Search Results

College campuses play host to hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of students, depending on size. A constant stream of car, bike, and foot traffic from students, faculty members, and visitors can wreak havoc if careful and ongoing maintenance is not performed. Yet careful planning is vital, as no campus can afford to just shut down parking lots in the middle of classes. Here are some things to consider regarding your campus parking lot maintenance. Parking Lot Hazards College students and professors alike have a bad habit of racing to class, paying little attention to their surroundings. Cracked or loose pavement could lead to physical injuries and property damage. Reduce the risk of falls and vehicle accidents by filling cracks and patching holes as soon as possible. Also repaint pavement markings on a regular basis to ensure that vital information is clear and noticeable. Paved Bike Paths At many colleges and universities, bicycles are an extremely common form of transportation. Create paved, clearly marked bike paths to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safe buffer between bicycles, pedestrians, and cars. Make sure the bike paths are well-maintained to reduce the risk of injuries. Take Advantage of College School Breaks Campuses have set schedules with regular breaks during which school is not in session. The campus may not be empty, but it will have a significantly smaller population over a break than in the middle of finals week. Emergency repairs must be performed as the need arises, but routine maintenance can easily be scheduled during breaks. Talk to your asphalt professional to set up an ongoing maintenance plan to extend the life of the asphalt and reduce the need for emergency repairs. Make a Good First Impression Keep in mind that prospective students are always visiting, and the first thing many prospects will see is your parking lot. Sure, a top football team or a noted professor can be a huge draw, but no one wants to attend a school that looks like it’s falling apart. A well-maintained parking lot with clear markings and no cracking or potholes creates an excellent first impression. Ready to Get Started? Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? Contact Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate.

Freezing, wet weather can have a dramatic impact on asphalt driveways, roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. Without proper planning and maintenance, your asphalt can easily fall victim to Canada’s winters, dramatically shortening its useful life. Fortunately, understanding how winter weather can affect asphalt, and making a proactive plan ahead of time, can help to ensure that your asphalt survives even our most challenging winter conditions. Here is what you need to know. Asphalt Winter Maintenance and Repair Tips Asphalt Installation Asphalt should never be installed during the winter months, due to the nature of the installation process, as well as the internal makeup of the asphalt product. Hot asphalt arrives at the job site on a heated truck. It is maintained at a high temperature that keeps it well-mixed, liquid, and ready to pour. It is then poured onto the prepared site, where it is spread and evenly leveled off. The asphalt is then left to harden over the next 24 hours, and to cure for approximately a week. In cold weather, the asphalt begins to harden too rapidly. There is not enough working time to properly pour, spread, and level off the asphalt before it becomes too thick to work with. In addition, the frozen ground can cause the aggregates that form part of the asphalt mix to loosen and even break free. Cracked Asphalt Even the best laid asphalt is not immune to cracking during winter weather. This is because the ground actually expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws. Especially during times of heavy snowfall and snow melt, the expansion and contraction is simply too much for the asphalt to absorb, leading to ongoing cracking. Water Intrusion Water intrusion is a constant concern with asphalt, whether during heavy summer rains or winter snowfalls. As cracks form on the surface, water is able to penetrate into the lower levels of the asphalt. This can lead to asphalt erosion from within, ultimately resulting in deepening cracks, potholes, and even total asphalt failure. Cold Patching Asphalt Because asphalt cracks tend to lead to worsening problems over time, it is very important to patch them as soon as possible. Major repairs need to wait until spring, but cold patching, which is not dependent on the ambient temperature of the air or the ground, is an effective temporary solution. Patch small cracks or new potholes when you notice them, and plan to have a more permanent repair performed when the temperature warms up. Asphalt Seal Coating One of the best defenses against winter weather damage to asphalt is seal coating. Before the temperature begins to drop, ask your asphalt professional to apply a seal coat. This thin layer of protective material helps to repel moisture, as well as gasoline, oil, and other chemicals that can damage the asphalt. Be sure to have the seal coat inspected annually, and reapplied every two to three years as needed. Asphalt Repair If your asphalt takes damage over the winter, it may be salvageable in the spring. Minor to moderate damage is normally fixed with a process known as surface patching. A few inches of asphalt are milled off the top of the damaged section, the hole is cleaned out, and new asphalt is poured and leveled off. If the damage is severe, dig-out patching is the usual solution. The entire section of failed asphalt is removed and replaced. This is a pricey and time-consuming solution, but is much less expensive than replacing the entire area. If the damage is extensive, resurfacing might be the best choice. The top layers of the entire piece of asphalt are removed, any needed structural repairs are completed, and then the top layers are replaced with fresh asphalt. This can dramatically boost the strength and stability of badly damaged asphalt while restoring curb appeal. Of course, sometimes asphalt is simply too far gone to be salvaged, and it must be replaced. However, it is not easy for the untrained eye to assess. At TopWest Asphalt, we are always happy to give you our professional opinion on how to proceed.

