Prevention is better than cure, and it can save you money too. The longer your asphalt surface is kept in good order, the less likely you are to be stung by sudden repair costs. At PowerSurge Plus in Philadelphia, PA, we understand that asphalt maintenance is key to ensuring that your paved areas survive Pennsylvania’s warm summers and harsh winters.

How Can Proper Asphalt Maintenance Reduce Long-Term Repair Costs in Philadelphia, PA?

Maintaining your asphalt surfaces is not usually a costly task. With a combination of regular inspection, preventative maintenance, and early detection of issues, you should be able to make your asphalt last a long time.

It Prevents Damage

Maintenance doesn’t just mean repairing problems when they are found. Preventative maintenance is a key part of what reduces your long-term repair costs. One preventative maintenance treatment option is seal coating, which is applied in a layer to the surface of the asphalt. This acts as a barrier to protect the surface from moisture penetration, UV rays, salt, and chemicals, all of which can cause the pavement to wear out or crack more quickly. It only needs to be done every 2-3 years, but can significantly lengthen the lifespan of the asphalt, reducing your repair costs and saving you money.

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Choosing the right material for asphalt repair in a cold climate requires careful consideration of temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture levels. Philadelphia experiences harsh winters, where snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can severely damage asphalt. To ensure effective and long-lasting repairs, it’s important to pick the right asphalt material. With Power Surge Plus in Philadelphia, PA, you can be sure that we’ll make the right repair for the situation.

How To Choose the Right Material for Cold Climate Asphalt Repair

Cold Mix Asphalt

For a quick fix during the winter months, cold mix asphalt is often the best choice. It is specifically designed to be used in cold weather conditions when hot mix asphalt is unavailable or impractical. Cold mix asphalt contains additives that keep it pliable and easy to work with at lower temperatures, allowing it to bond well even in freezing weather. It can be applied in wet or snowy conditions, making it a good option for emergency repairs, especially to potholes, which are common in Philadelphia’s freeze-thaw cycle.

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Asphalt is popular for roads, driveways, and other surfaces because it’s smooth, safe, long-lasting, and low maintenance. However, even though asphalt is durable, it can sustain damage due to environmental factors, overuse, and normal wear and tear. If you need to schedule asphalt patchwork in Philadelphia, PA, and want to ensure that the new asphalt blends with the existing asphalt, you’ll achieve the best results when you choose a company skilled and experienced in asphalt maintenance and repair.

Need asphalt patch work in Philadelphia, PA? Learn how to achieve seamless, long-lasting results by choosing a skilled and experienced asphalt repair company.

How To Ensure Patch Work in Philadelphia, PA, Blends Seamlessly With Existing Asphalt

Asphalt patching is a repair service designed to eliminate asphalt damage and signs of pavement distress. It’s an effective solution for some of the most common asphalt issues, including alligator cracking, potholes, partial base failure, and other forms of damage. If your asphalt surface needs patching, the best way to ensure a seamless and flawless finish is by choosing a company with a team of professionals experienced in asphalt repair.

The right company will employ specialists who know how to replace the damaged areas with new asphalt without detracting from the pavement aesthetics or making the patch job look obvious or unprofessional. They’ll also know what products to use to strengthen the pavement and ensure a flawless look and feel.

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Parking lot lines, stripes, and markings are important because they provide directions for pedestrians and drivers within the lot. Visible lines prevent accidents and poor parking and ensure maximum parking lot efficiency. The easiest way to achieve optimal visibility is to schedule regular repainting and line striping services. That way, you can feel confident that your parking lot stripes, markings, and lines in Philadelphia, PA, are easily seen to ensure the safety of everyone who enters. Here’s guide to how often should parking lot lines be repainted for optimal visibility.

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If you’re planning a line striping project in Philadelphia, you’ll need professionals who can complete the job and meet all the urban area regulations associated with line striping in Philadelphia. That way, you won’t have to determine the regulations yourself and ensure your contractor adheres to them. When you choose a company known for excellent work and extensive experience, you won’t have to worry about your project falling short of meeting city standards and regulations.

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When your driveway is more of an eye-sore than an attractive landscaping element, a fresh layer of sealer can give it a new lease of life. Traditional asphalt sealcoating is black and smooth and has a shiny finish that repels oil and grease stains. If you’d like something that makes your driveway stand out, our skilled residential sealcoating technicians in the Philadelphia, PA area can customize the sealer to enhance your property’s curb appeal.

Residential Sealcoating Customization Options in Philadelphia, PA

Textured Sealcoating

The easiest way to customize your driveway is with texture additives mixed into the sealcoating. This practice is typically employed on sloped driveways where more traction is needed, but it can be used on any driveway if you want to achieve a unique finish. The most common texture additives used in asphalt sealcoating are angular quartz sand or aggregate. Both materials offer a similar finish and have the same benefits.

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Autism affects millions of people worldwide, and on World Autism Awareness Day, we’re reminded of the importance of understanding and accepting those with autism. At Power Surge Plus, we believe in promoting autism awareness and spreading education about this complex condition.

