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If you are already familiar with asphalt terminology, you might be surprised to learn that this question is one that all asphalt contractors must answer frequently. Although the two products work together, they are actually two very different things.Think of sealcoating as an umbrella that you can use to shield yourself from the sun’s rays or a torrential rain. Using this analogy, your body would be what provides the strength to support the umbrella, much as asphalt paving supports the asphalt sealcoating. A more in-depth discussion of each product follows.

What is Sealcoating?

Sealcoating is an asphalt sealant that is applied on top of your pavement to protect it and enhance its appearance. Sealcoating:

• Should be applied to new pavement that has cured sufficiently, which is normally about three months.
• Is not a permanent product and will need to be reapplied periodically. Depending on the use to which the pavement is subjected, reapplications may be needed each year or every five years, but two to three years is most typical.
• Blocks the UV rays that can dry out the asphalt and make it “crumbly.”
• Should not be applied to damaged asphalt until repairs have been made.
• Is capable of smoothing out minor surface flaws, but it is not a substitute for crack filling.
• Can often double the life of the pavement when sealcoating is combined with proper repairs and maintenance.
•  The contractor then adds water and other ingredients to create a liquid for application.
• Can make asphalt pavement appear darker and more lustrous.
• Is one of the least expensive ways that you can prolong the life of your pavement.

What is Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt paving is essentially the pavement underneath your sealcoating. When installed correctly, asphalt pavement is flexible, strong and resilient. Paving may refer to new construction, the replacement of existing asphalt pavement or an overlay, which is an additional layer of asphalt applied over existing pavement. Asphalt paving:

• Requires a strong, stable base. Without this base, the asphalt cannot maintain its resiliency and will quickly develop cracks or potholes. For new paving, the base is typically compressed rock or gravel. For an overlay, the existing asphalt or concrete is often sufficient for a successful application. Other options may be available, depending on the climate, usage and soil.
• Requires contractors to bring in heavy equipment, such as rollers to compress the fresh asphalt.
• Can result in more disruption to traffic than sealcoating.
• Is more expensive than sealcoating.
• Can last for many years if properly maintained.

If you have questions about sealcoating, paving or any other asphalt-related service, contact All Pro Asphalt. We offer an extensive range of services, including parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, paving and sealcoating, to customers throughout the greater Kansas City area. Our crews are highly trained and experienced, and they are committed to providing quality results and superior customer service. You can use our online form to request a free quote, or you can call 816-249-6800.

Some people hunt for bargains all the time, no matter how inexpensive the item might be. Others reserve their bargain-hunting techniques only when they are purchasing a costly item. During bad economic times, the number of people in each category increases.

However, as all true bargain hunters know, the best bargain is not always the item with the lowest price. For any purchase to be considered a bargain, it must be of sufficient quality to meet your needs, provide the benefits you desire and not end up costing you more in the long run. For example, buying a pre-owned car that soon requires costly repairs instead of a new car that has an extended warranty is not a bargain if the purchase price of the used car plus the repairs exceed the cost of a new one. It also is not much of a bargain if you hate driving the car, such as finding yourself stuck with a manual transmission when you have knee problems and frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic.

Interestingly, many people who are well aware of the pitfalls of basing decisions solely on price will still choose the lowest bid when contracting for asphalt-related services. It is not always a mistake to select the lowest quote, but you should consider other factors before you do.

• Are all contractors quoting the same specifications? For example, perhaps Contractor A is specifying a different depth for asphalt pavement than Contractor B, or Contractor C is the only one including sealcoating in his bid.
• Does the contractor with the lowest bid have a solid reputation? Contractors who have garnered a great many customer complaints may have damaged reputations, requiring them to severely undercut prices to obtain any work at all.
• Does the contractor and his crew have experience with the particular product or technique that your job requires? A contractor who has never installed a downward-sloping driveway, for example, might not understand the drainage issues that will need to be addressed.

Saving money on asphalt-related work is fine, but only if you are receiving true value. A sealcoating job at half-price is no bargain if you must have the sealant reapplied in two months instead of two years. New asphalt pavement installed for 75 percent of the price other contractors quoted is not a good bargain if it shows severe cracks after the first freeze.

