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When a reputable asphalt company constructs a new pavement, projections about the pavement’s useful life assume that the customer will maintain the pavement. The contractor assumes that the customer will apply fresh seal coating periodically, restrict traffic that weighs more than the pavement was designed to bear, and remove oil stains in a timely manner. The contractor also assumes that the customer will ensure that any breaks in the pavement will be promptly repaired or patched. Allowing cracks and potholes to go without repairs is a sure way to reduce the life of a pavement by as much as 60 percent. Most patching and repair methods are very economical, but even the costliest methods are far less expensive than tearing out and rebuilding the pavement.

What Methods Are Used to Patch or Repair Asphalt Pavement?

Asphalt crack repair is typically the most common type of damage remediation for asphalt paving companies. Cracks pose a threat to the health of asphalt pavement that is far greater than many people realize. Beneath the pavement lies a foundation that gives the pavement the strength to hold up under the weight of traffic. This foundation can be compromised if water flowing through open cracks dislodges or washes away the foundation materials. Alligator cracking, potholes, massive cracks and dips in the pavement will likely follow quickly. All of these problems will be more expensive to repair than a timely crack repair. Contractors normally repair cracks with one of the following economical methods.

1. Crack filling is a method in which filler material is inserted into a properly cleaned and prepared void. Filler material tends to cure to a rigid, somewhat brittle state, and since it has little flexibility, it can become dislodged during seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Therefore, the procedure is usually a temporary fix that must often be repeated annually. This method is not recommended for working cracks.
2. Crack sealing uses a rubberized material that will flex with the movement of the pavement. Although sealants may be placed inside the crack, they are always placed over the top of the crack and extended onto the surrounding pavement by about 12 inches. Asphalt crack sealing is a longer-lasting method and is the preferred method for repairing working cracks.

Patches can be used to repair a variety of pavement issues, including potholes and cracks that cannot be sealed or filled. The methods used primarily depend on the time of year, the customer’s budget and the overall condition of the pavement.

1. Infrared asphalt restoration is a relatively new patching method that is often used to repair potholes, level low areas or high spots, eliminate overlaps, repair soft spots in the pavement, or repair some areas that are suffering from alligator cracking. The damaged area is heated to soften the pavement, certain additives are incorporated, new asphalt is introduced, and the patch is compacted. The result is a seamless, aesthetically pleasing repair that can normally be performed even in cold weather.
2. The traditional patching method is to remove the damaged pavement, usually by sawing it out. In most cases, the foundation materials are exposed so that repairs can be made. Layers of new asphalt are placed and compacted. This method is normally quite durable, but it is less attractive and often more expensive than infrared patching.
3. Throw-and-go and throw-and-roll patches do not have particularly long lives, but they are sometimes needed if there is no time to use a different method. For example, a large pothole may be endangering the safety of commuters and their vehicles, but inclement weather is expected shortly. Throw-and-go is exactly what the name implies; workers place asphalt in the pothole and drive away. Throw-and-roll is similar, but workers make some attempt to compact the asphalt.

All Pro Asphalt is a paving contractor and we can assist you with all of your asphalt repair, maintenance and paving needs, including infrared asphalt restoration, seal coating, traditional asphalt patching, asphalt crack repair, pavement striping and asphalt paving. We also repair and install concrete. We have built an outstanding reputation by providing outstanding work and going the extra mile for our customers. If you would like to learn more about our services or request a free quote, just call our office at 816-249-6800 or fill out our online form.

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Is Your Asphalt Ready for Sealcoating?

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

If you manage or own a business, you probably know that a fresh coat of sealant and new pavement striping can often be enough to turn a parking lot from an eyesore into an expanse that provides potential customers or guests with an attractive, welcoming sight. However, since your parking lot is essential to your operations, you know that you need to control the length of time that it will be out of commission. Therefore, you may be wondering how long it will take the pavement paint to dry sufficiently. The short answer is that the paint will probably be dry enough to allow vehicles to access the pavement in no more than an hour. The long answer is that the paint could require less time or slightly more time.

How Long Does Pavement Striping Take to Dry?

What Factors Affect the Drying of Pavement Paint?

