Asphalt Facts
Warranty, Terms, Conditions and General Information
All work performed comes with a standard 1-year workmanship & materials warranty. Although other companies may offer longer warranties, it all comes down to the following. Materials are provided by the use of computerized asphalt plants to guarantee consistency of asphalt cement, heat, and various mixtures of aggregates. Workmanship means asphalt thickness is as designated, along with proper compaction and drainage. Swales and berms may be used to assist in drainage issues as well as skin lift asphalt patches if necessary. Industry standards include the possibility of 1/4″ ponding of water that may occur if grades are below minimum asphalt standards of .25 per foot pitch. If there is any standing water after a 24-hour period, this constitutes a drainage issue and will be addressed. Warranties do not include acts of nature, (cracks, breakage, settling, heaving or unraveling). Underground wires, utilities, culverts, weeds, tree roots and inadequate sub-base installation are some other causes of asphalt failure not covered under warranty. Excessive weight or driving on or near unsupported edges that crack or break are also not covered. A standard 2″ thickness is adequate for most cars and small trucks. Thickness of 3″-4″ should be considered for motorhomes, campers, trucks with trailers, as well as delivery trucks including propane, septic, school buses, UPS, FedEX, construction and farm equipment etc. All warranties are subject to the conditions and terms of the contract. We live in a climate where frost is in and out of the ground several times each year. This movement of the ground can result in low spots, high spots and other problems in the sub-base that may not have been present at the time of installation of the asphalt. These areas may heave and settle many times during winter cycles, or may not occur for several years. Customer will be responsible for all base, sub-base and soil testing costs not included in surface weight testing. Grade and pave proposals only include surface weight test as per the ability of the top surface to withstand paving equipment up to 72,000 lbs. and do not include core samples of sub-base.
What sets us apart from our competitors is that we are not just a paving contractor but rather a full-service paving and maintenance company. We have the equipment and experienced staff to provide the initial installation as well as maintain and make any necessary repairs to existing asphalt.
Routine Maintenance Tips
To minimize the occurrence of cracking, and to protect the surface from becoming dry and rough, it is strongly recommended that new asphalt be sealed within 1 year after installation and every two years thereafter. Unlike concrete which may also crack, asphalt can be repaired and maintained. Sealing the asphalt will reduce oxidation of the surface caused by the sun. This reduced oxidation will keep the asphalt pliable which will allow for the slight ground movement without causing excessive cracking. Sealing also helps protect the surface from contaminants such as oil, salt, or chemicals that would otherwise damage the asphalt. Cracks, even minimal, should always be filled before the winter season to avoid water and melting snow from getting beneath the surface and freezing. It is not abnormal for previously filled cracks to re-open during a winter frost cycle.
Seal Coating warranties do not normally cover peeling and/or flaking. These areas can be touched up under the warranty period. At our discretion we may re-spray the entire drive at no charge or at a discounted price. Wear and tear is not considered a warranty issue. Items not considered to be warranty repairs include but are not limited to, damage from snow blowers, snowplows, shovels, chemicals, tree sap, traffic, patches, power steering turns, new and reopened cracks or abuse.
Self Help Maintenance Guide:
- Apply any liquid vegetation killer to outer perimeter 4-6" away, 3x a year.
- Keep edges trimmed with weed eater
- Sweep or blow surface loose of any debris every 30-60 days.