At All Pro Asphalt, we base our quotes on what it will take to provide the customer with quality, long-lasting results that fit each customer’s specific needs. Sometimes, our quotes are the lowest, but at other times, they may not be. What you can count on is that we are offering the most cost-effective solution for your needs without compromising on quality. Whether you need asphalt repairs, new pavement or parking lot maintenance, our crews have the expertise to do the job right the first time. You can use our online form to request a free estimate, or feel free to call us at 816-249-6800.

Several different manufacturers produce asphalt sealcoating mix in a variety of formulas. However, manufacturers tend to produce a range of utilitarian mixes, tailoring their recipes to suit the greatest range of basic requirements. Sometimes, though, the basic requirements are not enough to provide the highest quality of work. Factors such as temperature and traffic patterns may make the use of additives desirable on certain jobs. Here are the three most common reasons that asphalt contractors choose additives to enhance the performance of the sealcoating.

1. Certain additives can dramatically shorten the drying time of the sealcoating. Without additives, freshly sealcoated areas need to remain closed to vehicles for 12 to 24 hours; with additives, the closure can be as little as 4 hours. This can be an important consideration for property owners who need their areas reopened for customers or employees as quickly as possible. It can also be important to asphalt contractors who need to apply a second coat of sealcoating or pavement markings as both procedures require letting the initial coat of sealant dry first. If the area is heavily shaded, drying time for the sealant is extended, so contractors sometimes use additives to speed up the process on sites that do not receive much sun.
2. Other additives let contractors apply sealcoating when the temperatures are outside of the manufacturer’s specifications. Most manufacturers recommend that their sealants be applied when the air temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit; the ideal temperature for sealcoating is normally considered to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below 50 degrees, sealcoating without additives can become so thick that it is difficult or impossible to achieve an even application and efficient drying. At temperatures above 90 degrees, sealcoating without additives can become so thin that it dries before it can be applied evenly. Additives allow contractors to perform sealcoating jobs under conditions that would be otherwise be unsuitable.
3. Some additives offer performance-enhancing benefits. Many customers want something a little different from their sealcoating. Some want to make their pavement look darker so that it appears newer. Others want to reduce the scuffmarks that can temporarily appear on freshly sealed areas. There are additives that can be used to provide these and other benefits.

At All Pro Asphalt, we know how to “mix and match” additives to provide superior sealcoating results. We provide a full range of asphalt-related services, including asphalt paving, asphalt repair, asphalt crack repair and maintenance in the Kansas City area. Whether you need sealcoating, crack repair, an overlay or parking lot striping, our crews have the experience to provide outstanding results at competitive prices. You can use our online form to request a free quote, or feel free to call us at (816) 249-6800.

Yes, you should always consider drainage when paving your driveway.  Asphalt paving that is poorly drained can have a much shorter life, and standing pools of water on your drive will do little to enhance the curb appeal of your property. When contractors plan a new driveway, they consider a number of different things, including:

• Size of driveway — both length and width
• Potential for runoff from nearby terrain
• Landscaping around the driveway that needs to be protected
• Position of structures in relation to the driveway

After carefully evaluating all of the different elements specific to each site, contractors can employ a variety of techniques to make sure that a driveway will drain properly.

• Select the proper grade. A typical driveway needs to increase its elevation by a minimum of 1/4 inch for every 12 inches of the driveway’s length. It may also need to be graded to slope to one side by 1/4 inch or more for every foot of its width. Without the proper grade, the driveway will be plagued with puddles. With the right grade, the pavement can shed the water much faster.
• Install porous asphalt, if needed. Unlike traditional asphalt that keeps water on top of the pavement, porous asphalt lets water filter through the pavement. A special layer of substrate channels the water away and protects the pavement’s foundation from water erosion. Water drains into the surrounding soil, and not all types of soil are sufficient for the task. Porous asphalt is the more costly option to install, but under certain conditions, it can be less expensive in the long run.
• Consider special features. Trench drains, for example, are effective in problem areas, such as where a downhill driveway meets the garage. Curbs along the driveway can keep water flowing down the pavement and away from your lawn, or they can keep runoff from flowing onto the driveway from nearby surroundings.

