Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about new asphalt, curing, and maintenance — the same things we get asked at every estimate.
How can we get rid of water “bird baths” or low spots in our asphalt?
Eliminating low spots can be difficult because surrounding elevations, structures, and curbs complicate positive water flow. They're usually corrected with resurfacing, cutting out and replacing the low area, or re-working the pavement to fill it. We fully assess your pavement and address the root cause, not just the symptom.
When should I sealcoat my driveway or parking lot?
Not immediately after paving — some companies push that as an upsell, and it isn't beneficial. A well-built driveway or low-traffic lot often doesn't need sealing for two to five years. Go by the condition of the surface, not a fixed schedule: seal once it's drying out, going brittle, or losing fines. Over-sealing builds up coating and can leave asphalt slick.
When will I be able to drive on my new asphalt?
Follow the instruction we give you on paving day. Mix, thickness, temperature, and vehicle weight all change the timing, so there's no single number that's right for every job. Once you're back on it, avoid turning your wheels while the vehicle is stationary — that scuffs a new surface.
How do I care for my new asphalt?
Asphalt is low-maintenance, but protecting the investment pays off. See our Asphalt Care guide for the full do's and don'ts, or ask us directly — advice is free.
Can I add pavement to my driveway at a later date?
Yes. We recommend keeping seams to a minimum, but we can add on to existing asphalt at any time with precision seams that keep your driveway visually cohesive and structurally sound.
Why am I getting tire marks in my new driveway?
Asphalt absorbs a lot of heat and softens in hot weather. Turning wheels in one spot or sudden back-and-forth motions can mark a new surface. Most marks disappear with time and normal traffic — see the Asphalt Care guide for the full explanation.
Should I be worried if my new asphalt doesn't look perfectly smooth?
A fresh surface won't always look perfectly uniform. Asphalt is a blended paving material, not a painted surface, so small differences in color, stone visibility, and texture are normal, and the surface darkens and evens out as it cures under normal traffic.
What's the difference between a repair, a resurface, and a full replacement?
A repair (patching, crack filling) fixes isolated damage over a sound base. A resurface lays fresh asphalt over an existing driveway with a still-solid base. A full replacement removes and rebuilds everything, base included. Which one your project needs comes down to the base condition, and that's what we check at the estimate.