Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I stripe my parking lot?
A: That depends on the amount of traffic your lot is subjected to. Corrosive salts and sand can also shorten the life of pavement markings. On average, lots usually need to be striped every two years. Low volume traffic lots can last longer, but high volume parking lots should have fire lanes, stop bars and cross walks re-striped on a yearly basis.
Q: When is the best time to have my lot striped?
A: Traffic paint applied when temperatures drop below forty degrees tends to have a shorter life span. The warm months of summer are usually the best time to maintain your lot.
Q: How long does it take for the paint to dry?
A: Usually about 15 to 30 minutes after the paint is applied, cars will be able to drive over the markings. Sunlight and temperature greatly affect the drying process.
Q: How wide do the parking spaces have to be?
A: This is a sensitive issue, especially where parking is limited and the property owner is trying to fit more cars than the parking lot is designed for. Parking spaces should be at least 9 feet wide. Some towns require a typical parking space to be no smaller than 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. This will vary from town to town.
Q: Do I really need to have handicap parking?
A: Yes, one for every 25 spaces. One of every eight handicap spaces must be "Van Accessible." This means every parking lot must have a space to accommodate a van with a wheelchair lift.
Q: When should my new asphalt be sealed?
A: Three to six months after the initial installation, then every other year.
Q: How long should I stay off newly sealed asphalt?
A: It is recommended to stay off for 24-48 hours.
Q: Why does asphalt need to be sealed?
A: Protection Against Spills Oil, gas and other spills cause not only unsightly stains, but also begin working at destroying your asphalt.
Protection Against Weather Harsh winters can cause a lot of damage to asphalt surfaces. If not properly sealed, moisture can find its way into the asphalt and as it freezes and thaws, it weakens the asphalt.
Maintain Aesthetics A properly sealed driveway looks good...and stays looking good! When your asphalt is cared for, the rest of your property will also become more beautiful in appearance.
Sealing is Economically Sound When you consider the cost of repaving your driveway or parking lot versus the cost of sealing, you will discover that this maintenance will save you a lot of money over the long term.
Maintain Property Values Asphalt that is cared for can help increase the overall value of your property. Prospective buyers want to see that the property has been maintained.
Q: When Should I seal cracks?
A: As soon as possible once any crack is 1/4 inch or wider throughout the pavement.
Q: Is it cost effective to seal cracks?
A: Absolutely. By cracksealing regularly you will prolong the life of the pavement by not allowing water to penetrate through the crack and cause further deterioration of the pavement.
Q: What is hot mix asphalt?
A: Hot mix asphalt is a combination of approximately 95% stone, sand, or gravel bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil.
Q: What are the benefits of asphalt pavement?
A:
- Asphalt pavement is economical as well as extremely durable for northern climates and is 100% recyclable.
- Asphalt provides the best rate of investment return of any paving material.
- Asphalt retains heat more efficiently so that ice does not form as quickly and melts faster. It is the material of choice on U.S. roads with over 94% surfaced with asphalt.
Q: What causes potholes?
A: This can be caused by thin or weak pavement, poor drainage, and improper or lack of maintenance.
Q: What are some of the causes of asphalt failure?
A:
- Inadequate thickness of pavement in the original construction
- Lack of maintenance to the pavement.
- Excessive deterioration of the pavement do to inadequate drainage.
- Weak or unstable base materials.
Q: What determines if I can resurface my existing pavement?
A: The condition of the asphalt mat as well as the condition of the stone base course will be primary factors. If there is a large amount of alligatoring present, or if it is evident that there is base failure, you probably shouldn’t consider an overlay.
Q: Why is tack coat needed?
A: To assure a bond between the succeeding layers of pavement.