At All Pro Asphalt, we have the experience needed to determine the most efficient way to ensure that your driveway has adequate drainage. We are a full-service asphalt maintenance service providing asphalt paving and asphalt repair, asphalt sealing work and concrete pavement repair in Kansas City, MO. You can request a free quote by submitting our online form or calling 816-249-6800.

All Pro Asphalt is a premier asphalt company in Kansas City…specializing in asphalt paving, asphalt sealcoating, and parking lot maintenance.

When it comes to asphalt pavement, a little maintenance can go a long way toward preventing premature failure. Before your pavement fails, it will typically display signs that it is in distress. If you know how to interpret these signs, you can take prompt action and usually rectify the issue before extensive damage has been done. The following five signs are your pavement’s way of telling you that it is in distress.

• Waves in your asphalt pavement could indicate two different conditions. The ones that show up primarily around stop signs, signal lights and crosswalks are normally called corrugation or washboarding. They indicate that the asphalt mix was defective; the contractor might have used too much asphalt cement, too little aggregate or chosen the wrong asphalt cement for your climate. The long waves that show up in the wheel paths indicate a condition called rutting. Rutting can be a serious problem as it is the result of either an installation or pavement design that was inadequate for the actual use of the pavement.
• Smooth or shiny patches on your pavement represent a condition called flushing. Flushing is caused by an asphalt mix that contained too much asphalt cement. Flushing and corrugation often appear on the same pavement, but the two conditions may be found in different areas.
• Mudding is a term that is sometimes used by asphalt contractors to describe mud and/or water that is being forced to the top of the pavement by traffic. The condition is caused by water penetration that is actively eroding the foundation. Correction requires locating the entry point for the water and repairing it, repairing the foundation (if needed) and repairing the pavement.
• Wrinkles or small rips in the pavement’s surface indicate a bond failure. In order to be strong and flexible, asphalt pavement needs to be securely bonded to its foundation. If the bond fails, the pavement can try to “slip” or move independently, causing tearing or wrinkling.
• Alligator cracking is a term used to describe numerous small cracks that resemble an alligator’s skin. This cracking pattern is often an indication of water penetration that has damaged the foundation. However, it can also be caused by insufficient compaction when the pavement was installed or asphalt pavement that is too thin to withstand the loads placed on it.

All Pro Asphalt offers a wide range of asphalt-related services, from asphalt paving and crack repairs to asphalt sealcoating and parking lot striping. We are committed to providing superior results in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Whether you need your home’s driveway rejuvenated or your business parking lot repaired, we have the expertise to ensure your complete satisfaction. Use our online form to request a free quote, or call 816-249-6800 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members.

Unfortunately, closing your parking lot for paving or sealcoating is unavoidable. First, there is the safety issue; keeping your customers and employees (as well as curious bystanders) away from potentially dangerous work areas and equipment is important to all reputable asphalt contractors. Second, both asphalt pavement and sealcoating need time to dry adequately; allowing traffic to have access prematurely can destroy the work. However, asphalt contractors will work closely with you to make sure that your lot will be out of commission for the shortest time possible, and they will do all that they can to minimize any disruption to your business.

• In most cases, contractors can schedule the work for your off-peak hours. For example, the work could possibly be performed overnight or over a long holiday weekend.
• If you have a large lot that has at least two access points, contractors may be able to perform the work in sections. Each section will be closed individually for the work to be done. In some cases, the completed section can be reopened to traffic before the next section is closed.
• If you are having sealant applied, you might ask your contractor about additives to expedite the drying time. Additives to accelerate drying are commonly used during cooler weather, when humidity levels are high or on parking lots that need additional work, such as striping or second coats.

When it comes to the exact length of time that your lot will need to be closed, you will need to consult your contractor. The ambient temperature, the amount of shade your lot receives and other factors must be taken into consideration. However, as a general rule, you can expect that:

• Without additives, freshly sealed areas will need to be closed to vehicles for 12 to 18 hours although it may be possible to permit pedestrians to have access much sooner.
• New pavement will need to be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles until at least the next day. A closure of 18 to 24 is most common, but under certain conditions, your new pavement could need to remain undisturbed for a longer time.

