Running into issues with your home's pavement around Weld County? Over the years of running Primetime Paving Co, I get asked the same handful of questions by homeowners from downtown out toward the newer builds near Pelican Lakes. Here are the details about Asphalt Contractor services in Greeley, CO.
How long should a residential asphalt driveway actually last in Greeley?
Under normal conditions, you can expect a well-installed Asphalt Driveway to last anywhere from 20 to 25 years or more. But local weather plays a massive role. We deal with intense UV rays at our elevation and wild temperature swings that can shift 50 degrees in a single afternoon. If you stay on top of minor maintenance like Asphalt Sealcoating and Asphalt Crack Sealing, you will hit that upper end. If you ignore it, you might be looking at major repairs or Asphalt Replacement in under a decade.
When is the best time of year to pave or patch asphalt around here?
You need heat to work with Asphalt properly. In Greeley, our Asphalt Paving season generally runs from late spring through mid-October. We need consistent daytime temperatures above 50 degrees and a warm sub-base so the hot mix does not cool off too fast during compaction. Trying to lay Asphalt in the freezing winter months usually results in poor compaction and premature failure.
Why does my asphalt look faded and gray instead of black?
That is mostly our Colorado sun going to work on the binder holding the aggregate together. UV radiation breaks down the top layer of the Asphalt over time, oxidizing the surface. Once it turns gray, it is more porous and vulnerable to water infiltration. Applying a fresh coat of Asphalt Sealcoating every few years blocks those UV rays and locks in the oils.
Can I just sealcoat my driveway myself over the weekend?
You can buy buckets of sealer at the local hardware store. But there is a big difference between slathering on a cheap DIY coat and doing it right. Professional Asphalt Sealcoating application requires deep cleaning, commercial-grade emulsion sealers, and proper squeegee work. If you skip cleaning out the cracks or put it on too thick, it will peel up the first time a tire turns sharp on a hot July afternoon.
How long do I have to keep my cars off a newly paved driveway?
As a rule of thumb, keep foot traffic off for at least 24 hours and vehicles off for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours. Even after a few days, fresh Asphalt Paving is still curing and can take 2-5 days or more to reach its maximum hardness. During those first couple of weeks, avoid sharp steering turns while parked and do not leave heavy trailers sitting in one spot.
How do I stop water from pooling near my garage foundation?
Standing water is the number one enemy of Asphalt longevity and your home foundation. If water is pooling, it usually means the original grading was off or the sub-base has settled. Fixing this often requires milling out the low spot, correcting the slope, and completing Asphalt Patching so water sheds away from the structure properly. Sometimes a simple channel drain or adjustment to your downspouts makes all the difference.
Got a specific paving question about your property? Primetime Paving Co provides Asphalt Contractor services for homes in Greeley, CO.