No matter how urgently you need to reopen your parking lot, knowledgeable asphalt contractors know that you will be happier with the long-term results if you allow the striping service’s workers time to do the job properly and follow their advice on the drying time. Vehicles driving across wet markings will track the paint, and the paint that is removed by their tires can leave markings thin or patchy. There are several factors that the striping contractor will consider when determining the appropriate drying time.

• What is the temperature? Paint dries faster in warmer weather. Most pavement paints require a minimum temperature of 50 degrees for efficient drying.
• What is the relative humidity? When humidity levels are high, the air can become so saturated that the rate of evaporation is slowed, requiring more time for the paint to dry. In general, the higher the relative humidity, the warmer the temperature needs to be.
• Does the job include sealcoating the pavement? A responsible sealcoating contractor will make any necessary repairs and carefully clean the pavement before the sealant is applied. This can add a little time to the entire operation, but the main issue is that freshly sealed asphalt may need two coats of paint to achieve the proper visibility and durability. Depending on the size of the contractor’s crew, this may have little or no impact on the total time, but it never hurts to ask.
• What type of paint do you prefer? Most striping paints are either oil-based or water-based, but a number of variations exist within each broad category. There can be some differences in the drying times of different paints, but they are usually insignificant. However, some paints may require additional time for applying the paint or cleaning up after the job. Conversely, there are also paints that have much shorter drying times than the varieties that are commonly used.

All Pro Asphalt is an asphalt contractor and we have the solutions you need for your pavement-related needs. Our services include parking lot striping and pavement markings, sealcoating, infrared asphalt restoration, asphalt crack repairs and asphalt paving. We also install and repair concrete. We have an outstanding reputation for quality and impeccable references. Our goal is to deliver superior work and exceptional customer service at reasonable rates. We make it easy for you to request a free quote; simply submit the request form online or call 816-249-6800.

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The Cost of Delaying Asphalt Maintenance | Kansas City

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

Experienced asphalt contractors advise their customers to make sure that a new pavement receives an application of sealcoating within the pavement’s first year of life. The professionals know that asphalt sealcoating is a remarkably economical and effective way to ensure a much longer life for your pavement when performed as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan. Furthermore, sealants increase your property’s curb appeal and make the pavement more resistant to slips and skids. It is not always easy to know when to call a sealcoating contractor, however. If you are not sure that your asphalt pavement is ready to be sealed, the following information may help.

Is Your Asphalt Ready for Sealcoating?

How Old Is Your Asphalt Pavement?

If your pavement is only a few months old, it may not be ready for sealant. Asphalt contains oils that must be allowed to escape before sealing. If you attempt to apply a sealant prematurely, the sealant cannot bond with the pavement or cure properly. You can check your pavement’s readiness by pouring a little clean water onto the asphalt’s surface in several locations. If you can feel or see an oily film in or on the water, your pavement is not yet ready to be sealed.

What Is the Predominate Color of Your Asphalt Pavement?

New asphalt pavement has a dark, rich color that provides an excellent contrast to pavement markings. As the pavement ages and suffers the effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the color begins to fade. Typically, it will turn a dark gray and grow progressively lighter over time. As a general rule, the lighter the color of your asphalt pavement, the more desperately it needs to have a sealant applied.

When Was the Last Application of Sealant Applied?

The pavement’s use is the primary factor determining the interval between sealcoating applications. For example, the customer and employee parking lot at an average grocery store usually needs to have sealant applied every other year, but the employee parking lot at a small business may only need fresh sealant every three years or so. Truck stops, warehouses and other companies that have many fully loaded tractor-trailers coming and going every day may include annual applications in their parking lot maintenance plans. If you know that your pavement has not been sealed for five or six years, it is time to call a sealcoating contractor.

Can You See Additional Warning Signs?

Other signs that you need to have a sealant applied may be harder to spot. You may notice some very small cracks in the pavement’s surface, for example. These hairline cracks do not yet pose a danger to the health of your pavement, but they will not stay minuscule for long. It is entirely possible that tiny cracks can be mended with sealant, but once they grow, you will need to have them professionally repaired. You may find some spots where automotive fluids have dripped from vehicles parked on or driving across your pavement. These fluids will eventually eat through your sealant, and once they reach your pavement, they will turn it crumbly and soft. Have your paving contractor clean these stains thoroughly; it may also be necessary to prime them before applying a sealant.