If you have a gravel driveway, you are already aware of its advantages. Gravel is inexpensive and it can take a beating, making it a good choice for rugged applications. However, gravel also has a number of significant drawbacks. Paving your driveway can cut down on maintenance, create curb appeal, and make it much easier to cope with winter weather. While it is a bit more expensive upfront than gravel, many homeowners find that asphalt is worth the investment. Here are the top 5 reasons that many homeowners choose to pave their gravel driveways. Paved Driveways Vs. Gravel Driveways 1. Paving Your Driveway is Aesthetically Pleasing Because it is loosely packed and always shifting, gravel can look messy and unfinished. A paved driveway creates clean lines, adding a sense of style and grace that complements almost any home. Asphalt is less expensive than other options, such as pavers and concrete, but creates a similar streamlined aesthetic. You have invested significantly in your home, so why pull down its look with a gravel driveway that appears unfinished? 2. Gravel Driveways Require More Maintenance Paved driveways are significantly easier to maintain than gravel. While gravel is constantly shifting, creating divots, hills, and empty spaces, an asphalt driveway is largely trouble-free. All you need to do is clean the driveway twice a year and sealcoat it every two to five years. Patch small holes as they occur, and your paved driveway can easily last up to 35 years. 3. Ice and Snow Removal Becomes Easier Canada is well known for its extreme weather conditions. When you are coping with ice and snow in the dead of winter, a paved driveway is the smart choice. Snow tends to settle in all the gaps and spaces between pieces of gravel, making it extremely tough to remove. If you do try to remove ice and snow, you will likely dig deep ruts and holes in the gravel that will have to be filled in. In many cases, the only option for dealing with winter weather on a gravel driveway is to throw sand or salt over it and hope for the best. An asphalt driveway creates a smooth, clean surface on which the snow can settle. Removing the snow is as simple as clearing it away, and you are significantly less likely to damage your driveway in the process. 4. Cleanliness of a Paved Driveway Driving across a gravel driveway kicks up clouds of rocks, dirt, dust, and debris. This is especially noticeable during the drier months, but can create mud during the rainy season. Keeping your car and the exterior of your home clean can be a lot more challenging when you have a gravel driveway. You might also track dirt and debris into your home, creating the need to vacuum and mop more frequently. By contrast, a paved driveway allows dust and dirt to settle. You are not likely to need a car wash every time you leave your house along a paved driveway, even on the driest days. 5. Resale Value Increases with Driveway Paving Curb appeal refers to the way a home looks from the street, and it is a hot topic in real estate. Many potential home buyers feel that a gravel driveway looks messy and unfinished. They worry about the maintenance involved in keeping the gravel neat and clean. This can predispose a potential buyer to dislike your home before ever setting foot inside. While a gravel driveway may not prevent you from finding a buyer, why turn off a sizeable portion of the market? If you will sell your home soon, upgrading to a clean, new paved driveway can dramatically raise the curb appeal, making it easier to sell and even raising the price you can expect. Of course, every home sale is unique. Talk to your real estate agent about how much a paved driveway will increase your home’s value before making the investment solely for resale purposes. Based in Abbotsford, Topwest Asphalt also serves Langley, Chilliwack, Mission, and Maple Ridge. Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? We invite you to call Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate. We look forward to working with you!

