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Asphalt is one of the most affordable paving materials available for parking lots, driveways, and roads. On average it costs less than concrete per square foot and it is also more durable. Since parking lots tend to be large areas, asphalt is the most popular choice. If you’re planning to pave your parking lot, you may be wondering how much asphalt costs per square foot. Here’s what you can expect to pay for new asphalt paving. What is Asphalt? Asphalt is the black pavement you see on roads, parking lots, driveways, and sometimes other surfaces. It gradually fades to gray over time, but regular sealing can help it keep a deeper black shade. Asphalt creates a hard surface that is still able to expand and contract with changes in temperature, which helps to prevent cracks, warping, and potholes. Average Cost of Asphalt Per Square Foot The average cost of asphalt pavement may range anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot. Where your exact estimate will fall within that range depends on a number of factors. When compared with concrete that comes in between $4 and $7, asphalt is clearly the more affordable option in most cases. Factors That Determine The Cost of Asphalt The total cost of paving an asphalt parking lot varies based on the following factors: Size of your lot. Asphalt paving is estimated by square footage, so the bigger your parking lot, the higher your overall cost will be. New vs Replacement. If you are having a brand new parking lot paved for the first time, such as at a new construction site, the cost will generally be higher than replacing an asphalt parking lot that already exists and needs to be replaced. Resurfacing an existing parking lot costs even less if it is only the top layer of asphalt that needs to be replaced. Grading. Is your parking lot level or will grading of the land be required? Grading or regrading will add to the overall cost of your paving project. Drainage. Paved parking lots need adequate drainage to prevent damage to the asphalt. If drainage will need to be added to your parking lot you can expect an added cost for the time, labor, and materials. Labor. Labor refers to the time and number of workers it will take to pave your parking lot. The larger your lot and the more work that needs to be done, the higher the cost of paving will be. Calculating The Cost of Your Asphalt Parking Lot The only way to know exactly how much it will cost to pave your parking lot is to get an estimate from a paving company. However, you can calculate the average cost by measuring the square footage of your parking lot and multiplying that figure by the highest end of the cost range. This should give you the highest possible total so you can expect your estimate to come in somewhere around or below that amount. Get a Professional Estimate Looking for quotes for asphalt parking lot paving ? TopWest Asphalt provides a wide range of parking lot paving services, including laying new asphalt and asphalt maintenance. We provide both commercial and residential paving, specializing in parking lots and driveways. If you want a professional looking parking lot to give your business the curb appeal it deserves, TopWest Asphalt provides affordable asphalt paving. Call 604-755-0300 or contact us today to learn more and schedule a free estimate.

Are you dreading the daunting task of shoveling your driveway this winter? In areas that get a lot of snow, this task may need to be done repeatedly throughout the season. You can shovel it yourself, use a snow blower, or hire someone to shovel or plow your driveway. Or you can save yourself a lot of time, effort, and money by installing a heated driveway. Heated driveways are becoming more popular as homeowners tire of the endless process of snow and ice removal. Does the idea of a heated asphalt driveway you never have to shovel sound good to you? Of course. But how much does a heated driveway cost? Here’s what you can expect. How Does a Heated Driveway Work? There are two types of heated driveway systems: Electric. An electric heated driveway system uses a grid of electric cables beneath the driveway surface. The electricity heats the driveway to melt away ice and snow, or to prevent ice and snow from collecting on the driveway. Hydronic. A hydronic heated driveway system uses a series of water tubes beneath the driveway surface. Hot water is pumped through the tubes to heat the driveway, melting or preventing snow and ice from forming on the driveway. Both systems can be turned on manually or with an automated sensor. What’s the Average Cost of Getting a Heated Driveway? The cost of a heated driveway varies, but on average you can expect to pay anywhere from $12-$21 per square foot . Installation can range from $4,000-$15,000 depending on the situation. What Factors Into the Cost? There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of getting a heated driveway installed: The size of your driveway will affect the cost, as heated driveway systems are priced by square foot. The cost of materials, which is affected by the cost of living in your area. The type of heating system that is being installed. Hydronic tends to cost more than electric up front, but electric may cost more to operate in terms of your monthly utility bills. Manual vs automatic sensor. Whether the system can be connected to your existing home heating system or if a new stand alone system will need to be installed. Do I Need to Replace My Driveway Completely? One of the biggest questions is whether or not your driveway will need to be replaced in order to install a heating system or if it can be installed within your existing driveway. In most cases your driveway will need to be replaced in order to install a heating system beneath it. Retrofitting an existing driveway with heating elements can be done with advanced technology, but this is not always possible and it still requires drilling holes in your existing pavement to place equipment. If your driveway is in need of significant repair, this may be a good time to have a heated driveway installed. But if your driveway is in good condition and has recently been paved, repaired, or treated, you may want to consider putting this project off for the future. TopWest Asphalt Provides Paving Services TopWest Asphalt provides a variety of asphalt paving services , including driveway repair, sealing, resurfacing, replacement, new asphalt paving, and more. Call 604-755-0300 or contact us today to schedule a free estimate.

