The Asphalt Kingdom Blog

If you’re like most property owners we know, January is a time for planning out your year and your budget.  It can be hard to guess what it will cost to maintain your pavement when it’s covered in ice and snow, but we have some guidelines you can use to get you close enough for budgeting.  Like most things, adding a 10% buffer can save you down the line, as prices tend to increase in March and April when the industry re-sets its annual fees.

Asphalt sealcoating is an ever-expanding field since pavement is exposed to the elements. This wear and tear is an excellent opportunity for you to start your own business. With a small investment in sealcoating equipment, you can start a profitable business that fits your schedule.

But before we start, check out the Asphalt Kingdom Build Your Own Business Blueprint to learn everything you can about this venture.

Sealcoating is one of the most effective ways to keep your asphalt driveway in the best possible condition for many years.

Unfortunately, white spots in pavement may happen at any asphalt sealcoating job. It’s unavoidable. It’s also something no worker is at fault for, regardless of what the customer says. However, companies should prepare for finding white spots in the pavement all the same.

Most people who are just starting in the asphalt maintenance business don't usually understand why using additives to sealcoat is a great investment. The common misconception is that additives are merely extra expenses that cut down profits and cure time. But did you know they can actually do a lot more than that?

Knowing what the ideal job temperature is before applying crack fill, sealcoat or line striping paint is essential in making sure your project lasts. Planning your scheduled jobs and being up to date on weather forecasts is important so you don’t sacrifice the quality of your work because of less-than-perfect temperatures.

Have you wondered why new asphalt looks rich, dark, and thick, while old pavement is gray, flaky and stony?  That is because bitumen (tar) that mixes and holds the stones together to form asphalt has dried out. When freshly laid, asphalt is very flexible and can withstand wear and tear. However, with continuous exposure to the sun, the bitumen gets eroded, and your asphalt starts to lose its deep color and flexibility.

In the sealcoating business, estimating how much sealer is needed to complete a major project before actually starting the job is logical and economical. This is to make sure that you don't run out of sealer unexpectedly before you can finish covering the area.

Sealcoating a driveway or parking lot is not only one of the most important steps a property manager can take to maintain it and prolong its lifespan, it’s also an investment that can add value and curb appeal to the property. An attractive, dark coat of sealer will only look professional, though, when the entire surface is sealed evenly and neatly—including its edges. 

Like any other asphalt surface, airport runways and aprons need to be maintained properly to avoid damage. This responsibility is even greater at airports to prevent cracks or potholes that could jeopardize the safety of aircraft and passengers.