Frequently Asked Questions

Asphalt emulsion is water-based, which makes it environmentally safer and easier to apply than coal tar or oil-based sealers. It penetrates asphalt surfaces to restore flexibility while creating a protective barrier against UV rays and oxidation. Emulsion sealers cure through water evaporation rather than chemical reaction, making them ideal for Ohio's variable climate conditions.

Water enters asphalt cracks and expands when it freezes, widening cracks and creating subsurface erosion. Crack filling seals these openings before water infiltrates the base layer beneath the asphalt. Without this barrier, freeze-thaw cycles in Chillicothe winters accelerate pavement breakdown and lead to pothole formation.

Pothole repair addresses localized failures where the asphalt and base material have deteriorated completely, requiring excavation and infill. General asphalt repair includes surface-level fixes like patching thin areas, edge restoration, and repairing alligator cracking before it becomes a pothole. Potholes indicate base failure, while surface repairs address wear before structural damage occurs.

New asphalt needs 6-12 months to cure before first sealcoating, then reapplication every 2-3 years depending on traffic volume. High-traffic commercial lots wear faster and may need treatment every 18-24 months. Weather exposure, vehicle chemicals, and UV damage all accelerate deterioration between treatments.

Sealcoating restores the asphalt binder that oxidizes and dries out from sun exposure, which prevents surface cracking. It also creates a waterproof barrier that stops moisture from reaching the base layer where freeze damage starts. Properly maintained asphalt lasts 20-30 years, while unsealed pavement often fails within 10-15 years.

Traffic wear removes paint through tire abrasion, especially in high-turn areas and parking space endpoints. UV exposure breaks down paint pigments, and Ohio winters accelerate fading through salt exposure and snowplow scraping. Restriping every 1-2 years maintains visibility and keeps parking layouts compliant with ADA spacing requirements.

Clogged drains cause water to pool on asphalt surfaces instead of draining away, keeping the pavement saturated. Standing water penetrates small cracks and deteriorates the base material, creating soft spots that collapse into potholes under vehicle weight. Regular drain clearing prevents water damage that leads to expensive pavement replacement.

Cracks must be filled before sealcoating, or the sealer will settle into the crack and leave a depression. Crack filler is rubberized and flexible to accommodate pavement movement, while sealcoat is designed for surface protection and isn't thick enough to bridge gaps. Proper sequencing—crack filling first, then sealcoating—ensures both treatments perform correctly.

Winter freeze-thaw cycles create subsurface cracks that fill with ice, then spring thaw weakens the saturated base layer beneath the asphalt. Heavy spring rains add more water to already compromised areas. Traffic weight on weakened, water-saturated pavement causes sudden collapse into potholes once temperatures stabilize above freezing.

Routine maintenance includes crack sealing to stop water intrusion, sealcoating every 2-3 years to protect the surface, pothole repair as failures appear, and line striping to maintain clear markings. Storm drain clearing prevents water buildup that accelerates damage. This cycle keeps pavement functional and delays the need for full replacement by 10-15 years.

Surface issues like thin cracking, minor raveling, and small potholes can be repaired if the base layer remains solid. If more than 30% of the pavement shows alligator cracking, widespread potholes, or visible sinking, the base has failed and replacement is more cost-effective. Repairs work when damage is localized and caught early.

Both use asphalt emulsion, but application thickness and prep work differ based on traffic load. Residential driveways receive lighter coats since they experience less weight and turning stress. Commercial lots need thicker applications and more frequent crack maintenance due to constant vehicle traffic, heavier loads, and turning forces that stress pavement edges and corners.