It may seem like an unusual term, but a driveway apron is the section of your driveway where it meets the road. In some ways it resembles the shape of an apron, which is where the name originated. It is also called the approach, which is a nod to the literal curb appeal it presents. Driveway aprons vary in length and width depending on a variety of factors, such as whether or not there is a sidewalk and the regulations in your neighborhood or community. If you’re considering repairing, replacing, or creating a new driveway apron, there’s a lot you need to know. Community Regulations and Local Codes The first step to take if you’re considering making any changes to your driveway apron is to look into the requirements set by your community, city, county, and homeowner’s association (if your neighborhood has one). In most cases your existing driveway apron is grandfathered in and won’t be subject to any new regulations. However, if you are rebuilding or restructuring it, you’ll need to make sure it's up to code. Style and Curb Appeal Driveway aprons range in style from nondescript pavement to brick or cobblestone designs. You can keep it simple or add some charm to liven up your approach. A personalized touch can improve curb appeal, helping your home stand out from the others on your street. It can also add resale value to your home for the future. A few ideas for driveway apron materials include: Cobblestone. Achieve a charming, old world style driveway apron with cobblestone. For ease of installation it comes in mats that can be rolled out with a mosaic of stones that only need to have grout poured into the spaces between them. Brick. Though it may take more time to lay out, brick offers a classic style for your driveway apron. If your home is brick, use brick in the apron that matches the color and shape of the brick in your home’s facade, or a contrasting color. Stone pavers. Large stone pavers provide a modern look for your driveway apron with a variety of colors and patterns. Resin bound gravel. Gravel or loose stone that is bound with resin to form a solid patch can be a unique and colorful addition to your driveway approach. Benefits of Professional Driveway Installation Creating or replacing a driveway apron is a job best handled by professionals. There are many benefits to hiring a professional driveway paving contractor to place your apron, such as: Knowledge of local codes. One of the trickiest parts of placing a driveway apron is to make sure it is done within the requirements of the local codes for driveways and drainage. If your apron is not up to code, it may have to be redone at your expense. We are familiar with the local requirements for driveways and will take the time to make sure your apron project meets those requirements. The right tools and equipment. Creating or replacing a driveway apron requires a lot of equipment and specialized tools to tear up the existing driveway, prepare the foundation, place the materials, and finish it. We already have everything we need for the project. Experience. Nothing beats experience in a home improvement project of any kind. As professional driveway pavers have already installed many aprons like the one you want. We know how to make sure it looks beautiful and stands the test of time. TopWest Asphalt Provides a Full Range of Driveway Paving Services If you’re looking for a professional paver for your driveway project, TopWest Asphalt has the experience, knowledge, and equipment needed to create an attractive approach to your home. We handle both commercial and residential paving projects in Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and the surrounding areas. Call 604-755-0300 or contact us today for a free estimate.

