Signs That Your Streets Need Repaving

There’s nothing better than a smooth, safe, well-paved street, but how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros?

These signs tell you it’s time to schedule repaving services:

• Visible cracking or spiderweb patterns: Cracks in the surface are more than cosmetic—they let water seep in and worsen the pavement. If you see alligator cracking, the base may be failing.
• Large potholes: Potholes cause vehicle damage and pose safety risks.
• Standing water: Streets that don’t drain properly after rain are likely uneven or worn. Water weakens the pavement over time, which can lead to structural failure.
• Faded colors: If paint is disappearing and the surface is gray or brittle, the asphalt might be oxidizing and losing its integrity. This is an early sign that resurfacing may be needed in the near future.
• Uneven or sunken areas: Dips or depressions in the road suggest base failure or poor compaction. These areas worsen quickly and require more than a surface fix.

How Does Site Prep Contribute to Lasting Pavement Installations?

The secret to long-lasting asphalt paving lies in thorough site preparation, especially sub-grade stabilization and proper grading. It’s the best way to avoid problems with pooling water, cracks, and premature asphalt deterioration.

Sub-grade stabilization involves analyzing your soil’s load-bearing capacity and compacting it to create a firm foundation. This practice prevents future movement and ensures your street remains even, stable, and safe.

Proper grading creates necessary drainage that moves moisture away from your pavement’s surface and reduces the risk of water infiltration and weakening. It also helps create a slope to direct water to the appropriate drainage channels, protecting your road from water-related damage.

R. Stanley Paving LLC’s Street Paving Service Options

Proud to serve Beacon and surrounding areas, R. Stanley Paving LLC street services include paving for:

• Access roads and streets
• Residential and commercial driveways
• Walkways and patios

• Road and street extensions and upgrading
• Farm lanes
• Decorative street paving

When Should You Seal Asphalt?

Your new asphalt road must be fully cured before you can seal it to add another layer of protection. Depending on environmental conditions in your area, this could take at least three months. Adhering to this waiting period gives enough time for your asphalt to cure, for the oils to evaporate, and for the perfect adhesion between surface and seal to be created.

Subsequent street sealings should take place every two to three years.

What Should You Consider Before Starting a Street Paving Project?

Factors such as existing traffic volume, drainage needs, sub-base condition, and local regulations will all influence the design, materials, and timeline. We’ll also need to evaluate whether the area needs grading, leveling, or full excavation before new pavement can be applied. Ignoring these aspects can lead to costly repairs or premature surface failure.

Planning ahead also means understanding the logistical and administrative pieces of the puzzle. Are permits required from your municipality? Will you be working around utility lines? Will access to certain properties or roads need to be temporarily restricted? What’s the plan for rerouting traffic during construction? Taking the time to coordinate with utility companies and local stakeholders will help ensure a smooth, efficient process from start to finish.

What Are Some of The Most Common Problems With Paved Asphalt Roads?

Paved asphalt roads are widely used due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. However, they’re not immune to problems that affect their performance and lifespan.

Here are some of the most common:

• Cracking
• Potholes
• Rutting
• Raveling

• Water damage
• Oxidation
• Edge deterioration

What Causes Raveling in Asphalt?

Raveling is the progressive disintegration of an asphalt road as the aggregate particles become loose and separate. This issue can significantly affect the durability and safety of roadway surfaces. Many elements contribute to raveling, including poor material mixtures during initial installation, inadequate compaction, heavy traffic, moisture, and chemical exposure (gas and oils).

How Do You Protect Asphalt Edges?

Effective drainage and proper installation are the best ways to protect asphalt street edges. Installing edge support like curbing and shoulder backing in the form of gravel and other supportive materials also helps reinforce and support your asphalt. Don’t forget to pay attention to and manage vegetation growing alongside your street to stop roots from damaging the edge of your paved road surface.

How Much Time Does Asphalt Street Installation Take?

While we waste no time getting started, it’s important to keep in mind your street installation project turnaround will depend on a variety of considerations, including:

• Permits and approvals required
• Site preparation requirements
• Material availability

• Project size and scope
• Curing time required
• Weather conditions

An initial consultation gives us all the information required to provide you with a more accurate timeline estimate.

How Long Does It Take for Asphalt Roads to Cure?

The curing time for asphalt roads involves a period where the asphalt mixture solidifies and gains strength, making it capable of handling traffic without deforming. Typically, newly paved asphalt can handle light traffic after 24 to 48 hours. During this period, the asphalt cools and hardens enough to support pedestrian and light vehicular traffic.

Asphalt roads require up to seven days of curing time for heavy traffic handling. Full curing, when the asphalt reaches its optimal strength and durability, takes at least three months and sometimes up to a year.

What’s the Cost Breakdown of Your Paving Project?

While paving projects vary in scale and complexity, the total cost typically reflects several key categories. Site preparation, including grading and excavation, is often one of the largest factors. The type of asphalt used, the thickness of each layer, and the quality of materials all impact pricing. Larger or longer-lasting roads may require more durable mixtures or additional structural layers, which can increase overall costs.

Beyond materials and labor, soft costs, such as permits, inspections, traffic control planning, and long-term maintenance considerations, must also be considered. If drainage systems or curbing are part of the plan, these can also add to the total investment.

While the numbers may vary, understanding where your money goes can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprise expenses along the way. We’ll provide an estimate after learning more about your project.