A pothole is a form of asphalt failure caused by a combination of water and traffic pressure. Potholes are a reality of life in Canada and across the globe. While it is nearly impossible to entirely prevent potholes from forming, understanding their causes can help you minimize their effects. What Is Asphalt? To truly understand what causes potholes, it is important to first understand what asphalt is made out of. An extremely common and sustainable paving material, asphalt consists of aggregates, binders, and fillers. The aggregates vary, but are generally composed of gravel, sand, or rocks ground to different consistencies. Binders such as bitumen give asphalt a remarkable adhesive quality, holding it together and making it easy to pour and spread. Asphalt is normally heated before pouring to give it a longer workable time and to allow it to cure as it slowly cools. What Is a Pothole? A pothole is an unevenly cracked area where the asphalt is washed out or worn away. Potholes tend to worsen over time, and can range in diameter from a few inches to a few feet, with a depth up to several inches. Potholes make driveways and roads bumpy, and can even damage your vehicle’s tires and alignment. How Do Potholes Form? As vehicles pass across asphalt, the friction from the tires causes it to expand. Over time, this can lead to surface cracks in the asphalt. When it rains or snows, water seeps into those cracks. That water can gradually erode the asphalt from underneath, causing larger cracks and divots to form. Our cold Canadian winters add to the problem because water can actually freeze inside the cracks. The expansion of water into ice pushes out the asphalt, often somewhat violently. When the water melts and contracts, there is nothing left in the space that the ice once occupied. This speeds up the erosion cycle, often causing large divots to appear quickly. Whether the divot was left by freezing and thawing, or simply eroded over time, the end result is the same—a gap underneath the surface pavement. Then, when a vehicle drives over the divot, the weight pushes down on the divot, allowing it to collapse into a hole. As more vehicles drive over the pothole, the cracking worsens and the hole gets bigger. How To Fix Potholes Fortunately, potholes are relatively easy to fix. In the winter, an emergency patch repair is performed. This fix uses something called a cold patch, which can be applied at any temperature. It will fill the hole and prevent further damage, but is not considered a long-term solution. When the weather warms up, it is usually best to replace the cold patch with a hot asphalt mix. In a hot mix repair, the pothole is thoroughly cleaned and the edges are evened out, and then hot asphalt is carefully poured and worked to create an even seam with the existing asphalt. As the product cools and cures, it forms a tight seal. This is the preferred method for a long term repair, but it cannot be performed in the winter. The reason for this is that the hot asphalt must be maintained at a specific working temperature. Winter weather causes it to cool and harden too quickly. How to Prevent Potholes? It is not possible to prevent all potholes from occurring, but a well-designed plan can minimize the risk for pothole development. An experienced asphalt contractor can assess the site and make needed corrections for proper drainage as the asphalt is laid. It is also important to create just the right mix of air pockets within the asphalt to give water that seeps in a place to go when it freezes and expands. Finally, choosing a high-quality asphalt mix can improve the durability and make it less likely for cracks to turn into potholes. Regular inspection is also important. Take a good look at your asphalt periodically. If you notice cracks starting to form, address them immediately rather than allowing them to worsen. Also look for areas of standing water, which signal improper drainage. With regular inspection and maintenance, the number and severity of potholes can be significantly diminished. Based in Abbotsford, Topwest Asphalt also serves Langley, Chilliwack, Mission, and Maple Ridge. Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? We invite you to call Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate. We look forward to working with you!

Asphalt driveways are relatively easy and inexpensive to repair, when compared to other common driveway surfaces. However, repairs do not always make the most sense. The age of your driveway, the extent of needed repairs, and your goals for the driveway will help you decide which option is best for you. Here is what you need to know about patching, replacing and resurfacing your asphalt driveway. Get Your Estimate! Driveway Repair Options Patching: The Cheapest Option Patching is by far the easiest and least expensive solution. Small cracks, divots, and holes are the best candidates for asphalt patching. If the damage is less than one-quarter inch wide, it is likely that you need nothing more than a basic liquid crack filling compound. Bigger cracks and holes generally represent more extensive damage beneath the surface. Fortunately, most badly cracked asphalt driveways can still be saved. Surface patching is a great choice for asphalt that is moderately damaged but has not totally failed. A few inches are milled off the top layers of the damaged spot, and the hole is cleaned. Then new asphalt is poured, compacted, and leveled off. If the damage is more severe, dig out patching is an excellent option. The entire section of failed asphalt is removed, and a brand new section is installed from the ground up. This is a long-lasting, but complex repair. Resurfacing Asphalt Driveways: The Middle Ground Of course, patching is not always the best choice. If you have a few severe cracks and holes, or several moderate ones, it is not necessarily cost-effective or practical to patch them all. In addition, patching restores structural strength, but will never look as neat and clean as a newly resurfaced driveway. If curb appeal is important, such as when you are trying to sell your home, resurfacing may be the best aesthetic choice. Asphalt Resurfacing Cost Resurfacing involves completely removing and replacing the top layers of asphalt. Any necessary patching is done before the final top layer of asphalt is poured, providing structural rehabilitation and the “new driveway” look at a fraction of the cost of complete replacement. Replace Asphalt Driveway: Starting Over Although resurfacing can fix many badly damaged asphalt driveways, it is not a cure all. Some driveways have extensive damage that extends to the driveway’s foundation. Dig out patching can fix relatively small failed areas, but is not practical for bigger or multiple problems. In addition, the older your driveway is, the more likely it is to need replacement. Driveways are exposed to massive forces every day, and over time, the stresses eventually take their toll. Repairing or resurfacing an asphalt driveway that is more than 20 or so years old will provide, at best, a temporary fix. It is likely that new problems will develop soon after the repairs are completed, leaving you in a seemingly endless cycle of damage and repairs. Replacing the driveway is like turning back time. Although the upfront cost is higher than that of patching or resurfacing, it is a long-term investment. With early detection and repair of any cracks or divots that develop, your new driveway could be virtually trouble-free for another 20 or more years. Timing Driveway Repairs: Weather Considerations Timing your repairs, resurfacing, or replacement is very important. It is not practical or advisable to undertake extensive asphalt work during the colder months. This is because hot asphalt is affected by the temperatures of both the ambient air and the ground surface. It needs to remain hot enough to be workable for long enough to complete the project, and then gradually cool and cure. This is simply impossible during cold weather. If you need an emergency winter repair, cold patch products are available. A cold patch will not correct underlying damage, but it will prevent the damage from worsening. Depending on the extent of the needed repair, you might be advised to replace the cold patch with a hot patch when the weather warms up. Based in Abbotsford, Topwest Asphalt also serves Langley, Chilliwack, Mission, and Maple Ridge. Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? We invite you to call Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate. We look forward to working with you! Get Your Estimate!

If you have never worked with a paving contractor before, you might wonder what to expect. After all, your contractor will invade your personal or commercial space for some time, charge you money, and ultimately provide a piece of asphalt that you hope will last for years to come. To successfully navigate the process, thoughtful paving contractors go out of their way to earn their clients’ trust. Here are a few things you can expect from a contractor who truly values your business. Follow-Through A thoughtful paving contractor keeps his commitments. Whether it is ensuring that your project stays on budget or showing up on time for a meeting, you can be sure that the contractor is good to his word. If something unavoidable comes up, he lets you know immediately and is ready with solutions. Practicality While every project is different, experienced contractors know what time frames, work methods, and expectations are reasonable. A thoughtful contractor will not make pie in the sky promises. Instead, she will set practical, achievable expectations from the outset. Communication Thoughtful paving contractors value communication and client education. They will be upfront and honest about what they’re doing, how, and why. They let their clients know how the project fits into their overall schedule, and what to expect from each stage of work. They also let customers know how their lives will be impacted. For example, if you need to close your office parking lot for repaving, a thoughtful contractor will let you know in advance when it will happen and how long the lot will need to remain closed. Respect A thoughtful paving contractor will treat you with respect. He will do his best to explain any jargon he uses, and he will answer your questions in a professional manner. He will also respect your time and do his best not to leave you hanging. Honesty Thoughtful contractors feel no need to puff themselves up. They are open about possible obstacles that could arise during the project and about how they have handled similar difficulties in the past. They go through the contract with you line by line rather than encouraging you to sign quickly, and they let you know immediately if anything comes up that will affect the price or the timeline. They will try to honor your wishes, but they will speak up if you request something that, in their professional opinion, is not a good choice for your particular situation. No one is perfect. Everyone has an occasional bad day. In general, though, a thoughtful paving contractor values honesty, respect, and trust, and will work hard to be open and realistic with you through all phases of your project. Ready to Get Started? Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? Contact Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate.