Paving your driveway with asphalt can be very beneficial to your property’s curb appeal and functionality. Many people consider asphalt driveways because of the many benefits and low maintenance requirements, but they don’t know what the process of paving an asphalt driveway involves. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the asphalt driveway paving process, the typical asphalt driveway uses, and its benefits. What is Asphalt? Asphalt is a black, sticky substance that is used in the asphalt driveway paving process. It's made of tar and other petroleum-based products such as coal, limestone, or heavy oil. These three ingredients are heated up and then mixed together to form a liquid. When the liquid starts to cool down, it turns into a sticky substance that can be used for paving driveways. The asphalt driveway process involves spreading the mixture across your driveway and waiting about 24 hours for it to dry before going over it with heavy machinery to level out any bumps or dips in the surface. Typical Uses for an Asphalt Driveway Asphalt is the most common type of paving material for driveways because it is durable, easy to maintain, and creates a smooth surface that’s ideal for walking or driving on. Besides driveways, it can also be used in other applications, such as sidewalks, runways, and roads. These are just a few of the many reasons that make asphalt so popular with homeowners, property managers, construction companies, and city planners. It looks great It's low maintenance It's relatively inexpensive It lasts a long time Benefits Of Asphalt Asphalt is a great material for driveways because it is durable and easy to work with. It's also more affordable than other paving materials, such as concrete or brick. An asphalt driveway will last about 15-20 years if properly cared for. The process can take up to two weeks from start to finish, depending on the size of your property and the depth of the existing asphalt surface that needs replacing. Prepare the driveway: This includes removing any grass, weeds, old asphalt, or other obstacles from the area that will be paved. The surface is then leveled and compacted for a smooth finish. Lay the sub-base: The next step in the process is to lay down the sub-base, often sand or aggregate stone, that will be used as an anchor for the asphalt material. The thickness of this layer will vary depending on your climate zone and how well it drains water during rainstorms. Pouring the liquid asphalt : When pouring the liquid asphalt, heavy equipment will be used to lay down the hot asphalt. The asphalt paving process can be dangerous, so it should only be performed by a professional. Rolling process: To make sure all air pockets have been pushed out, a roller truck will use steel rollers to flatten out the surface and make sure it's compact and smooth. Final hardening: Once the asphalt has set, wait several days to walk or drive on your newly paved surface in order to allow it to fully harden. Asphalt Driveway Pavers In Vancouver One of the most important aspects of any paving project is choosing a paving company with experience and expertise. Topwest Asphalt Ltd. is a pavement design and construction service company that has been serving businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area since 2007. To learn more about Topwest Asphalt, contact us by calling 604-755-0300 or request a quote online.

New asphalt paving makes a home or business look great. When you install new asphalt, you need to know how long it takes before it is safe to walk or drive on it. You could hurt yourself or damage the surface if you put weight on newly laid asphalt too soon.Fortunately, you can safely walk on most asphalt surfaces as soon as they are dry. Still, paving companies recommend waiting about one hour after completion. For best results, rope off the newly covered area and wait at least 24 hours before walking on it. What Could Happen if I Walk On Asphalt Too Soon? Walking on asphalt before it is dry may injure you or harm your shoes. You may also leave footprints or otherwise damage the surface. Professional pavers will not allow anyone to walk in the area until it is safe. As long as the asphalt is dry, you can walk on it with flat-bottomed shoes. Keep cleats and high heels off the surface for a few days to avoid holes in the pavement. When Is It Safe To Drive on New Asphalt? Wait at least three days before parking or driving on fresh asphalt. It would help to keep vehicles with kickstands, like bicycles and motorcycles, off newly paved areas for several days. Kickstands can press into the drying surface and create holes. How Do Weather and Temperature Affect Asphalt Drying Times? Seventy degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal drying temperature for asphalt. The asphalt will take about three days to dry entirely in these conditions. Temperatures above 80 to 90 degrees will cause the surface to dry more slowly. It could take three more days than usual to achieve a dry surface under these conditions. Paving companies do not work in winter because ice and snow damage new asphalt. The pavement will not set well if the ambient temperature is below 50 degrees. Sunlight and wind also affect asphalt drying time. In direct sunlight and on windy days, asphalt dries quickly. Rainy weather causes delays in asphalt drying times, perhaps by as much as a week. Rainwater makes the oil in asphalt rise to the surface and reduces its quality. What Is the Difference Between Dried and Cured Asphalt? When a paving job is complete, asphalt is dry to the touch. However, it is not fully solid beneath the surface. It could take up to a year for asphalt to cure completely. Why Does Asphalt Take So Long to Cure? Asphalt takes so long to cure because it is a complex material . Binders, aggregates, and filler come together to make asphalt. Aggregates include rocks, gravel, sand, and recycled asphalt. Bitumen, a thick, sticky oil derivative, is used to bind the aggregate together. A mixture of finely ground minerals makes up the filler. As asphalt cures, volatile oils in the bitumen oxidize. The gradual release of these compounds means that the surface hardens over time. The weather has the most significant influence on the amount of time it takes asphalt to cure completely. Walking Safely on Fresh Asphalt As long as you follow our guidelines for safely walking on fresh asphalt, you will keep your feet and the surface safe from damage. Be sure to listen to the crew's instructions after they complete your job so that your paved surface will stay looking like new.

