Pavement on a driveway in Detroit, MI can look very worn down after a rough winter. Dealing with cracked and crumbling Asphalt is a normal part of homeownership in southeast Michigan, especially with the frequent freeze-thaw cycles that occur near Lake St. Clair. Fortune Asphalt Detroit sees these weather impacts every year.
Fortune Asphalt Detroit has answered many questions from homeowners over the years. These common questions about Asphalt repair and Asphalt maintenance help clarify what to expect.
How do I know if I need a patch or a completely new driveway?
The decision depends on the depth of the damage to the Asphalt. If there are a few surface cracks or a single low spot where water pools after a heavy downpour, patching or skin patching usually works well. If the base is damaged, meaning there is alligator cracking across large sections or the edges are breaking away into gravel, patching will not last. Once the foundation fails because the heavy clay soil in Detroit shifts underneath, a full Asphalt Replacement is necessary.
Why does my asphalt crack every single spring?
Detroit weather is the main cause of damage to Asphalt surfaces. Water enters tiny hairline cracks, freezes when temperatures drop below zero, and expands inside the pavement. That ice acts like a wedge, pushing the Asphalt apart over time. By spring, a small fissure becomes a large hole. Add in heavy salt trucks and the weight of vehicles, and Asphalt requires regular upkeep to last.
Can I just use those DIY bags from the hardware store?
Homeowners can buy cold-patch products from hardware stores, but those materials are only a temporary fix. That cold-patch material in a bucket remains soft. Tossing it into a pothole and tamping it down often results in the material getting tracked into the garage or ripped out by a snowblower in December. For Asphalt repairs that last more than six months, hot-pour rubberized crack filler or proper infrared Asphalt Patching is required.
How long should I wait before driving on newly repaired asphalt?
Homeowners should wait at least 48 to 72 hours, depending on the outdoor temperature. Asphalt cures as it cools down and hardens. During a July heatwave in Palmer Woods, the material stays pliable much longer than it does on a crisp October morning. Parking a heavy vehicle on fresh Asphalt work too soon will leave deep tire ruts that do not flatten out.
Is sealcoating actually necessary, or is it just a sales pitch?
Asphalt Sealcoating is necessary, but the timing matters for proper protection. Sealcoating protects pavement from UV rays that dry it out and chemical spills like oil and gas. If a driveway is brand new, it should cure for about a year before receiving an application of Sealcoating. After that initial period, applying sealcoat every three to five years keeps the binder flexible. Low-quality coat jobs using watered-down materials will wash away in the first rainstorm.
When is the best time of year to get asphalt work done in Detroit?
Late spring through early fall is the best time for Asphalt Paving and Asphalt Repair in Detroit, MI. Asphalt plants are open during these months, and the warm ambient temperature allows the material to compact properly. While emergency patches can happen in late autumn, once the ground freezes solid, proper compaction becomes nearly impossible.
Keeping up with small repairs saves homeowners from a massive bill down the road. For homes in Detroit, MI, Fortune Asphalt Detroit is here for all your Asphalt needs and provides honest assessments for every driveway.