At All Pro Asphalt, we are accustomed to working with our customers to determine the best way to minimize disruptions resulting from paving and sealcoating projects. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality services at competitive prices. Our crews are highly trained, sensitive to the needs of our customers and committed to quality, safety and customer satisfaction. If you would like to request a free, no-obligation estimate, you can submit our online form. To speak with one of our representatives, you can call us at (816) 249-6800.

All Pro Asphalt is a Premier Asphalt Contractor in Kansas City, MO – specializing in asphalt sealcoating, asphalt paving, asphalt maintenance and infrared asphalt restoration!

Summers in Kansas City can get blistering hot! Because of that, we spend a lot of time and effort dodging the effects of the sun. We pump up the AC to stay cool, wear hats and sun protection to protect our skin, and drink plenty of water. We do this because the sun can have very damaging effects on our bodies, from sunburn to dehydration and more.

The sun can also have very damaging effects on an asphalt parking lot. Just like we put protective layers over our bodies, we protect pavement through asphalt sealing. By asphalt sealing, we protect it from the sun’s harsh UV rays that dry out the pavement and cause it to lose its flexibility and become brittle.

All Pro Asphalt offers premium asphalt sealing in Kansas City, MO and the surrounding areas to help extend the life of asphalt parking lots and the investments property owners have made.

The All Pro asphalt sealing team are experienced professionals at helping businesses maximize the service life of their asphalt pavement. When an asphalt maintenance program is put into place early in the pavement’s life, and conducted on a regular basis, pavement life can even be doubled.

How does asphalt sealing work?

When you call on All Pro to perform asphalt sealing on your property, there are a series of steps we perform to ensure the best possible seal on your pavement. The typical sealcoating process would include:

• Communicating with you to find out the best time to perform the work
• Close the parking lot with barricades to keep all traffic out
• Clean the parking lot thoroughly using blowers, brushes, power washers and/or solvents to ensure a clean surface to which the sealer can bind
• Apply the first coat of sealer
• After the first coat dries we typically apply a second coat
• Once the parking lot dries it is ready for the final pavement markings
• Open the parking lot

Protect your asphalt parking lot from the damaging effects of the sun. If left unsealed over time it will dry out, become brittle, and begin cracking. Once water begins to penetrate the surface and into the base layers asphalt repairs become very extensive and costly.

Keep your asphalt investment sound. Call on All Pro for your Kansas City asphalt sealing needs. Call us at 816-694-9204 or fill out the Free Job Quote form for fast, friendly, service.

While it often goes unnoticed, asphalt maintenance is an important part of everyone’s daily life. Whether it’s a rough road, a pothole, or an unmarked parking lot, poor asphalt maintenance is a frustration at least and can be a serious – or even deadly – problem. Whether by car, truck, bus or bike, people rely on asphalt pavement to get them where they need to go – and the quality of that experience is important.

All Pro Asphalt specializes in asphalt maintenance in Kansas City MO and the surrounding areas and can put together a comprehensive maintenance program for your business.

The biggest benefit of an asphalt maintenance program when put into place early in the life of the pavement, is that it can potentially double its natural life cycle and save you an enormous amount of money. It can also increase the curb appeal of your property, helping you attract new customers and maintain your properties value.

The condition of your asphalt will determine the level of asphalt maintenance your lot will require. All Pro Asphalt offers a full range of asphalt maintenance services to address pavement at all stages if its life cycle.

Asphalt maintenance services we offer in the Kansas City area include:

• Asphalt Paving
• Asphalt Repair / Infrared Asphalt Restoration
• Asphalt Crack Repair
• Asphalt Sealcoating
• Concrete
• Parking Lot Striping

Regardless of your current needs, All Pro Asphalt offers the right maintenance program to keep your pavement at its best.

Contact All Pro for Kansas City Asphalt Maintenance. Call us at 816-694-9204 or fill out the Free Job Quote form.

We are your Kansas City Asphalt Company of choice!