Asphalt or concrete for driveways and parking lots - which is the better choice? If you’re considering paving your driveway or parking lot, we know there are many different things to take into account when making your decision, including: How your driveway or parking lot may look Material performance and longevity Cost over all Time of installation Each of these is an important consideration, and the answer as to whether concrete or asphalt is the best choice for you depends on a number of different things, such as the process of installation, the climate in your area, both long-term and short-term maintenance, overall lifespan, and more. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons. Installation Process One of the first things you will want to consider when trying to decide between concrete and asphalt for your driveway or parking is how long it will take to install. Simply put, asphalt is fastest. Liquid asphalt pores quickly and installs smoothly. It can be ready for use in just two days in many climates. Maintenance and Weather Considerations When choosing between asphalt versus concrete, climate is one key factor. In cold weather, concrete can crack from freezing or thawing, making maintenance more costly than asphalt. The reason for this is that concrete can contract and expand when it freezes or thaws. However, intensely hot weather can cause asphalt to soften. Either concrete or asphalt needs to be sealed in order to last long and stay in good shape. And both will need routine maintenance. While reapplying a surface coating of asphalt every few years is an expense, concrete can become brittle and risk cracking, which leads to costly and often more extensive repair. When it is installed properly, an asphalt driveway or parking lot receiving regular preventive maintenance can last 20 years, even in the very coldest of climates. Asphalt can handle both freezing and thawing quite well. And the dark surface of asphalt absorbs the heat and light of the sun, which means that snow and ice will both melt more quickly, too. Overall, concrete changes more in cold weather than hot, and is more stable in warmer climates. Cost Considerations When it comes to cost, asphalt installation is less expensive than concrete. But, concrete can have a longer lifespan over many years. Factor in overall longevity with maintenance costs and the environment in which your driveway or parking lot is located, along with the initial cost of installation. Remember that both asphalt and concrete parking lots will get damaged after time. Concrete parking lots have long lifespans and relatively low maintenance but when it is necessary, concrete parking lot maintenance is often both difficult and quite expensive. Parking lot repair is easy, less costly and fast with asphalt. Learn More about Asphalt Driveway and Parking Lot Paving Ready to learn more or schedule asphalt driveway paving now? With our many years of asphalt paving expertise, our professional team is ready to make sure your new driveway or parking lot is installed using our best practices for skilled installation. Contact our professionals at TopWest Asphalt for your next asphalt project, paving, and repairs. We’re here to help - reach out to us today!

