What is asphalt?

Asphalt pavement is made up of stone (aggregate), sand, additives and liquid (petroleum) asphalt. Liquid asphalt – a sticky black substance – is used as the binding material in asphalt pavements. It is viscous in nature and can also be found in semi solid forms. Another common term for asphalt is bitumen. The pavement – once mixed – consists of 90 to 95% aggregate and sand, and 5 to 10% asphalt or bitumen. Asphalt pavements high viscosity binds the materials that make up asphalt, while allowing it to simultaneously retain flexibility. The cooler the asphalt surface the less flexible the overall pavement. This flexibility found in asphalt pavement is one of its greatest strengths, allowing the surface to adapt to changing conditions produced by weather and the constantly changing surface beneath it. Another chief characteristic of asphalt is its ability to repel water.

What are the main benefits of asphalt?

Asphalt pavement is known for its durability and resilience. It is this strength which makes asphalt pavement the best option for most all paved surfaces. Most state and federal governments highly prefer asphalt pavement because of its reliability and lasting life. If it is properly laid, it need not be replaced for twenty to twenty five years. Asphalt pavement is also the most popular choice for applications such as driveways, parking lots, roadways, airstrips and more. Asphalt is everywhere. Asphalt is also the most commonly recycled material in the United States—before paper or plastic! Approximately 80% of all asphalt pavement is recycled when it is removed. Without question, if you are looking for lasting pavement for these applications, and one that can be used over and over again, asphalt pavement is the best choice. Additional benefits include:

• It costs less to construct and maintain asphalt than alternative pavements.
• Asphalt construction projects can be completed more quickly than alternative pavements.
• Asphalt pavements are the smoothest pavements.
• Asphalt pavements generate less noise than alternative pavements.
• The contrast of the black pavement and white lines make it easier for motorists to understand driving and parking regulations – making asphalt a safer pavement.
• Properly designed, constructed and maintained asphalt pavements last significantly longer than alternative pavements.

What are the benefits of sealcoating with Lot Lines Striping?

By performing maintenance and sealcoating your asphalt property you will realize many benefits. To best protect and extend the life of your pavement we recommend setting up a regular maintenance plan. This will:

• Prevent Oxidation - The sun’s ultraviolet rays harden and dry out asphalt pavement. This accelerates raveling and erosion and can reduce asphalt thickness in just a few years. A regular maintenance program with Lot Lines Striping LLC will significantly slow this natural process.
• Stop Weather Damage - Sealcoating when combined with crack sealing prevents the damaging effects of water penetration that occur over time. Regular crack sealing is the most effective way to prevent water infiltration and eliminate many costly repairs throughout the life of your pavement.
• Beautify Your Pavement - Regular sealcoating restores the original black color to asphalt. fresh parking lot lines enhance its appeal and provide a safe and orderly environment. The smooth even surface of sealed pavement makes sweeping and other maintenance less costly.
• Resist Gas, Oil & Salt - Pavement sealers and oil spot primers help your asphalt resist the highly damaging effects of gas, oil seepage and all other road chemicals – including alkalis and winter salts. Keep these damaging chemicals in check with Lot Lines Striping LLC.
• Increase Safety on the Property - A well maintained parking lot is sound and free of defects that cause accidents. It also protects you from liability in the event there is an accident on your property.

What causes asphalt to fail?

Assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base. Asphalt failure often begins with the oxidation of an untreated pavement surface which causes the asphalt to become dry and brittle. The top layer of fine particles erodes, exposing the larger aggregate and leading to small cracks on the surface. These cracks will grow if left untreated, allowing water to penetrate to the base of the pavement. When water penetrates the underlying base, the base material softens, shifts and settles, leading to further cracking and a depression in the surface. As water pools in the depressed area, the asphalt further deteriorates and becomes unstable. When the pavement reaches this stage, removal and replacement of the old asphalt, along with the replacement and compaction of the underlying base material, is often the only remedy. We are happy to provide you a free onsite inspection to help you identify any early signs of asphalt degradation before they lead to major asphalt failure. By performing these annual inspections to identify and correct any problems at their earliest stages, you will maximize the useful life of your parking lot.

How do I best maintain my asphalt?

To successfully maintain asphalt pavement it is important you have a regular maintenance plan in place. Pavement maintenance plans can vary in scope, but they never vary in their purpose: to increase pavement life. A proper pavement maintenance program includes crack filling, pothole repair, sealcoating, and many other surface applications, depending on the condition of the pavement. It should also include sweeping and periodic line striping. A well maintained asphalt pavement can last up to 20 years or more.

What is decorative asphalt?

Decorative Asphalt is the ability to create an impression into the asphalt surface using a combination of heat, a stamping template, and a plate compactor. This can be achieved by working behind a paver or reheating the asphalt and the pattern is printed into the surface of the asphalt, creating a three-dimensional design. Features and Benefits:

• Stamped into Asphalt...
• Fast Installation... little project downtime...
• Easily repaired... invisible seams...
• Deicing salt resistant...
• UV stable colors... maintain color for years
• Simple to Complex Patterns
• Custom Patterns and Logos

What is friction paving?

This is a D.O.T. approved process that can be applied to both asphalt and concrete, quickly with little project downtime. It consists of a specially formulated two-part compound topped with a pigmented or natural stone. The resulting surface is skid resistant. Friction Paving consists of a specially formulated two-part binder topped with a pigmented or natural stone. Skid resistant and durable surfaces are provided using this procession both Asphalt and Concrete. Typical applications for Friction Paving are:

• Bicycle lanes
• Exit and entrance ramps
• Safety Zones... Schools and Hospitals
• Sharp corners and dangerous curves
• Driveways and walkways
• Pedestrian Cross Walks

What is asphalt stamp and color?

The Asphalt Stamp and Color surfacing system consists of stamping a template pattern into freshly placed or re-heated asphalt, followed by the application of a polymer modified coating. Asphalt Stamped Coatings provide a durable, slip-resistant and attractive user friendly coating and are available in a large variety of colors. You can choose from a variety of patterns to stamp, as well as many color combinations that allow you to create any desired look. The coatings are applied at a minimum of 30 dry mils and as thick as 75 dry mils... depending on the application.

What is ThermoPrint™ inlaid thermoplastic?

ThermoPrint™ inlaid-thermoplastic is a type of decorative asphalt application that is produced by stamping a template pattern into freshly placed or re-heated asphalt using a vibratory plate. This is then followed by the application of a die-cut thermoplastic material that is then placed into this imprinted pattern and then bonded to the asphalt surface through a heat fusion process. The resulting pattern is below the surface level of the asphalt resulting in a long lasting colored pattern. Typical applications for ThermoPrint™ include:

• Pedestrian Crosswalks
• Safety Zones... Schools and Hospitals
• Driveways and walkways
• Exit and entrance ramps

What is thermoplastic striping?

Thermoplastic striping is a type of reflectorized pavement marking material that is applied through a heat fusion process to the surface of asphalt and concrete. This striping process results in durable lasting reflective pavement markings. Many states and municipalities require that thermoplastic striping be applied for Lane Line Striping, Pedestrian Crosswalks, Stop Bars, Directional Arrows, and Pavement Messages such as “STOP”, “ONLY”, “SCHOOL”, “MERGE”, etc. when these are applied in the public Right Of Way. Features and Benefits:

• Engineered and formulated for long term durability
• Resists cracking, chipping, and shattering to due to impacts
• Excellent reflective performance
• Impervious to the effects of oil and grease
• Allows jobs to be striped quickly
• Environmentally safe