Asphalt Resurfacing/Overlay
BEFORE
AFTER
Oil-Based Seal Coating Services
BEFORE
AFTER
Asphalt Complete Removal/Tear Out
BEFORE
TRANSITIONAL
AFTER
Asphalt Resurfacing/Overlay
After years of exposure to sun, rain, and traffic, your asphalt driveway can start to show its age. This is where asphalt resurfacing comes in. It's a way to give your driveway a fresh start without the high cost and hassle of a full replacement.
Instead of tearing out the old asphalt, this process involves laying a new, two-inch-thick layer of asphalt directly on top of the existing surface. This revitalizes its appearance and improves its durability, making it a faster and more affordable alternative to a complete rebuild.
When to Choose Resurfacing:
Resurfacing isn't right for every driveway. It's a great option only if the existing foundation is still in solid condition. During the estimate, we will check for a few key things:
The foundation of your driveway must be stable and intact.
The drainage must be adequate and have the proper slope to prevent water from pooling.
The surrounding ground level must be able to accommodate the new layer without causing issues with curbs, sidewalks, or other landscape features.
If your driveway's foundation is failing or if any of these conditions aren't met and are more than 30% of damage, a full asphalt replacement may be necessary to ensure long-lasting results.
Asphalt Complete Removal/Tear Out
This is how a driveway looks like when the old asphalt is completely removed and when new base is applied.
A complete tear-out removal refers to the process of entirely removing existing asphalt. This method is typically used when the current surface is severely damaged, cracked, or deteriorated beyond repair. We recommend this option for driveways that have more than 30% of damages
During this process, our skilled team at Sierra Paving LLC will:
1. Evaluate the condition of the existing asphalt to determine the best removal approach.
2. Use specialized equipment to cut and break up the old asphalt surface, ensuring that all damaged material is removed.
3. After removal, we will inspect and prepare the underlying base to ensure it is solid and ready for new asphalt.
4. Safely remove and dispose of the old asphalt, keeping the work area clean and organized.
Oil-Based Seal Coating
Imagine your asphalt driveway is like your skin, and the liquid asphalt, or bitumen, is like the natural oils in your skin. These oils keep your skin hydrated, flexible, and protected from the elements. They allow your skin to stretch and contract without cracking, and they act as a natural barrier to water.
Just like your skin can get dry and flaky from sun exposure and harsh weather, the sun's UV rays cause the liquid asphalt in your driveway to dry out and oxidize over time. When your skin loses its natural oils, it becomes less elastic and more prone to fine lines and cracks. Similarly, when your driveway's bitumen dries out, it becomes brittle and loses its flexibility, making it susceptible to cracking and damage, especially from water and freezing temperatures.
Seal coating is essentially like applying a high-quality moisturizer or a restorative oil to your skin. A professional, oil-based sealer penetrates deep into the asphalt, replenishing those lost oils. This process is like hydrating and nourishing your skin, restoring its elasticity and natural barrier function. It keeps the surface supple and resistant to cracking from temperature changes.
On the other hand, using a cheap, water-based product is like putting a layer of makeup on dry, unmoisturized skin. It might look nice for a moment, but it doesn't actually treat the underlying problem. It just sits on the surface and can easily wash away, crack, and flake off, leaving your driveway just as vulnerable as before. Water can still seep into the cracks, and in cold climates, this is particularly damaging. When the water freezes, it expands, causing the cracks to widen and deepen, much like how a dry skin can get chapped and eventually bleed.
By regularly "moisturizing" your driveway with an oil-based seal coat every couple of years, you are actively protecting it from sun and water damage, preserving its life, and avoiding the need for a costly, full "skin graft" or replacement. This maintenance saves you money in the long run by keeping your driveway healthy and intact.