Faded paint in your parking lot is not only unattractive, but it can be a safety issue. Property managers are responsible for ensuring that their parking lots have clearly marked regular and accessible parking spots, traffic flow arrows, and other vital details. If your parking lot no longer looks its best, it might be time for striping. However, it is important to responsibly prepare the lot to minimize inconvenience and maximize the life of the new striping. Here is what you should know. Inspection and Maintenance The first step is to thoroughly inspect your parking lot for damage. Painting fresh lines over damage only ensures that you will need striping again very soon. Repair all cracks and potholes before the project begins. Advance Parking Arrangements Since no vehicles can be in the lot during striping, you will need to ensure that your tenants, clients, customers, and employees have somewhere else to park. It is vital to give clear instructions well in advance. If you have a large lot or multiple lots, ask the company that is doing the striping to provide a detailed diagram showing which lots or sections will be striped on which days. Make copies and distribute them to all tenants, and post notices for visitors. Fortunately, parking lot paint dries quickly, in as little as 10 minutes in direct sunlight. Arrange with your striping company to reopen each section as soon as possible. Cleaning Walk through the parking lot to check for trash, dirt, rocks, gravel, and other obstructions. You can clean a small parking lot yourself, but if you have a larger lot or one that is particularly full of debris, consider a professional cleaning. While no parking lot will be perfectly clean, the more obstructions are present, the more difficult, time consuming, and expensive the striping project will be. Keeping It Dry The pavement must be entirely dry throughout the duration of the painting project. You can’t control the weather, but you can make sure that all sprinklers and other water sources are turned off 24 hours before the job begins and remain off for 24 hours after the project ends. Ready to Get Started? Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? Contact Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate.

Cold, wet, winter weather can have drastic consequences on asphalt roads, driveways, parking lots, and more. Canada is known for its harsh winters, and without proper planning and maintenance, your asphalt is at risk for catastrophic failure. Fortunately, if you understand the ways in which winter weather affects asphalt and make a proactive plan, your asphalt can survive even the toughest Canadian winter. Here is what you should know.InstallationAsphalt cannot be installed during the winter. For proper asphalt installation, hot asphalt arrives at the work site on a heated truck that maintains it in a well-mixed, liquid state. It is poured onto the prepared site, spread, and leveled off. The asphalt then hardens for 24 hours, and it takes about a week to fully cure.Cold weather causes the asphalt to harden too quickly, without enough working time to pour, spread, and level it. The frozen ground can even cause the aggregates in the asphalt mix to loosen and pop out.CrackingThe ground expands and contracts as it goes through natural winter cycles of freezing and thawing. During heavy snowfall and the resulting snow melt, these cycles can cause ongoing cracking to occur in the asphalt.Water IntrusionWater intrusion is a year-round concern, from heavy summer rains to winter snowfalls. As the asphalt cracks on the surface, water can penetrate its deeper levels. This can cause erosion from within, leading to worsening cracks, potholes, and eventual asphalt failure.PatchingFortunately, asphalt can be patched even in the dead of winter, but it is important to use the proper process. Cold patching does not depend on the ambient temperature, and it is a highly effective solution to get you through until spring. Plan to replace your cold patches with a more permanent hot mix solution when the weather warms up, though, as cold patching is only considered a temporary repair.Seal CoatingBesides proper installation, seal coating is one of the top defenses against winter weather. Before the temperature plummets, ask you asphalt professional for a seal coat. This thin, protective layer repels not only moisture, but also oil, gasoline, and other chemicals that can weaken the asphalt. The seal coat should be inspected annually and replaced every two to three years.Asphalt RepairAsphalt cannot be repaired during winter weather, except for the above-mentioned cold patching. However, it can generally be repaired the next spring. Surface patching is the solution of choice for minor to moderate damage. A few inches of asphalt are removed from the damaged area, then the hole is thoroughly cleaned, and new hot-mix asphalt is poured.Dig-out patching is the best choice for more severe damage. In this case, the entire section of failed asphalt is removed and replaced. Though dig-out patching can be pricey, it is far less expensive than completely replacing or resurfacing the asphalt.For extensive damage, resurfacing or even replacement may be required. In resurfacing, the top layers of the asphalt are removed, needed repairs are made, and then new asphalt is poured. This can restore the look of the asphalt while increasing its strength and stability. Replacement is rarely required, but in extreme cases it might be the only choice.Ready to Get Started?Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget?Contact Topwest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate.