When You Need an Asphalt Professional, Contact All Pro Asphalt

All Pro Asphalt is an asphalt maintenance and sealcoating contractor that serves customers throughout the greater Kansas City area with high-quality work at affordable prices. We can sealcoat your parking lot and stripe it, repair your streets, install an asphalt overlay, repair concrete, use infrared paving to repair your asphalt pavement, install new concrete or handle your asphalt paving needs. We have an outstanding reputation for superior workmanship and customer satisfaction. You can call 816-249-6800 or complete our online form to request a free quote.

Recent FAQs

What Are ADA Violations? | Asphalt Maintenance

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

Most people would never dream of trying to drive a car for 75,000 miles without ever changing its oil. They know that a conservative investment in periodic maintenance can help them avoid spending thousands of dollars to replace or repair the engine very early in the vehicle’s life. Smart homeowners do not let dryer lint accumulate in the vent pipe to the point that a fire results, nor will they ignore a roof leak until water is dripping on their head, the furniture is ruined, and the floor has been severely damaged. Like most items, asphalt sealcoating needs to be maintained if you want to avoid future problems and significant expenses.

The Cost of Delaying Asphalt Maintenance | Kansas City

How Does Delaying Asphalt Maintenance Increase Future Costs?

Reputable asphalt companies install high-quality pavements that are expected to last for many years. However, asphalt contractors know that their best work will not continue as it should unless the customer takes proper care of the pavement. Proper care includes timely repairs as well as preventive maintenance. Studies have found that each dollar that you spend to maintain and repair your pavement will save you between $4 and $10 in future expenses.

One interesting case study reported on a parking lot would have needed no more than $5,500 to keep it properly maintained. The owner delayed maintenance for five years, and by that time, the pavement had deteriorated so badly that the owner was forced to rebuild the lot at the cost of more than $35,000. Another study found that pavements receiving no maintenance were almost all at the point of complete failure within 10 years of their installation.

What Maintenance Is Recommended for Asphalt Pavement?

No two pavements receive identical traffic or are used for the same purposes. Therefore, every property owner should ask an experienced, credible asphalt contractor to recommend a schedule of services. However, some maintenance procedures are the same for all asphalt pavements.

• Asphalt Crack Repair: Cracks pose a significant danger to asphalt pavement. Fortunately, crack repairs are economical and cause little disruption. Any break in the pavement should be repaired promptly to prevent water from penetrating to the pavement’s foundation. Once the foundation has been eroded and destabilized by water infiltration, the repair costs will increase significantly.
• Seal coat: Sealcoating is an asphalt coating that helps prevent water infiltration, blocks harmful UV rays and slows the damage caused by automotive fluids that have dripped onto the pavement. Seal coat is not a one-time treatment, however. It needs to be reapplied every few years throughout the life of the pavement. Sealcoating is highly effective, but it is also quite economical. Furthermore, sealcoating will bring back the attractive color that your pavement had when it was first installed.
• Drainage: Storm drains, catch basins and other components that are designed to carry away runoff need to be kept clear of clogs. Periodic inspections can help you identify any leaves, trash or other debris that could be impeding the flow of water and need to be removed.
• Resurfacing: Resurfacing, commonly known as installing an asphalt overlay, is much less expensive than rebuilding a pavement. It is an attractive, economical and effective way to add years to the life of a worn-out pavement.

All Pro Asphalt is a Kansas City based asphalt maintenance company and can help you maximize the return on your pavement investment. We specialize in asphalt maintenance, including sealcoating, crack repair, asphalt overlays, infrared asphalt repairs, asphalt paving, and parking lot striping. We also repair and install concrete. Our experience and skills allow us to guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work, and our goal is to exceed your expectations. We serve the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as customers in many nearby counties. Call us at 816-249-6800 or fill out the online form to request a free quote.

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Asphalt Crack Repair – What Property Managers Should Consider

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

When the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, it was hailed as a major gain for groups and individuals lobbying to ensure parity between people with a handicap and those without one. One key section of the ADA covers accessibility issues. Virtually every type of business is legally required to make sure that anyone with a mobility issue can have a safe, convenient place to park and an unobstructed path to the door of the business. Business owners are responsible for taking the initiative to ensure compliance with the ADA. If a business is found guilty of an access violation, the company can be fined up to $75,000 for a first violation and up to $150,000 for a second violation. A failure to comply can also leave a business open to a civil suit, particularly if a disabled person suffers an injury because the company was not in compliance with the ADA.

