Services
Asphalt Repair
Asphalt is an incredibly strong and flexible surface. It is made from a combination of sand, tar, rock and bitumen. Rock and sand make it strong, and tar and bitumen make it flexible. Over a certain amount of time, exposure to weather, vehicle fluids and vehicle weight can take a toll on asphalt, particularly the tar and bitumen. Once the asphalt loses some of its flexibility, it’s easy for cracks to form. When your paved surface becomes cracked or potholes form, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. Once water seeps in under the surface, it can cause substantial damage to the asphalt. The first and most important step in maintaining your asphalt surface is to have repairs done as soon as possible after the damage appears.
On Time and On Budget
We understand how important it is that your project is done on time and within your budget, so we’ll work with you at every step along the way to make sure that meet both. We’re committed to safety, and our Director of Safety supervises every project. Contractor’s Asphalt is licensed, bonded and insure
Driveways
The main concern as to when to pave a driveway is temperature. Asphalt must be placed and compacted while it is hot. Lift thickness, air and surface temperatures play significant roles in how fast the mix cools. Asphalt that is installed in inclement weather is more susceptible to raveling than asphalt installed in warmer weather. It is also important that the subgrade on which the asphalt is being placed is firm and dry. If this is not the case, then it is recommended that asphalt paving be delayed until the subgrade is firm and dry.
For the above reasons, we typically schedule driveways from late Spring until early Fall, to ensure the optimum results.
The amount of time a contractor requires to place and compact your driveway will depend on the size of the job, amount of handwork required, and available equipment. As a general guide, you should probably allow at the very least 20 minutes for the contractor to place and compact a lift. Therefore, if you are having a 1-1/2 inch lift placed, the air and surface temperatures should be above 70°F. For a 2-inch lift, there is a little more leeway, but the air and surface temperature should be above 45°F. The above times are based on a mild wind condition (less than 10 mph) and should be decreased by about 5 to 10 minutes for every additional 10 mph of wind speed.
It is also important to ensure that the soil or rock on which the pavement is being placed is firm and dry. If this is not the case, then it is recommended that paving be delayed until the subgrade is appropriately firm and dry.
New Construction
New Construction is the building of new asphalt services. First, excavation and grading of the area are performed as necessary to establish correct grade and drainage. Next, an aggregate base course is placed and compacted. Finally, a specifically designed asphalt mix is applied to present a finished surface based on the customer’s needs.
A good asphalt pavement will not last forever; external factors destroy the asphalt oil that binds it all together. Slowly at first, quickly as time goes on. As soon as the freshly laid hot asphalt pavement mix begins to cool, so also begins the aging process which will eventually rob the pavement of its life. When oxygen and water, which constantly bathe the pavement, start to combine with the asphaltic binder of the pavement, a chemical change takes place. At first, this process is necessary for the pavement to become hard and firm. Later, if this process is not arrested, a complete deterioration of the asphaltic binder will take place and reduce the pavement to a layer of loose stone. The asphalt binder is essentially what differentiates a gravel road from a paved road.
Parking Lots
Fidalgo Paving, we know how the appearance of your parking lot can make a difference in the amount of customers your business draws. After all, a well-maintained parking lot is a reflection of the business itself.
Our team of experienced paving specialists handle all aspects of parking lot repair, including:
Resurfacing: If your parking lot is uneven and slightly damaged, resurfacing may be the answer. Ask us for an assessment of your parking lot to see if resurfacing is a possible solution.
Repair of speed humps, bumps and cushions: Over time, these may become damaged due to the weight of vehicles and other factors. Let us repair them to look as good as new in a very short period of time.
Striping: We provides only the highest-quality parking lot striping to make your parking lot look like new.
Drainage solutions: If you have a problem area in your parking lot that collects water, let our experts help solve it to avoid further damage to the asphalt.
Pothole repair: Potholes form in asphalt after a certain amount of time and exposure to weather, water, vehicle fluids and the weight of the vehicles themselves. It’s important that you repair them quickly so fluids don’t seep into the asphalt and further weaken it. We’ll respond as quickly as possible to repair your potholes.
Crack repair: Just as with potholes, it’s important to repair cracks before further damage to the asphalt can occur. Let us take care of the damage as soon as possible before more damage occurs.
Skim patching: When small areas of asphalt are cracked or depressed, skin patching may be the answer. Ask our professionals if this repair technique can solve your parking lot problems.
ADA parking indicators: We all know the importance of keeping up with ADA parking regulations. With our help, it will always be clear where your ADA parking is located.
Road Resurfacing and Fabric
Resurfacing—also known as an asphalt overlay—may be a good option for surfaces that are not too badly damaged. An asphalt overlay is a second layer of asphalt applied over an existing asphalt surface. An overlay can be a good solution when the paved surface is damaged but the sub-grade is still in good condition. Before an overlay is poured, existing damaged areas are cut out and patched, depressions are leveled, then a primer is used to adhere the new overlay to the existing asphalt. An overlay that is properly done will look like a brand new asphalt surface. Resurfacing can be an excellent option to repair aged and damaged asphalt, and it’s also much less expensive than having a complete new surface laid.
Fidalgo Paving’s Tip
An overlay should NEVER be done on a surface that is severely cracked, is crumbling or has spots that are significantly sunken. The new layer of asphalt will simply follow the path of the original layer. Within a short period of time, cracks, defects and depressions will form in the exact same areas as the original surface. When this happens, the surface will be just as damaged as it was before the overlay was applied. It may be difficult to determine whether or not resurfacing will work for your asphalt surface. Call our experienced professionals and ask them to evaluate the project for you. Our paving specialists can determine whether or not an overlay can be used on your surface.
Seal Coat
Seal coating can help to protect your paved asphalt surface. The seal coat acts as a barrier and protects the surface from damage caused by oil, gas and other vehicle fluids. Seal coating also helps to prevent oxidation and damage caused by weather conditions. Before a seal coat is applied, any damaged areas of the surface should be repaired. When properly applied, seal coating can help protect your paved surface and lengthen the amount of time before repairs need to be made.
Fidalgo Paving’s Tip
The frequency that seal coating is needed depends on the climate and the amount of use that your paved surface is exposed to. Ask our experienced paving professionals what schedule of seal coating is best for your driveway, parking lot or road surface. We’ll assess the amount of use, the weather conditions to which the surface is exposed, and develop a recommended seal coating schedule. Seal coating is one of the most effective ways to prevent damage and avoid cracks and potholes.