costs significantly.
3. Most asphalt paving contractors have invested a great deal of money in tractors, rollers and other heavy equipment. This equipment speeds up the job, resulting in reduced labor costs. However, there are areas where the heavy equipment cannot be used. If any or all of your area is inaccessible, the crew will have to handle tasks manually, resulting in higher labor costs.
4. Before asphalt can be installed, the ground must be prepared. Debris must be removed, the base prepared and good drainage must be ensured. Until the contractor inspects your site, he cannot know how much preparation will be required. Some sites might require extensive excavation, while others might need little.

Reputable contractors will not provide a firm estimate without seeing your site although some may be willing to offer a “ballpark” range, depending on your answers to their questions. Be aware that the actual cost could be less or more than the figures provided. The best approach is to request that a contractor take a look at your site before quoting the job.

Since 1983, Asphalt Pavement Solutions has been providing quality asphalt services to customers throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. We offer a full range of asphalt-related services, including black top paving, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repair and parking lot striping.  Our professional crews have the expertise to provide the highest-quality results, but our rates are reasonable. If you would like a quote for your driveway installation or any other service we provide, you can submit our online quote request. If you prefer, you can also reach us by phone at 1.800.559.SEAL or 1.856.461.1710.

APS is the premier asphalt pavement maintenance company in NJ, PA, and DE!

Applying an asphalt overlay to a concrete surface is a common practice. Asphalt paving contractors frequently use asphalt over concrete on interstates, state highways and city streets. Concrete provides an excellent base for the asphalt, which must have a well-compacted, stable foundation to yield superior results.  This applies across the country- including Pennsylvania and the Camden area!

Paving Over Concrete – Why?

Although the majority of concrete surfaces can be paved with asphalt, under certain circumstances, the concrete does not have the integrity that asphalt needs. The following questions may be helpful when deciding whether your concrete surface is suitable for an asphalt overlay.

1. Are the concrete blocks or sections level? Concrete surfaces are constructed with individual sections. You have probably seen concrete driveways or roadways with one or more sections that are higher than the adjacent section, or those with sections that slant upwards or downwards at the edges. It does not take an earthquake to make concrete move in such a manner — anything that disturbs the soil beneath the concrete, such as extreme drought, floods, improper drainage or heavy freezes, can make the soil move, taking the concrete with it.
2. How large are the expansion joints? A space is typically left between adjoining blocks. This lets the concrete contract in winter and expand in summer without damaging it. These expansion joints can be a problem for an asphalt overlay. If the gaps are too large, it will not be long before you have large cracks in the asphalt that follow the lines of the expansion joints.
3. What is the overall condition of the concrete surface? An asphalt overlay should not be considered a “quick fix” for damaged concrete. Your satisfaction with the asphalt surface is proportional to the quality of the concrete. If the concrete has already begun to crumble, it will continue to deteriorate beneath the asphalt. If the concrete is separating along a major crack, the crack will most likely continue to spread. Although many of these problems can be repaired before the asphalt is applied, not addressing them can doom the overlay. It is also possible that your concrete surface may be so deteriorated that it is more economical to remove it and build a “total asphalt” project. Typically, if complete removal is required, it is an indication that the initial installation of the concrete was improper or that the concrete used was of extremely poor quality — although exceptions exist.

Asphalt Pavement Solutions has been helping customers throughout Pennsylvania and the Camden area with all their asphalt needs for more than 35 years. We can apply an asphalt overlay and sealcoating while maintaining it throughout its life. We offer pot hole repair, parking lot striping, concrete repair, installation of traffic signs, bollards and car stops. For a free quote, you can submit the form found on our website, or you can reach us by phone at 1-800-559-SEAL, 1-856-461-1710 or 1-856-544-3990.

We are the “Premier Paving Contractors” in Philadelphia and Camden!

Engineers have recognized the value of asphalt as a paving material for centuries. Asphalt is versatile, robust and economical. Despite its known value, certain myths about asphalt still circulate today — myths that we would like to dispel.

Asphalt…Fact or Myth

Myth: Asphalt plants are a major source of air pollution.
Fact: Early asphalt plants did produce a lot of smelly smoke — but during the same era, so did steel manufacturers, textile mills and many plants generating electricity for homes and businesses. Over the last few decades, however, the asphalt industry developed new techniques to reduce pollutants far below the standards set by the EPA. As a result, the EPA does not consider asphalt plants to contribute to pollution to any significant degree.

Myth: Asphalt roads are becoming a thing of the past.
Fact: Asphalt can be found on approximately 95 percent of America’s paved roads. Its widespread use is due to a combination of factors, which include cost as well as the speed of installation or repair.

Myth: Concrete pavement is a one-time expense, but asphalt is not.
Fact: Both asphalt and concrete pavements require periodic maintenance and repair to obtain the maximum life. Both pavements will need repairs over their service life, but repairs can be made to asphalt in less time and at less expense.

Myth: Asphalt does not require a solid foundation for installation the way that concrete does.
Fact: Proper installation of an asphalt surface is crucial to obtaining satisfactory results. Part of the installation involves establishing a level, well-compacted foundation. Just like concrete, asphalt installed on an uneven, poorly drained foundation can crack or crumble.

For more than 30 years, Asphalt Pavement Solutions has been maintaining and repairing asphalt surfaces for clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. We understand the importance of repairing surfaces before damages have the chance to worsen as well as the protection that sealcoating provides. If you would like to discuss your asphalt pavement needs, feel free to call us at 1-800-559-SEAL, 1-856-461-1710 or 1-856-544-3990. If you prefer, you can submit our online form to request a free quote.