Asphalt pavement is a terrific paving choice for driveways, parking lots, roads and more. With good installation and regular, routine maintenance, your asphalt can last for a long time. But, there are a few things that can destroy asphalt and greatly shorten lifespan. It’s easy to avoid these problems, and prevent costly replacement or expensive repairs. What is Asphalt Exactly? Durable and cost effective, asphalt is made from a binder such as Bitumen, filler, and a mix of aggregates, which are made up for processed minerals including crushed rocks, gravel, sand, slags, or and other materials that are both sustainable and recycled. Oil and Mulch Stains Can Harm Asphalt As durable as asphalt is, oil stains can degrade asphalt by eating through the surface. It’s not uncommon for parked vehicles to leak oil, and that oil will then cause deterioration of asphalt, penetrating the surface. Once the oil penetrates the surface, it can cause asphalt to soften and crumble. Mulch can also stain asphalt, and when the stains soak in, it can cause the asphalt to soften and crumble as well. Mulch stains are easier to avoid than oil stains; it’s always best not to apply mulch if it’s raining or will rain soon to prevent mulch dye from spilling onto the asphalt. And, if oil or mulch stains do appear, there is a solution to these staining problems and the degradation they can cause in asphalt. Inspect, Clean, Repair Asphalt It’s important to clean any stains on asphalt as soon as you see them. Mulch and oil are just the most common degrading stains. ​Regular inspection and cleaning can help you avoid expensive damages to asphalt. Here’s how to remove mulch stains: Rinse the asphalt with water. Do not power wash, as the pressure could drive the stain more deeply into the surface Apply soap or vinegar to the surface of the asphalt, scrubbing with a brush and using circular motion Rinse with water And, if the stain persists: Mix two gallons of warm water with two cups of bleach Use a brush to again scrub at the solution in a circular motion Let this sit for 30 minutes. Rinse off the bleach solution To remove oil stains: First, if there’s any oil on the surface, blot it with clay cat litter. Sprinkle it on to soak up any excess, then sweep it away. Next, to remove the stain, a Tri-Sodium Phosphate mix is best. Mix it into a paste Use a brush to scrub it on the stain Let it set for thirty minutes Rinse with water You can also use a commercial degreaser instead of TSP. Learn More About Asphalt and Asphalt Maintenance from Top West Asphalt If you’re ready to learn more about asphalt, and the best ways to maintain it, including stain removal, reach out to us today! We’re here to help.

Are you considering paving your driveway? At Top West Asphalt, we know there are many different things to take into account from how you want your driveway to look to the performance and longevity of your new driveway installation. Taking into account the amount of time needed to install the driveway, surface durability, and the installation process of your driveway are all important, too. Consider the Right WeatherIt’s important to install your new asphalt driveway when the weather is the best for installation. Extremes in temperature and moisture are both important in choosing when to install. After all, your subgrade - the native soil your driveway will be placed on - should be smooth, firm, and laid out well, so that it is contoured to match your driveway’s layout. To make sure of this, the weather should not be either too cold or too wet. If the subgrade has too much moisture or is frozen, your new asphalt driveway could be laid down onto a surface that is far less than ideal. Driveways that will be holding heavier loads will need to have more subgrade. The surface of the subgrade should not only be smooth, it must be free of any debris, top soil, weeds, plants, or leaves. In fact, any organic material remaining in the subgrade can cause decay and damage to your driveway.Consider How Well Surfaces Install - and LastAmong the many benefits of choosing an asphalt driveway is how long they last and how quickly they can be installed. Properly installed, an asphalt driveway receiving regular preventive maintenance can last 20 years! These driveways last even in the coldest climates, handling freezing and thawing well. The dark surface absorbs the heat and light of the sun, melting snow and ice more quickly, too.Asphalt is also a great value. In fact, it's one of the most reasonable options for driveways, with preventative maintenance less costly than other materials, too. And, asphalt driveways can be installed rapidly - usually in only a day or two once the subgrade is prepared. The material should be poured smoothly and quickly. Once the asphalt is poured, it must be allowed to cure, usually for several days after paving. During that time, be sure not to walk or drive on the surface. Curing helps the material completely set and avoids any damage. Once cured, you might also want to seal the driveway. Using a driveway sealant can protect the soundness of the surface, especially if extreme weather is likely to occur. Consider How Well Your Driveway Will Handle DrainageEffectively handling water drainage is another thing to consider when you’re looking for experienced asphalt driveway installation. A skilled installation team such as our experts at Top West Asphalt understand the best ways to make sure surface water won’t build up on your new driveway by pitching it properly. If water pools or doesn’t drain properly from the surface, your driveway will deteriorate. But with our many years of asphalt paving expertise, our professionals can make sure your new asphalt driveway is installed using our best practices for skilled installation. Learn More about Asphalt Driveway PavingReady to learn more or schedule asphalt driveway paving now? Contact our professionals at TopWest Asphalt for your next asphalt project, paving, and repairs. We’re here to help - reach out to us today!