What Are ADA Violations? | Asphalt Maintenance

Which ADA Accommodations Violations Are the Most Common?

Many accommodations violations are the result of hiring an inexperienced pavement striping contractor. The ADA is quite clear on the sizes of accessible parking spaces, where they should be located and how they should be marked. For example, accessible parking spaces cannot be less than eight feet wide; this minimum width does not include the mandatory access aisles. Accessible spaces should be placed as near as possible to the building’s accessible entrance. Pavement striping should identify the access aisles, and a permanent sign that bears the symbol for accessibility must be mounted at a specified height so that it is clearly visible to drivers. In addition, every parking lot must have an adequate number of accessible spaces. The number of total spaces provided by the parking lot is used to calculate the minimum number of accessible spaces required.

Another common issue is the slope of the accessible space. The access aisles and parking spaces must be level and have surface slopes that do not exceed 2 percent. A credible asphalt contractor can advise whether all of your accessible parking complies with the ADA requirements.

Accessible routes should not require those parking in accessible spaces to pass behind parked cars. No obstructions should be present in the accessible path, so it may be necessary to install curb ramps to ensure compliance.

Another issue can arise when a company hires a paving maintenance and striping contractor to apply new pavement markings. According to the ADA, this constitutes an alteration, which means that the new markings must comply with the latest version of the ADA. The ADA was amended in 2010, and the changes went into effect in 2012. Therefore, a parking lot that was striped prior to 2012 might comply with the original standards, but care must be taken to ensure that markings applied today conform to the amended standards.

Finding Help for Compliance With the ADA

The complexity of the ADA means that it is wise to seek the help of an experienced, reputable contractor when you need to refresh your parking lot. At All Pro Asphalt, we specialize in the maintenance of asphalt paving. Our services include asphalt striping and pavement markings, sealcoating, asphalt crack repairs, infrared asphalt repairs, asphalt paving and concrete work. We are driven to ensure every customer’s satisfaction with our work through our commitment to excellence. You can call 816-249-6800 or fill out the online form to request a free quote on your next project.

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A career as a commercial property manager can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Sometimes, you may feel as if you need to be in three places at once or are surely setting a new record for multitasking. However, despite the various demands on your time, you know that you must ensure that the property’s assets are protected so that they will generate the best return on the money invested in them. Since these assets include any asphalt pavement on the property, you need to make sure that you give asphalt crack repair its proper priority. Neglected cracks can quickly lead to costly repairs or even the total reconstruction of your asphalt pavement.

Asphalt Crack Repair – What Property Managers Should Consider

Why Should You Include Crack Repairs in Your Asphalt Maintenance Program?

Asphalt pavement relies on a stable foundation for its strength and resiliency. If the foundation is compromised, the pavement may experience subsidence, alligator cracking or other serious damage. At best, a severely damaged foundation will entail a repair that is much more expensive than a crack repair. At worst, the entire pavement may have to be removed and rebuilt.

Giving prompt attention to any cracks that develop is the best way to avoid potentially serious problems. Cracks allow water to seep beneath the pavement and erode the foundation. This is bad enough when the weather is warm, but in the winter, the trapped water can freeze. As it freezes, it expands, exerting additional pressure on the foundation as well as the pavement. The pavement can be forced upward, and once the ice melts, a void can be left between the pavement and the foundation. When traffic passes over the void, the pavement can give way. The result can be a pothole, a massive crack or a patch of alligatored asphalt. Foundations cannot be repaired without first removing the existing pavement and replacing it after rebuilding the foundation.

Having a paving contractor tailor a preventive maintenance plan to suit your needs is an excellent way to ensure that cracks in your pavement receive prompt attention. A good plan will provide at least one inspection per year, but an inspection every six months would be better.

How Are Cracks in Asphalt Pavement Repaired?

Most cracks are repaired by using either the asphalt crack sealing or asphalt crack filling method. The crack’s size, type and rate of expansion are the primary factors used to determine which method to use.