Working with asphalt can be a dangerous job, and we encourage all homeowners to leave it to the professionals. Even among properly trained and highly skilled crews, injuries and even deaths have occurred. If you are committed to doing your own asphalt work, though, you can minimize your risk of injury by following these tips. Be Careful Getting on and off Equipment The number one cause of injury for professional equipment operators is actually getting on and off the machine. Pay close attention to your safety by choosing high grip gloves and boots, cleaning off mud before climbing up, and securely engaging your hands and feet with the hand and foot holds. Use a step ladder if needed. Always use controlled movements, and never overreach. Send Spectators Away For some reason, people love to watch asphalt work being performed. Yet the more people crowding a machine, the bigger the risk for someone to get hurt. Position family and friends several feet away, and always check for people or pets before using any machine and again before turning or backing up. Be Aware of Obstructions Overhead power lines and trees, as well as buried utilities, can be dangerous. Make sure you know exactly what obstructions are where, and use barrier tape or physical barriers such as sawhorses to precisely mark their locations. Use Proper Loading and Unloading Techniques Machine roll-over is always a risk, particularly during loading and unloading. Stay centered on the ramps, use a spotter for a second set of eyes, and make sure everything is stable before moving any machine. Use proper tie-downs that are rated for the load size and weight rather than attempting to make do with rope. Properly Secure Paving Area Secure the area from passersby. This is pretty easy if you are paving your private driveway, but more difficult if you are paving a parking lot or a road. Use signs and barricades to warn drivers of the obstruction, and be sure that everyone involved is wearing proper safety gear. If you will work at night, choose reflective vests and install ample lighting. Check for glare, and instruct everyone involved to stay out of areas that are not properly lit. It is always best to hire a professional asphalt paving crew. Even professionals occasionally have accidents, some of which may be serious. If you are set on doing your own asphalt work, though, follow the tips above to remain as safe as possible. It can be tempting to cut corners, especially if you are running short on time or budget, but no amount of time or money is worth putting your safety at risk.

Asphalt is durable and tough, but it does have its weaknesses. It is particularly susceptible to seasonal changes due to expansion and contraction. It is vital to prepare your asphalt for the changing seasons, and to seal, resurface, and repair it as needed to maximize its useful life. Here are 3 ways that seasonal changes affect asphalt. Falling Temperatures In the winter, temperatures both below and above the asphalt frequently drop below freezing. This can cause cracking to occur, allowing water to seep in. If the cracks are not addressed, the water can actually pool in the lower layers of the asphalt. It will then expand as it freezes, causing further cracking and even potholes. Rising Temperatures As the weather warms up, rising temperatures can also cause new cracks to form in the asphalt, allowing water penetration. At higher temperatures, the water will not freeze, but will instead cause erosion of the sub-layers. Eventually, an air pocket can develop, and any pressure on the top layer, such as the weight of a vehicle, can cause it to collapse and crumble into a pothole. Rainy Weather Fall and spring tend to bring increased rain. If your asphalt has developed any cracks during the summer or winter, rain water can seep into the asphalt, eroding the sub-layers, pooling, and waiting to freeze next winter. The problem is even worse if your asphalt happens to be on steeper terrain. Then, rain may wash away the petroleum binder from the asphalt little by little, eventually causing the aggregates and rocks to break away. Protecting Your Asphalt from Seasonal Damage The number one best way to protect your asphalt from damage due to seasonal changes is to have it sealed every few years. This adds an extra layer of protection against both rain and extreme temperatures. Remember to have the sealant inspected regularly, and the asphalt resealed as necessary. In addition, make sure you inspect the asphalt frequently for cracks and holes, and have them repaired as soon as possible. A full repair can only be performed in warm weather, but emergency cold patches are available to get you through the winter. The faster you repair even minor surface cracks, the less likely your asphalt is to sustain worsening damage that could lead to far more expensive repairs. Nothing lasts forever, and asphalt has an average life expectancy of approximately 20 years. If you keep yours in pristine condition, it could last far longer, while asphalt that is left alone may fail much sooner. Eventually, the asphalt will need to be replaced, but you can dramatically extend its lifespan by proactively taking care of it.

