One of the things that we notice is that many people do not understand that asphalt is not just about the surface.  We find that the most important part of the asphalt surface is base on the part that you never see.  The underlayment of the asphalt is one of the largest parts of any asphalt problems.

The first thing that we look at is the condition of the ground, the drainage patterns and how the pavement has been used over the years.  If water cannot drain properly, there will definitely be asphalt problems.  If we find that the asphalt is not maintained properly, we notice that there will be cracks and damage sooner than expected.  This is why we look at the underneath and maintenance to determine what could be the potential source of the problem.

For new asphalt paving projects, we always start from the ground up.  Whether it's a residential driveway, an asphalt road, or a commercial parking lot, our process always starts with the surface grading and preparation.  We will always want to create a stable foundation for the project.  This foundation will make sure that the pavement can hold the traffic, that is will not move or shift, and that it can handle Michigan's challenging weather.  Once the base material is fully prepared, asphalt will then be installed and compacted to create the smooth surface you are looking for.

Sometimes we will find that based on the initial site investigation, the property will only need a resurfacing rather than full replacement.  If the foundation beneath the existing asphalt is solid, you might only see small signs of surface wear and tear.  Then, resurfacing can be the solution and this will save you money for your pocket.

Resurfacing can be thought of as just giving your pavement a fresh start.  We will first address any problems areas in the surface before we place the resurfacing.  The final result will be a much cleaner surface, it will perform better for all vehicles, and this will add many years to its life.  There are many property owners that are surprised about eh new performance offered by their driveway.

We all know that many surfaces will not last forever, but proper wear and tear upgrades will keep the surface lasting much longer compared to no maintenance.  Asphalt is continually assaulted by the harsh temperatures, snow, ice, traffic and rain.  Over time, those conditions can cause trouble for the surface.  We also have Michigan's freeze/thaw cycles to work with.  Water enters any cracks and then the water spreads while freezing, causing ever larger cracks to appear.  As the process repeats, more problems begin. 

This is why we encourage the proper maintenance of the asphalt surface so it doesn't continue to deteriorate.  We have found that people that spend a little effort putting in time to maintain the surface, the pavement will last many years longer.

Regular asphalt repair takes some time and effort to fix the problems.  When you call us to take a look at your pavement, we don't just look for the obvious damage. We also want to understand why the damage has come to be in the first place.  Sometimes we find that the issue is simply the age of the asphalt, but at other times we find that the pavement might be overloaded too frequently or that the pavement is moving because of the base material beneath the pavement.  Finding the root cause will help us come up with a permanent solution that will make the surface more appealing.

Even when the surface is looking good, it is generally a good idea to call us once a year to look at the surface.  If we can identify any problems early, we can provide the proper maintenance needed to keep any problems away.  Many homeowners that call us early are happy with the results that we find.

 

The final service we provide is sealcoating.  Whenever you see a driveway or parking lot that is covered with a rich, dark black appearance, there is a high likelihood that  the surface was seal coated to protect the foundation of the asphalt.

Asphalt usually begins to break down as it ages.  The weather elements like sunlight, moisture, and traffic will break downs the surface.  Getting on a pattern of regular sealcoating will slow down the breaking down process by providing a barrier between the weather and the asphalt surface.

Another way to think of sealcoating is the same way out would think about painting or sealing a deck.  This is a very preventative maintenance plan to protect the material underneath to make it last longer.  Without this protection, the asphalt will break down faster by drying out and becoming more brittle, which will then make it crack more easily.

When the seal coating is properly applied, it will prevent water from entering the pavement.  This will then protect the surface from the freeze/thaw cracking cycles.  It will also make the surface cleaner and looking more uniform.  This will improve curb appeal of the property and make it look more professional.

Living and working in Mound Clemens makes us all dependent on the varying weather conditions.  Winter snow, spring moisture, summer heat, and constant temperature swings during each season will all affect the asphalt.  Asphalt repairing measure that work in other places will not always work here.  That is why it's important to have local experience when it comes to asphalt repair and maintenance.

Every property is different, so one of the things we do early on is understand how you like to use our property.  A residential driveway will have a completely different use than an apartment complex driveway.  We will take the time to understand how you use your pavement in order to find the right solution for you.

At the end of the day, we are contractors who like to do the work right the first time.  We believe in preparing properly for the surface, completing the project with a high degree of craftmanship, and we believe in honest recommendations from our customers.  Whether you need new asphalt, a resurfacing, repairs, or sealcoating, we will take the time to understand what you need and deliver what we have promised.

When the asphalt is installed the right way for the right reason, it can make a big difference on your property.  This is what we strive to deliver on every project that we build in the Mount Clmens and surrounding communities.