• Asphalt crack filling involves the insertion of an asphalt crack filler into the crack. This method is usually chosen for cracks that are too wide for sealing and/or for cracks that have stopped expanding. Asphalt crack filler is not very flexible, so its bond with the pavement can be broken if the pavement experiences movement. Although crack filling is cheaper than crack sealing, a repair made using filler will have a much shorter life.
• Asphalt crack sealing involves the application of a sealant over the crack. Occasionally, the sealant may be placed inside the crack as well. Because they are rubberized, sealants remain flexible, allowing them to move when the pavement experiences movement.

For help with all your asphalt maintenance needs, please contact us.  All Pro Asphalt is a paving and parking lot maintenance company based in Kansas City, MO. We offer an extensive range of services, including asphalt crack repairs, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt patching, infrared asphalt restoration, asphalt paving and overlays, parking lot striping and concrete work. We serve commercial and residential clients throughout the greater Kansas City area. Our references are impressive, and we have built an exemplary reputation for delivering outstanding work at affordable prices. For a free quote, call our office at 816-249-6800 or fill out the online form.

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Asphalt Sealcoating & Winter Preparation

When an asphalt paving company constructs a new parking lot or installs an overlay, it will normally advise the property owner to be diligent about maintaining the new pavement. Asphalt companies know that neglected pavements have shorter lives, but they also know that professional maintenance reduces the likelihood that the pavement will require expensive repairs. Part of an effective maintenance plan is a thorough cleaning of the pavement at regular intervals.

Asphalt Maintenance Tips – How to Keep My Pavement Clean

What Does Cleaning an Asphalt Pavement Entail?

Whether the pavement is a parking lot, sidewalk, jogging trail or city street, it will benefit from periodic cleanings. Many asphalt companies offer at least some of the services listed, but you or your employees may be able to perform a few of the tasks. Here are some important steps that an asphalt company will typically recommend.

• Maintain the integrity of your sealcoating. Sealants do not last forever, but the life you can expect from your sealcoating depends on the volume and weight of the traffic using your pavement. Therefore, an extremely busy parking lot or one that receives a high volume of truck traffic may need new sealcoating every year; one that handles an average volume of passenger vehicles only may not require new sealant for two or three years. Ask your asphalt paving company to recommend an appropriate sealcoating schedule for your pavement.
• Remove piles of grass clippings, fallen leaves, gravel, dirt or trash regularly. Moisture will collect beneath piles of debris and remain trapped. This moisture can seep through any cracks in the pavement and damage the foundation supporting your pavement. Many commercial property managers include professional sweeping as part of their budget for parking lot maintenance. For smaller pavements, a push broom, leaf blower or garden hose may suffice.
• Your paving company may also recommend that you inspect for drainage issues as part of your parking lot maintenance program. Clean the grates over any catch basins or drains. Make sure that gutters and drains do not become clogged with debris. If water cannot flow freely from your pavement, it can create puddles or work its way underneath the edges of the surrounding pavement.
• Transmission fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, oil and other automotive fluids can destroy the binder in asphalt pavement. The pavement becomes soft and highly vulnerable to additional damage. Sealcoating is not enough to prevent these fluids from reaching the pavement, but sealants do give you a little more time to remove these spills. Removal begins by sopping up any spills that are still liquid; baking soda is often an effective, eco-friendly option if it can be left in place for 12 to 24 hours. There are also asphalt cleansers and degreasers that you can use. Normally, you will need to apply the product and wait a few minutes before using a brush to scrub the area thoroughly. It may require more than one attempt to remove the stain.
• Be proactive about keeping your pavement clean. For example, place an adequate number of trash receptacles in your parking lot. Talk to your landscaping contractor about removing grass clippings or dead leaves. Inspect your pavement frequently to spot problems early. Encourage employees to report issues that you might have overlooked during your inspections.

All Pro Asphalt specializes in parking lot maintenance for customers throughout the greater Kansas City area. Our services include infrared asphalt restoration, asphalt crack repair, parking lot striping, pothole repair, asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating and concrete work. We are known for our integrity, our quality workmanship and our competitive prices. You can call 816-249-6800 to request a free quote; if you prefer, you can submit our online quote request form.

Recent FAQs

When Is It Too Hot for Sealcoating?

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

Cold weather can wreak havoc on asphalt pavements, especially those that have not been properly winterized. The damage resulting from unrepaired cracks and neglected oil spills can be exacerbated by repeated freezing and thawing cycles. Some deicing chemicals can cause additional damage. The best way to ensure that your asphalt pavement is in the best condition possible when spring arrives is through a professional asphalt maintenance program that will prepare your pavement for harsh winter weather. Virtually all paving companies recommend that you include sealcoating as part of this program.

