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Chip seal paving has become more and more popular over the last few years, especially here in Texas. But why? What are the benefits that set it apart from standard asphalt paving? 

Let’s take a look at how chip seal paving is different, and then explore the benefits of this type of paving.

What Is Chip Seal Paving?

Chip seal paving is made of the exact same materials as standard asphalt pavement. The only real difference comes from the way it’s constructed. Chip seal paving is constructed by placing small chips on a layer of heated asphalt. The paved area is then compacted to get the chips in the best position to adhere to the asphalt. Then, excess chips are swept away from the top. 

Unlike regular asphalt paving, chip seal paving provides an excellent barrier to prevent moisture and water from getting into the pavement. Chip seal pavement self-seals, so there’s no need for crack sealing. However, chip sealing is only ideal for areas of low traffic, and cannot stand up to more than about 2,500 vehicles per day rolling over it.

Benefits of Chip Seal Paving

Chip seal paving comes with a lot of benefits. For one, it’s less expensive than regular asphalt by a large margin. This means that roads can be maintained very easily and at a low cost. It’s also quicker to apply and doesn’t require the same prep that asphalt does, so it’s easier to keep roads operational. 

In addition, chip seal provides great skid protection and eliminates the formation of black ice. The sealing process provides a moisture barrier that can keep the pavement looking great for longer, without cracks or holes. For the most part, any cracks are self-repaired by the chips moving back together (even in warmer weather). 

All of these benefits also come with a great look: many people in the Fort Worth area find that chip seal provides a better look in addition to being less expensive.

To inquire further about chip and seal (a.k.a. “tar and chip”) paving and how it might work for you, contact United Asphalt Paving in Fort Worth today!

Potholes are nuisances that can weaken your asphalt, damage your car’s suspension, and make your ride less than smooth. But what causes potholes? It’s more than just constant pressure and cars driving over the asphalt – and here’s how it happens.

Ice, Salt, and Asphalt Damage

Potholes form when groundwater contracts and expands under the surface of the asphalt. 

See, when it rains or snows, water can seep into even the tiniest cracks in the asphalt (especially in asphalt that is already old, eroded, or damaged). This water gathers under the surface of the pavement itself. While these pools of water can cause problems of their own, this isn’t what causes potholes. 

Instead, it’s freezing temperatures that do it. The water that’s already sitting beneath the surface of the asphalt expands when it freezes. This means that it takes up more space, pushing gravel and even loose asphalt out of the way in order to do so. 

Then, when the temperature gets warmer, the ice melts again, leaving behind large, empty spaces under the surface. Unfortunately, the resulting structural weakness can’t hold up to the weight of heavy vehicles, so as more cars drive on it, it cracks and caves in, forming a pothole.

This happens more frequently in the spring, as temperatures above and below the ground fluctuate to a great degree, leading to quicker freeze-and-thaw cycles. Salt spread on the roadways does the same thing, as it lowers the temperature that water freezes at. This forces water to freeze and thaw more rapidly, leading to more potholes in the long run.

United Asphalt Paving Can Repair Potholes!

To make your life easier and safer, we’re fully equipped to repair potholes in Fort Worth and the surrounding area. Give us a call to learn how we can use a hot patching method to fill in potholes and restore the structural integrity of roads, driveways, and more!

Over time, your asphalt driveway is going to suffer some damage. It doesn’t matter how well you take care of it or what measures you take to ensure that it lasts forever; there are going to be cracks and holes at some point.

But how do you know when it’s time to completely replace your asphalt driveway? Some factors to consider are the age of your driveway, the number of potholes and cracks it has, and the size of these potholes and cracks. Now, let’s take a closer look at what these qualities mean for your asphalt. 

The Age of Your Asphalt

Asphalt is only meant to last about 20 years, although asphalt that undergoes regular maintenance can last up to 25 years in mild climates. So, if your asphalt is at or close to this age, it might be a good idea to consider replacing it entirely.