What causes potholes? The short answer is distressed pavement, which occurs from aging asphalt, ongoing traffic, weather, and lack of maintenance. As cars and trucks pass over a weather-weakened or aging spot in the road, pieces of that road surface will break down, causing cracks and gaps. Without proper maintenance, even small cracks can become potholes, and small potholes turn into large craters.Of course, potholes may be prevented in the first place by properly sealing cracks and performing other regular maintenance. It’s important to perform regular maintenance instead of correcting major issues and reconstructing road surfaces. To prevent potholes from forming, sealing cracks is an important step. By keeping water out of pavement by sealing, many potholes will never form. In fact, along with making sure road surfaces have adequate drainage, sealing cracks is the most important maintenance technique to avoid or greatly delay pavement distress caused by weather and wear.How Potholes Form from CracksPotholes begin to form after rain or snow creeps into the surface of a road through a pavement crack and flows under that road surface. The moisture can freeze when the temperature drops, making the ground expand, and causing the road surface to then push up. When salt is used on icy roads, the problem can be increased. When the temperature rises again, the ground itself may return to its normal level, but the pavement surface stays elevated, creating a gap between the pavement and ground.Whenever vehicles drive over that gap, the surface will crack more and slip into the gap, causing a pothole to form. If the pothole fills with water once again, and refreezes, more asphalt can break and cause the pothole to become much larger. Because winter weather is a big cause of potholes, the real damage to roads is often most noticeable in the spring. But, if the weather remains temperate, what causes potholes? These damaging craters can still form due to aging roads, heavy traffic, large stress loads, and excessive rain or flooding. Filling and Sealing Cracks to Avoid Pothole DamageFilling and sealing cracks to avoid the formation of potholes and greater road damage is key. At TopWest Asphalt, we can fill and seal cracks effectively to protect asphalt from further damage, reduce the chance for full surface replacement, and prevent the traffic dangers that can be caused by disintegrating asphalt. During warm weather, we can patch using a hot asphalt mix that hardens as it cools, providing a tight seal. In cold weather, an emergency cold patch is applied, and can be re-patched using a hot mix when weather warms again. Crack sealing prevents water intrusion through the crack into the pavement structure below. Sealing involves the use of a hot sealant when weather allows.TopWest Patching ServicesAt TopWest we can provide three different types of patching. Asphalt Dig Out - This type of long-lasting patching removes failed asphalt sections to the base, installing a new one from the ground up. Surface patching - Also called mill patching and used for moderate damage, this process mills pavement surface to remove a few top inches, cleaning the area, then pouring in, compacting, and leveling new asphalt. Pothole patching - Filling in the pothole or hairline cracks in the surface of the road.How TopWest Asphalt Can Help We’ve provided quality asphalt services for over 15 years, offering detailed craftsmanship that’s designed to last, as well as ongoing maintenance to keep your asphalt looking good and pothole free.Give us a call today, at (604) 857-3126 for a free estimate or to schedule service. We’ll look forward to hearing from you and helping with all your asphalt needs throughout the greater Abbotsford area.

