Thirty quick answers covering the most common asphalt paving questions we get from homeowners and property managers.
What is asphalt and what is it made of?
Asphalt is a composite material made of mineral aggregate (stone, sand, gravel) bound together with bitumen, the sticky black byproduct of petroleum refining. The aggregate gives the pavement its strength; the bitumen binds it together and seals it.
What’s the difference between asphalt and tar?
Asphalt is a petroleum byproduct. Tar is derived from coal. They look similar and are sometimes used in similar applications, but they’re different materials with different properties. Modern paving uses asphalt, not tar.
What is HMA?
HMA stands for Hot Mix Asphalt — the standard paving material produced at a plant at high temperature, trucked to the site, and laid down before it cools. Our standard spec is 3″ compressed I-5 FAB top course.
Is asphalt recyclable?
Yes — very. Asphalt is the most recycled material in the United States, with roughly 80% of removed pavement going back into new asphalt. Infrared repair takes recycling one step further by reusing the asphalt that’s already in your driveway.
How long do I have to stay off my driveway after paving?
Stay off your driveway for a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours after installation. The asphalt needs time to cool and set before it can take vehicle weight without marking or rutting.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
A properly installed and maintained asphalt driveway can last 20 years or more. Longevity depends on the quality of the install, the base, drainage, traffic loads, and — most controllable — whether you sealcoat on schedule.
How often should I sealcoat my driveway?
Industry standard is every two years — let the previous sealer wear away before you reseal. Coating too often causes buildup that can crack and peel.
What size cracks should be sealed?
Cracks 3/8″ or larger should be sealed with a hot-applied rubberized sealant. Cracks under 3/8″ will be covered by sealcoat as part of normal maintenance.
What’s the difference between cut-and-patch and infrared repair?
Cut-and-patch removes the failed section of asphalt entirely and replaces it with new hot mix. Infrared heats the existing asphalt in place, blends new material in, and compacts to create a seamless repair. Both have a place — we’ll recommend the right one for your situation when we look at the job. See Hot Cut and Patch and Infrared Asphalt Repair.
Should I overlay my driveway or remove and replace?
Depends on the condition of the existing pavement and base. If the base is sound and the surface has worn but isn’t cracked through, an overlay may work. If the base has failed — alligator cracking, low spots, severe settling — remove and replace is the right answer. We’ll inspect and tell you straight.
How fast will I get a paving estimate?
We provide free estimates within 5 business days of your request. Most are turned around faster.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash and check.
What’s the warranty on a paving job?
Our standard 5-Year Pavement Guarantee — longer than the typical 1 to 2 years competitors offer, conditional on ongoing maintenance through Beckage. See the full guarantee terms.
Can you pave over existing concrete?
No. Asphalt and concrete don’t bond reliably and the result is a short-lived patch. Concrete needs to come out before asphalt goes in.
Can you pave on frozen ground?
No. Frozen ground prevents proper compaction of the base and dramatically shortens pavement life. We pave when ground and air temperatures cooperate — typically Spring through Fall.
Note: the existing site lists 30 Q&As on this page. The audit fully captured 15 of them; the rest were summarized only. Re-fetch the original page HTML to add the remaining 15 questions verbatim before publishing.
Ready for a free estimate?
We respond within one business day.