While asphalt cracks and even potholes are relatively slow to progress and easy to repair, a sinkhole is entirely different. It can quickly swallow a great deal of land, taking cars, homes, and even people with it. If you find a sinkhole, it is imperative that you act quickly. Here is what you should do. What Is a Sinkhole? Sinkholes occur in what is known as karst terrain, where the bedrock under the ground’s surface are soluble, meaning that they can be dissolved by water. Limestone and gypsum are among the most common types of karst terrain. As rainwater passes through the soil into the bedrock, it erodes the rock over time. This can lead to underground caverns and voids that can then fill up with water. A sinkhole forms when the bedrock can no longer support the ground’s surface, and the land collapses. What Causes Sinkholes? Sinkholes are the result of naturally occurring processes. However, human activity can make them far more likely to happen in specific places. For example, rainwater diversion can cut channels in the soil, forcing far more runoff into a small patch of bedrock than it would otherwise receive. Types of Sinkholes There are two basic types of sinkholes. A cover-subsidence sinkhole forms from the top down. The ground surface gradually washes away, exposing the bedrock and creating ponds, especially during heavy rains. A cover-collapse sinkhole is far more dramatic, as there may be few or no warning signs. In this type of sinkhole, the bedrock has been eroding beneath the ground for a long time, unnoticed. When the bedrock can no longer support the land above it, the land suddenly collapses. Sinkhole Risks Fortunately, a sinkhole is localized. Though some can be several feet in diameter, and even swallow entire buildings, sinkholes do not spread beyond the area where the bedrock is eroded. The biggest risk comes from being on top of the area where a cover-collapse sinkhole forms. You may have just minutes to get away before toppling into a large hole. What to Do if You Spot a Sinkhole Signs of an impending sinkhole include leaning trees, signs, or fence posts, newly formed areas of ponding water, and small cracks in a building’s foundation. If you notice any of these signs, keep a close eye on the area in case of further development. If you are inside a building or vehicle and feel the ground begin to give way, get out immediately. Make your way on foot several feet away, and then alert emergency personnel. Try to work with others to block off the area where the sinkhole is forming, but do not put yourself at risk. If a small sinkhole of no more than 3 feet in diameter opens up on your property but away from any structures, it may be able to be filled. Contact your trusted asphalt contractor for assistance. A sinkhole on your property is generally considered your responsibility. However, your homeowner’s insurance may cover any damage, depending on your policy. Have a property inspector and an insurance inspector take a look as soon as possible.

If you need a driveway, parking lot, or road, you have probably considered asphalt paving. Asphalt is a wonderful paving material because it is durable and can be laid smooth. Yet you may not have given thought to what asphalt actually is or where it comes from. Here are some fun facts about asphalt. Asphalt Is Natural Asphalt is based on a naturally occurring material called bitumen, which is a tar-like petroleum substance. Natural aggregates such as crushed rock, gravel, or sand are added to the mix. Asphalt Is Ancient Ancient peoples first used natural asphalt for waterproofing. It was used for roads by at least 625 BC, and was an important trade good in ancient Egypt, where it played a role in mummification. Asphalt Is Poured Hot Asphalt is poured hot because at high temperatures, the bitumen flows like a liquid. This allows it to fully coat the aggregate, and to be spread, rolled, and compacted to a smooth, durable surface. Asphalt Is Viscoelastic and Flexible Asphalt is considered a viscoelastic material, as it has properties of both a viscous material and an elastic material. It is flexible and actually moves under heavy loads. Asphalt will generally rebound to its original shape after the load has passed. However, if a very heavy load such as a tractor trailer remains for a long time in high heat, the asphalt could actually become rutted. This means that it is too compacted and can no longer regain its original shape. You can see this sometimes in truck parking lots and near traffic lights that have frequent truck traffic. Not All Asphalt Is the Same Asphalt binders are rated on a lab-tested scale known as the PG scale to determine the temperature range in which the binder performs well. The wider the range the better, but also the more expensive. To increase the range, asphalt plants often add polymers that boost strength and flexibility. Paving Asphalt Must Be Carefully Handled Paving asphalt is generally made in an asphalt plant, where the precise mix of ingredients can be carefully regulated. It is then delivered from the plant to the job site in special asphalt trucks that keep it at the desired temperature. When the trucks arrive at the job site, the drivers slowly lift their truck beds to pour the asphalt. They must take extreme care to pour at just the right rate or the asphalt could cool before it is spread, rolled, and compacted. This is a particular concern during cooler weather, so non-emergency asphalt jobs are not typically performed during the winter months. If an emergency arises during wintry weather, cold patches are available. These will last until a proper repair can be made in the spring, but are not designed to permanently replace hot mix asphalt. Ready to Get Started? Are you ready to start your next asphalt project with a team you can count on to do the job right, on time, and on budget? Contact TopWest Asphalt today at 1-800-ASPHALT to discuss your project and schedule an estimate.