Asphalt is a popular paving material for driveways, parking lots, and other outdoor surfaces. Even though it is dark in color, it is still susceptible to staining, especially from oil. Vehicles can leave behind oil stains after being parked on asphalt for a period of time. If you catch an oil stain right away and clean it up, it is much easier to do. But if an oil stain has been there a while and soaked into the asphalt, it may be a little harder to remove. Here’s what to do if you discover an oil stain on your asphalt. Does the Oil Appear Wet?If the oil stain on your asphalt seems to be wet, it may still be easy to clean up. Here are a few options: Dish soap. Dish soap is designed to cut grease and oil, so it tends to work on oil spills. This is most effective on recent oil drips and leaks. Cat litter. Sprinkle cat litter on the oil spot and let it sit for a few hours or even overnight. The litter will soak up the oil and you can sweep it up. Coca-cola. The acidity of Coca-cola has been known to remove grease and oil. Pour a generous amount over the oil spot and allow to soak. Then rinse it away. Is the Oil Stain Dry? If the oil spot appears to be a dry stain, it may have been sitting there soaking in for a while. Here’s how to remove old oil stains from asphalt: Oil stain remover. There are specialized cleaners marketed for cleaning up oil stains. Purchase one of these cleaners and follow the directions. Powder detergent. Laundry detergent in powder form is particularly effective. The powder soaks up the oil and helps to remove it. It works best if you pour it on, let it sit for a few hours, then scrub it with a scrub brush. The abrasiveness of the powder helps to remove it from the asphalt. Baking soda. An abrasive and absorbent product, baking soda is particularly effective at removing oil stains that have set in. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and lightly spritz with water to activate it. Then scrub it with a scrub brush and rinse it away. Oven cleaner. Strong enough to remove baked-on food stains in your oven, oven cleaner may be able to remove oil from asphalt. Spray it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a scrub brush and rinse away. WD-40. Treat grease with grease? WD-40 is a solvent that can work on oil stains. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse away. Replace the Asphalt If none of the above cleaning options will remove the stain, you may have to replace the asphalt. The good news is that if there is only one or a few stains, that part of your asphalt can be replaced instead of the entire surface. A thin layer of asphalt can be heated and scraped away, then replaced with a new layer. The only problem is that if your driveway has faded some, the patched areas will be darker than the rest of your driveway. And if your purpose for removing the stains is aesthetic, you’re still left with an uneven surface. Prevent Oil Stains with Sealcoating Now that you know how to remove old oil stains from asphalt and how difficult it is, you may be more interested in how to prevent it. Asphalt needs to be resealed every 1-3 years. Applying asphalt sealcoating to your driveway provides a protective layer over the top that will repel oil and other substances that can stain your driveway. It also gives your driveway a darker surface that makes it look like new asphalt. Topwest Asphalt Provides Replacement and Sealcoating Services If you need a tough stain removed from your asphalt, Topwes t Asphalt can help. Our services include asphalt repair, replacement, and sealcoating to help remove and prevent stains. Call 604-755-0300 or contact us for a free estimate. We look forward to helping you with your asphalt needs.

Does your asphalt driveway need repair? Asphalt is an extremely durable paving material, but it is still susceptible to wear and tear over time from weather and vehicle traffic. How do you know when your asphalt driveway needs to be repaired? And what will asphalt repair entail? Get the answers to these questions and more in this complete guide to asphalt repair. Signs Your Driveway Needs Repair The main signs of wear and tear that you’ll see on your asphalt driveway are: Cracks. Asphalt is susceptible to cracking due to fluctuations in temperature and weight from vehicles. Potholes. When water sits in certain spots or when cracks become severe, potholes can form in your asphalt. Low spots. When water seeps into cracks and under the asphalt, the ground underneath can become uneven. These low spots will get worse as water collects in them. Discoloration. Some places on your driveway may become discolored due to damage from motor oil, leaves and plant debris, and snow and ice. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact an asphalt company that handles residential paving . Repair vs. Replacement In some cases your asphalt may simply need to be repaired. In other cases it may need to be completely repaved. Sometimes your needs may fall somewhere in between. How do you know what’s necessary for your driveway? Have an asphalt paving company evaluate it and provide the necessary repairs. Crack Sealing. If your driveway has some cracks but is otherwise in decent shape, you may just need a crack sealing job done. Filling the cracks and sealing your driveway will prevent the cracks from worsening and keep moisture from seeping down into the sublayer. Pothole Repair. If your driveway has some potholes they should be filled and repaired as soon as possible. Potholes, like cracks, will only get worse with time. When you address them early they can be repaired and spare you a complete resurfacing. Resurfacing. When there are extensive cracks, potholes, and other damage to your driveway, it may need to be completely resurfaced. This process involves scraping off the top damaged layer and laying down a new layer of asphalt. This is still easier than starting from scratch. Complete Replacement. When the sublayer underneath your driveway is damaged from moisture and no longer even, you may need a complete repaving job. This involves ripping up the existing asphalt, preparing a new surface, and putting down new asphalt. Preventing Damage with Asphalt Maintenance Regular asphalt maintenance can keep your driveway from developing cracks, potholes, and other damage. Asphalt maintenance basically involves periodic sealing of your driveway. Every 1-3 years you should have a sealcoating applied to your asphalt driveway. This prevents moisture from getting into small cracks so that they don’t become larger. Professional sealcoating application will ensure your driveway is fully protected from the effects of weather and vehicles. Signs Your Sealcoating is Working If you’re trying to determine if your driveway needs a new sealcoating, check your driveway after it rains. The water should bead up in small droplets, indicating that the water is being repelled instead of absorbed. If you don’t see this, it may be time to have your driveway sealed. Asphalt Repair and Weather An important factor in asphalt paving and repair jobs is the weather. For a simple sealcoating job, you only need about 3 days of dry weather. For a new paving job or an asphalt replacement, you need 5-7 days of dry weather. Residential Paving by Topwest Asphalt Does your driveway need repair or replacement? Topwest Asphalt provides a full range of residential paving services. We can evaluate the condition of your driveway and make a recommendation for the best way to restore it. We also provide asphalt maintenance services to keep your driveway in excellent condition. Call 604-857-3126 today to request service or get a free quote . We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your asphalt driveway.