Asphalt Sealcoating & Winter Preparation

Why Is Sealcoating Important When Preparing Asphalt Pavement for Winter Weather?

When sealcoating cures, it forms a hard shell that helps protect against water penetration, corrosive chemicals and automotive fluids. However, it is equally important to remember that reputable asphalt sealcoating contractors know that they will need to clean the pavement and repair cracks if the job is to be successful. Therefore, most asphalt contractors will be able to completely winterize your pavement as part of the sealcoating job. If a contractor quotes you a ridiculously low price, he is probably not planning to repair the cracks or remove oil spills, so be sure to compare all bids carefully. Paving contractors who apply sealant over dirty or damaged pavement may leave their clients facing large, unnecessary repair bills in the spring.

Is It Possible to Apply Sealcoating in the Fall?

Although many paving contractors prefer to apply sealcoating during the spring and summer months, fall is also a good time for sealcoating in the Kansas City area. Naturally, the weather needs to be cooperative.

• Ground and air temperatures should be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit when the sealant is applied and for the first 24 hours thereafter. If there are shaded areas, the minimum temperature may need to be higher.
• Many asphalt contractors are reluctant to apply sealcoating on cloudy days. This is especially true if the humidity level is high or the temperature is hovering just above the acceptable minimum.
• Rain can ruin uncured sealcoating. The weather forecast should not include the possibility of any precipitation for at least the first 24 hours of the sealant’s life.

Sealcoating contractors must also consider a number of other factors.

• How early in the day can he begin the work? Starting early ensures that the sealer will receive the hours of sunlight it needs to cure properly.
• How difficult will it be to control traffic? If it is possible to close the entire area to traffic, the contractor can complete the work faster. However, sealcoating and paving contractors understand that this is not always possible, so they will work with you to create a plan that minimizes the disruption.
• Are there additives that might help? Asphalt contractors frequently incorporate additives in their sealcoating mixes. For example, there are additives that expedite the curing process; your contractor may choose one of these additives to help compensate for dense shade, high humidity or borderline temperatures.

All Pro Asphalt is a paving contractor based in Kansas City, MO. We specialize in all areas of asphalt maintenance, including asphalt sealcoating, crack repair, infrared asphalt restoration and asphalt paving. We also offer parking lot striping and concrete work. Our service areas include many locations in Kansas and Missouri. Since launching our business, we have concentrated on providing exceptional workmanship by using quality materials and the latest technologies. If you would like to receive a free quote, complete the online form or call 816-249-6800.

Recent FAQ’s

Can Asphalt Striping Be Removed?

See Our Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS

Most people understand that it can be too cold to apply sealcoating. They know that sealants will dry at a much slower rate when the temperature drops, and they also know that reducing the hours of sunlight that the pavement receives can impact the curing time. Therefore, it is logical to assume that the long, hot days of summer are ideal for sealcoating. However, there are many summer days when it is too hot to achieve successful results without some extra effort on the part of the sealcoating contractor and his crew.

When Is It Too Hot for Sealcoating?  What Are Ideal Conditions for Sealcoating?

The companies that manufacture sealcoating test their products under a range of conditions. They determine the minimum and maximum tolerances for their products as well as what constitutes ideal conditions. Ideal conditions include an ambient temperature of 70 degrees and a humidity level of less than 50 percent. In the Kansas City area, the average temperature normally exceeds 70 degrees from late April until sometime in October. The average humidity level is above 60 percent year-round. Therefore, paving contractors in this area know that ideal days will rarely occur, so they look for days with conditions that are acceptable.

What Are Acceptable Conditions for Sealcoating?

Most manufacturers recommend that the temperature should be at least 50 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. There should be a light breeze, and no precipitation should be forecast for at least 24 hours. However, experienced sealcoating contractors routinely complete successful applications of sealants when the temperature is above 90 degrees and the humidity is 70 percent or more. They will need to take some extra steps, but a competent sealcoating contractor knows how to adjust for heat and humidity.

How Do Contractors Compensate for Heat and Humidity?

