Expectations
How The Paving Process Works
How often should I sealcoat my driveway or parking lot?
Generally speaking, you can maximize the life of your pavement by sealcoating every two-three years. Other general maintenance options should be evaluated annually (crack sealing, sweeping and patch repair).
What is a Subbase and why is it important?
What is the difference between a “base” or “binder” coat and a top coat of pavement?
The base coat is the first layer of pavement (usually 2.5” thick). You will notice it will be more porous and have larger stones thane the top coat (usually 1.25” thick). The top coat is less porous and “tighter” with smaller stones and, aesthetically, gives the pavement a smoother finished look. For budgeting purposes it is acceptable to have a base coat installed and look at installing a top coat in the following years (we recommend looking at a top coat within 5 years after installing the base coat).
Does crack sealing ensure that the crack will not grow or appear again?
Crack sealing is an important part of annual pavement maintenance. When cracks develop they allow moisture and debris to get inside and under the pavement. When moisture freezes and unfreezes it expands and contracts challenging the integrity of the pavement and creating further issues. Crack sealing these areas with hot rubber can stop the moisture and debris from infiltrating the pavement but can not necessarily ensure a crack will not open back up: Factors like the gravel base, tree roots, culverts and other geological factors as well as the winters and traffic count can contribute to a crack opening back up or others forming.
COSTS & Payment
Getting A Project Estimate
What time of the year can I get my pavement project completed?
It is imperative that the weather be warm enough to sealcoat pavement. A suggested range would be between 55 and 90 degrees with an ideal temperature around 70 degrees. For Maine, this requires a typical start date of early May with and end date of late September. Paving can be done within a seasonal timeframe that is a little wider (April – November with weather permitting). Other maintenance projects can also be done within a wider time frame (patching, striping, crack sealing and sweeping).
Can I schedule my paving project on a specific day or within a specific timeframe?
Shamos Paving & Sealcoating will always do our best to work within your needs. With that being said, we must also evaluate the weather forecast, location and distance from raw materials: Factoring in these variable will result in us being able to deliver the best possible quality regarding installation as well as a competitive price.
Can I just send you the measurements of my driveway, parking lot or project area to get a quote?
In order to ensure we are delivering the quality that you deserve we really need a Shamos Paving & Sealcoating professional onsite to evaluate the space as variables like location, size/shape, soil/gravel base, traffic count and current pavement age will factor into the approach we take to deliver a quality job.
Who will show up to do the job at my home, business or properties?
Depending on the job type either a team from our pavement maintenance or paving division will show up (typically in anywhere from a 2-6 person team, depending on the job). They will be knowledgeable, courteous and dressed professionally while operating safely as we know your property, your family, your neighbors and your community are all stakeholders in the construction projects you choose to do.
Does Shamos Paving & Sealcoating offer any other services beyond paving and sealcoating?
We offer a full range of asphalt maintenance services including pothole repair, line striping, sweeping and crack sealing. We also provide light earthwork, patio/paver installation (job specific requirements and construction demolition work as well as basic gravel/grading and landscaping needs.
What is a Pavement Maintenance Program?
In working with Property Managers and Facilities Maintenance professionals we understand that pavement is just one aspect of your overall responsibilities – we aim to take this off your plate by pro-actively presenting a 1, 2, and 3 year pavement maintenance plan based on our evaluation and your needs. This ensures a proper presentation and budget timeframe for your properties while allowing you to focus on other areas of your business.
Maintenance
What to do After Project Completion
Should I sealcoat my driveway or parking lot if I just had it paved?
You will want to wait 1-2 years as the pavement will cure for a full year. During this year there will still be oils and moisture in the pavement that will prohibit the sealer to bind properly to the pavement. Sealcoating new pavement after 1-2 years of installation can extend the life of the pavement by 200% (general average – other factors like weather, traffic flow and geographic area will also be determining factors).
I can still see the outline of the rubberized cracks after sealcoating and crack sealing, is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. The rubber used to seal your cracks is a different material than the coating used to sealcoat. For the rubber to be effective it will be slightly thicker on top of the flat surface of your pavement. When the sealer dries you will see a nice mat black finish which will minimize the view of the crack sealing but you will be able to see the outline of the cracks sealed.
How long should I wait before allowing automobile traffic on a newly paved driveway?
It is best to wait at least 3 days (hotter temperatures will require a longer wait).
How often should I have Shamos come back to maintain my driveway or parking lot?
This is really dependent upon traffic flow and weather related conditions. Typically we recommend a sealcoat treatment every 2-3 years for proper maintence. For crack sealing residential driveways the timeframe is typically the same. If you have a parking lot it is good to review each year for needed crack or patch repair needs.