When asphalt is first laid down it is a dark black color. Whether it’s a driveway or a newly paved road, it looks smooth and flawless. But over time the black fades to gray from the sun and traffic and loses its luster. Besides just looking faded, a gray driveway is an indication that the asphalt is wearing out and breaking down. If your driveway is looking more gray than black lately, it may be time for asphalt repair. Here’s what you need to know about gray asphalt driveway repair. Signs Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Repair If you notice any of the following, your driveway needs repair: Fading. If your once black driveway has faded to gray, it needs attention. Fading is a sign that the bitumen (tar) is drying out. The bitumen holds the aggregates (pieces of asphalt) together. When it dries out the aggregates become more visible and start to flake off of the driveway. The sooner a fading driveway is repaired the better. Cracks. Visible cracks in your asphalt need to be repaired right away. Cracks allow moisture to seep underneath your driveway which can damage the sublayer and foundation. Low spots. Are there obvious low spots in your driveway where water puddles? These spots need to be repaired as soon as possible or they will only continue to deepen. Potholes. Potholes are severe low spots where the asphalt is not only dipped, but sometimes also cracked around the edges. These need to be filled to prevent further damage. Weeds growing through. If there are places where weeds or grass are growing up through the cracks in your driveway, it means those cracks are severe enough that the sublayer is also damaged. These cracks need to be patched and sealed. Stains. Oil and other substances leak from cars and stain driveways. Leaves and plant matter can also cause stains. Stains are not only unsightly, but they indicate that the asphalt is no longer sealed effectively to repel stains. What Gray Asphalt Driveway Repair Entails There are a few different ways that asphalt can be repaired: Crack patching. Any cracks in your driveway can be patched to seal them off from moisture and prevent weeds from growing through. Sealcoating. A seal coat can be applied to your asphalt that will protect the surface from damage and repel water and other substances. It will also restore the dark black color of your driveway. Pothole repair. Potholes need to be repaired and filled with new asphalt to even out the surface of your driveway and prevent them from getting deeper. Resurfacing. If there are too many potholes, cracks, or other damage to patch up individually, your driveway may need to be scraped and completely resurfaced. Repaving. Some driveways are beyond repair and need to be completely repaved. This process starts from the ground up, preparing the foundation and laying new asphalt. Save Money With Asphalt Repair As with most things, the better care you take of something, the longer it will last. The same is true with your asphalt driveway. If you notice that your driveway is fading to gray, it means that it could use some maintenance. Applying a sealcoat every one to three years can help your asphalt keep its dark black appearance as well as prevent cracks, stains, and other damage from occurring. Maintenance will save you money by preventing future repairs or repaving. Topwest Asphalt Provides Gray Driveway Repair Services If your driveway needs a refresher, Topwest Asphalt can help. We provide a complete range of asphalt services to repair and maintain your driveway. Preserve the appearance of your driveway to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Adding an asphalt driveway adds value to your home and repairs help maintain that value. Call 604-755-0300 or contact us to request a free estimate. We look forward to helping you keep your asphalt driveway looking great.