The steps that your contractor will take to compensate for marginal conditions depend on a number of factors. For example, he must evaluate whether he needs to address the humidity, the temperature or both issues. He must assess the scope of the work and the time available to complete the job. After considering all factors, your contractor may employ one or more of the following methods.

• If extreme heat is the primary issue, he may choose to wet the pavement to cool it down. The water will evaporate quickly, allowing the sealcoating job to proceed.
• If the relative humidity is extremely high, he may decide to add a little less water to the sealant mix. High humidity levels slow the rate at which water can evaporate from the sealcoating mix, so reducing the amount of water that must be evaporated will expedite the curing process.
• Heat and humidity can both be addressed by ensuring that the application rate is appropriate. A thin layer of sealcoating will dry much faster than a thick layer.
• If possible, your contractor may want to apply the asphalt sealcoating early in the morning. The pavement is often coolest around dawn, so completing the application before the pavement has a chance to heat up again may be an effective solution.
• Your contractor may alter his recipe for sealcoating mix. For example, he may incorporate additives or choose a different aggregate to help control evaporation.

All Pro Asphalt is an asphalt paving company servicing Kansas City and our goal is to deliver work that will leave our customers completely satisfied. Our services include sealcoating, asphalt crack filler, parking lot striping, concrete services, infrared asphalt restoration and asphalt paving. We have an impeccable reputation and exemplary references. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, submit our online form or call 816-249-6800.

How Property Managers Can Prepare for Sealcoating

Service Areas

• Grandview, MO
• Harrisonville, MO
• Independence, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Lenexa, KS
• Liberty, MO
• Olathe, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Shawnee, KS

Properly striped and marked parking lots are more attractive and safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Over time, however, the paint will wear and become less visible. One sign that you need to have fresh paint applied is that the old markings have lost more than 25 percent of their original visibility. You may also need to have new parking lot striping applied if you want to change the angle of the parking stalls, need to alter your layout to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or want to change the way that traffic flows through your lot. To achieve the best results, you need to eliminate the old markings and stripes.

Can Asphalt Striping Be Removed?  How Will the Contractor Remove the Existing Paint?

Although some people believe that the best way to eradicate existing markings is to simply cover them with black paint, this method is neither permanent nor attractive. The black area will have to be repainted frequently, and the color of the paint will almost never match the color of the pavement. This can make the location of the previous stripes obvious, and by drawing attention to them, you risk distracting or confusing drivers. You will have far better results if you have your contractor remove the old markings.

Asphalt contractors will want to assess the condition of your pavement, the size of the job, your schedule for completing the work and your preferences. Based on these factors, he may choose one or more of the methods listed below.

• Strippers: Chemical strippers can be an effective way to remove or loosen the paint. However, chemical strippers have fallen into disfavor in many cities, and they should only be used by qualified, highly experienced paving contractors who are extremely conscious of the potential safety and environmental risks involved.
• Brushes: Virtually every contractor who offers pavement marking and asphalt striping services will have a collection of wire brushes in his toolbox. Contractors have been using wire brushes to correct their mistakes or remove old markings since the introduction of pavement markings. Scrubbing away paint with a wire brush can be highly effective, but it is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, brushes are usually reserved for small areas.
• Scarifiers: Scarifiers are machines that have rotating drums to which many small cutters are affixed. The operator guides the scarifier along the existing stripes. The cutters scrape off the paint, but they will also take a millimeter or two of the asphalt, leaving behind a scarred or textured surface. Therefore, if the appearance of the pavement is critical, a scarifier may not be the ideal solution.
• Blasters: Blasters are similar to pressure washers, but they operate under significantly more pressure. A water blaster uses only water to peel away the old paint. A soda blaster uses water and baking soda for the removal of the existing paint. Both methods are highly effective and environmentally safe, and neither method will scar the pavement. It should be noted that sandblasting is typically not recommended for asphalt pavement, but it can be an effective solution for removing markings from concrete.

All Pro Asphalt is an asphalt maintenance company servicing customers in the greater Kansas City area.  We would be happy to help you choose the best way to remove your existing stripes and markings. Our services include parking lot striping, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt crack repair, asphalt paving, asphalt repair, infrared asphalt restoration and concrete work. We have a reputation for outstanding workmanship and competitive prices. We offer free quotes, so submit the online form or call 816-249-6800 to learn more about the many ways that we can help you protect your pavement.

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