Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Partially translated by Google
What should I do if the asphalt of the parking along my house is detached from the wall, revealing a space of a few millimeters?
It is important to quickly fill this space so that water does not infiltrates and turns to ice in freezing weather, then create pressure that can cause costly damage to the foundations of your property. The recommended solution is to cover the opening along its length by applying a strip of asphalt at an angle to allow water flowing from drains and walls during heavy rain to move away from the foundation.
Do you use hot asphalt to make repairs?
Yes always. Whether for minor repairs or for a partial or total ressurfacage we always used good quality hot asphalt, designed to combine esthetics and durability.
Does spot repairs adhere well to the surface already in place?
We always apply a special glue on the surface to be repaired before adding the new asphalt which maximizing grip and allow new parts to remain in place year after year.
If my asphalt is old and full of crack, do I have to get it totaly removed before getting the parking redone?
If the foundation of your parking lot is still good, tearing it apart would not only be unnecessary but also unnecessarily expensive. In such cases, applying a layer of an inch and a half to two inches of new asphalt well leveled, on an already packed by the year foundation, would give you a new and sustainable parking, at a fraction of price.
Why do some asphalt surfaces crumble and crack all over after ten years?
In fact, you must understand that asphalt is an oily material which dries gradually by the effect of sunlight and temperature variations. By drying, it loses its elasticity and that's when cracks are formed. Over time water seeps into the cracks and freezes by expanding cold weather. The pressure under the floor then pushes up the asphalt and then collapse during thawing. This cyclic process eventually tearing the asphalt and distort the foundations on which it rests. At this point, it is often a must to tear down the pavement, dig to rebuild for the foundations and then resurface the driveway.
Is there a way to prevent my asphalt to deteriorate ?
Yes. The application of a bitumen and polymers sealant base will rehydrate and preserves the elasticity of the asphalt, which prevents the appearance of cracks. Much like the regular use of a good hand cream moisturizes the skin and prevents chapping and cracking.
If the pavement is already a bit cracked, the most important thing is to make sure to stop water infiltration at the earliest to minimize damage.
If it is only small cracks, application of a good sealer can sometimes be enough. If the damages are more important, then you would have to consider the recaping or replacement of damaged parts.
The application of a bitumen sealant every two years will re-hydrate the asphalt and make it waterproof, which will effectively improve his stamina and durability.
My neighbor is then dooing a good thing when taking the time to put a sealer with a roller on its entry asphalt every year ...
The intention is good but it's not because the asphalt is painted black that it is necessarelly well protected. At Enviro-Seal Asphalt Inc.. we recommend the application of an industrial mixture of bitumen (black liquid component of asphalt) and polymers (commonly called "plastics"). The bitumen re-hydrate your asphalt, thus preserving its elasticity and at the same time avoid the formation of surface cracks, while the polymers impermeabilised forming a hard surface layer.
Should I apply a sealer on my new asphalt?
As the old saying teaches us "Better safe than sorry". So rather than waiting for the degradation of asphalt to try to repair it, it is far better to adopt a proactive attitude by protecting the new asphalt.
How long after installation of a new asphalt surface, can I get it sealed?
Wait until the new asphalt loses its surface light oil. Depending on the climate, this is done within a month or two after installation. To check whether the surface is ready to process, just water it. If the water flowing stretches evenly without beading and no longer producing rainbow tints, the surface is ready to be sealled.
How long should I wait after applying a sealer before I can park my vehicle?
We would suggest you to wait three days including the day of the treatment before driving your vehicle on it, so that the tires don't leave marks on the sealant. However, you can walk on it 3 hours after application.
Should I give you a deposit before you arrive to do the job?
We never ask our customer to pay, even if only in part, for work not yet done. Moreover, given the fact that many people have already been scammed in this way, we strongly recommend people to avoid doing agreements with people who demand deposits.
I have a tree that drops leaves and buds on the pavement of my driveway, is it possible to proceed with the application of a sealer without leaves and buds sticking?
Yes we can make the sealer application without worry, since the rapid drying of the sealed surface ensures that the leaves and buds do not usually have time to paste.
What time of year is best to treat the asphalt?
The season does not matter for sealer application, insofar as the temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or more and the driveway is clean and completely dry.
How often do I redo the sealer to ensure a good protection to my asphalt?
Treatment is usually effective for two years. We therefore recommend to our clients to do reprocess the asphalt surface at the beginning of the 3rd year. Some people still choose to treat their driveway annually to maximize the seal and preserve the appearance of new asphalt.
Does it bother if it rains immediately after you apply a sealer?
No, even if a large downpour falls one minute after application. In fact the water will just bead up on the asphalt freshly waterproofed.
Is it possible to apply a sealer after a rainfall?
No! It is important that the surface to be treated is perfectly clean and dry before applying the sealer, otherwise the sealer will not adhere properly to the asphalt.