This is because weather and everyday use gradually wear away at more than just the asphalt’s surface. After around 20 years, the underlying foundation of your driveway will likely be significantly worn down, as well. The materials throughout every layer of your pavement will be degraded. At this point, repairing your driveway probably isn’t feasible.

Surface Cracks and Potholes in Your Asphalt

As time passes, your driveway will eventually begin to crack and may become pitted with holes. Some of these surface imperfections are easy to repair and don’t require a full replacement. However, if the cracks or holes are very wide and/or deep, it may indicate a more serious problem with the foundation of your pavement.

Small imperfections can be easily fixed. But the presence of larger, structural damage, plus the advanced age of your asphalt, might dictate that you need to completely replace it. In this circumstance, the amount of time, labor, and money required to repair the asphalt simply isn’t justifiable, so replacement is the smarter investment.

Get Expert Advice Today!

Can’t tell whether your asphalt’s condition is better suited for repair or replacement? Don’t hesitate to reach out. When you need advice or a quote on driveway repair or new driveway installation, call United Asphalt Paving. We’re happy to help property owners in Fort Worth and surrounding areas of Texas.

In addition to our regular paving services, United Asphalt Paving is proud to provide sport court paving. This is a special type of job that many paving companies don’t like to do—except us. When you need outdoor tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, or other long-lasting outdoor paving, call United Asphalt Paving.

Professional Installation That Lasts

We’ve been paving in this area for over 25 years. We know that the Texas heat and intense sunlight require special paving techniques. We want to make sure that your new construction lasts for years to come. 

That’s why United Asphalt Paving is your first choice in Houston and Fort Worth for all of your paving services.

Outdoor tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, and play areas for children require special care because they are often more than just an asphalt surface. When we install a court or playground area for you, we will always provide the painting and striping to make sure that your construction looks great right from the start.

With the nice June weather here, now is the perfect time to get your outdoor sport courts and play areas in tip-top shape so they can be used all summer and fall. We always deliver professional results that you can be proud of! 

So for outdoor asphalt construction, level surfacing, and even painting and striping your outdoor basketball courts, give us a call. At United Asphalt Paving, we always deliver quality, professional results for residences and businesses across Houston and Fort Worth.

Your new asphalt driveway is an investment that will keep your property looking great for years to come.

However, there are certain steps that you should take to prevent wear and tear on your driveway. Here are some tips for maintenance immediately following your asphalt application:

• Avoid using your driveway for 48-72 hours. Asphalt takes this long to cure, so make sure to keep everyone and everything off of the new asphalt. 
• Asphalt takes a year to fully cure. Until 12 months have passed on your asphalt application, avoid parking your car in the same place each time, using motorcycles or bikes with kickstands on the asphalt, or parking RVs or trailers there unless you evenly distribute the weight with pieces of plywood. 
• During this first year, avoid turning your wheels while stationary in a power steering vehicle. It can create ruts in pliable pavement. 
• Avoid driving heavy equipment such as construction vehicles over your pavement. Until the asphalt is fully hardened, heavier vehicles can break your asphalt down.
• Clean up oil or gasoline spills immediately. These can soften the surface of your asphalt over time. Also avoid using diesel fuel, as it can break down the binding agents in asphalt.
• Take care of the edges. It’s recommended that you avoid driving off the sides of edges of your driveway until a year has passed so that these edges have enough time to harden. You can also pack topsoil on the edges of your driveway and seed grass right up to the edges. This way, the exposed edges won’t crack or break over time.
• Apply sealcoating after 1-2 years. Sealcoating can extend the life of your asphalt and prevent cracks and holes. When you are sealcoating your new asphalt for the first time, you should apply it 1-2 years after the asphalt is installed. It can protect your new driveway against gas, oil, and sun damage and make a huge difference in the durability of your asphalt going forward.

For more information and tips for keeping your new asphalt looking great, contact United Asphalt Paving in Fort Worth and Houston!