World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2nd, is a global initiative to raise awareness and understanding of autism. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the unique talents and skills of individuals with autism and promote acceptance and inclusion in our communities.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It’s a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals with autism may have difficulties with verbal communication, while others may struggle with social cues or sensory processing.

As we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made in promoting autism awareness and acceptance. But let’s also remember that there’s still much work to be done. By educating ourselves and others about autism and promoting acceptance and inclusion in our communities, we can create a more supportive and understanding world for individuals with autism.

Join us at Power Surge Plus in spreading the word about autism awareness this World Autism Awareness Day. Let’s work together to promote acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals with autism, and celebrate the unique talents and strengths that make them an integral part of our communities.

Key Takeaways –

  • Many homeowners and commercial property owners don’t follow basic asphalt seal coating etiquette. As a result, they have poorly coated pavement that is vulnerable to cracking and requires frequent pavement maintenance and repair.
  • Seal coating etiquettes involve how to prepare the pavement for the job, the process itself, and the maintenance that follows.
  • Seal coating once every two years ensures your pavement maintains the shine that sets your property apart from your competitors.
  • Choosing the proper pavement maintenance and repair company for asphalt seal coating is essential.
  • Enjoy quality results with PowerSurge Plus LLC in Levittown, Pa.

As a proud, responsible homeowner, you take proactive measures to protect your investment. One way of doing that is by seal coating your driveway regularly. But before you start slapping that sealant all over the place, you should remember a few things about seal coating. So, here are the etiquettes for driveway seal coating!

The Sealcoating Process, Explained

Sealcoating is the process of applying a protective coating to asphalt pavement. The purpose of seal coating is to extend the life of the pavement by protecting it from sun damage, water damage, and general wear and tear.

The sealants are usually either coal tar-based or asphalt-based. Coal tar-based seal coats are more durable and longer lasting, but they are also more toxic and more difficult to dispose of. Asphalt-based seal coats are less toxic and easier to work with, but they don’t last as long as coal tar-based seal coats.

The Process

The process of seal coating is pretty simple. First, the pavement’s surface is cleaned with a power washer or other means. This removes all dirt, debris, and oil stains from the pavement’s surface. Next, cracks or potholes are repaired with a cold patch or hot mix asphalt.

Once the surface is clean and smooth, a layer of primer is applied to help the seal coat adhere to the pavement’s surface. Finally, the seal coat is applied in a thin layer over the entire surface of the pavement. Once the seal coat has been applied, it must dry for 24-48 hours before using the surface again.

Also, Read – Explainer – The Difference Between Asphalt Paving and Seal Coating

Discussing the Seal Coating Etiquette

Sealcoating your driveway is tricky, and many things can go wrong if you’re not careful enough. So, we’ve put together a list of seal coating dos and don’ts to help you avoid making some of the most common seal coating mistakes.

Do Hire the Right Contractor: 

There are a lot of fly-by-night operators in the seal coating business. They’ll do a poor job and disappear as quickly as they appeared. To avoid being taken advantage of, choose a reputable contractor who has been in business for a while and has a good track record. You can check online reviews or ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.

Don’t Begin Without Adequate Preparation

Before beginning seal coating, one of the most important things is to ensure your surface is prepared correctly. This means removing loose gravel or sand, filling in any cracks or potholes, and providing the surface is smooth. If you don’t take the time to prepare your surface properly, your seal coat will not adhere correctly and will not last as long as it should.

Do Wait for the Right Temperature 

A seal coat must be applied when the temperature is between 50- and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to cure correctly. If it’s too cold, the seal coat will not dry correctly and will be more susceptible to coats. If it’s too hot, the seal coat will dry too quickly and will be more likely to crack.

Don’t Forget the Edges 

One common mistake people make when seal-coating their driveways are forgetting about the edges. You must apply a sealer to the edges of your driveway to protect them from weather damage and give your whole driveway a finished look. An easy way to achieve this is by using an edging tool while applying the sealer.

Do Your Research 

Different types of sealers are available on the market, so you must research which is suitable for your particular project. For example, if you have a driveway with a lot of traffic, you’ll want to use a heavier-duty commercial-grade sealer. But a lighter-duty consumer-grade sealer will suffice if you have a residential driveway with less traffic.

Don’t Delay Seal Coating

Once you’ve chosen a contractor and gotten an estimate, you must promptly follow through with the job. The longer you wait to seal coat your asphalt, the more damage it will sustain – and that means more money out of your pocket down the road. So, bite the bullet and get it done!

Do Get a Written Estimate: 

Getting a written estimate from your contractor before they start work is always a good idea. This way, you’ll know the job’s cost, and there’ll be no surprises. Not only that, but a written estimate will give you something to reference if there are any issues with the job after its completion.

How to Pick an Asphalt Seal Coating Contractor that Won’t Rip You Off

Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you get the best possible value for your money. Here are a few things to remember when choosing an asphalt seal coating contractor.

  1. Make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. This is important for any contractor you hire, but it’s especially critical regarding asphalt seal coating. A lot can go wrong during the process, so you want to protect yourself in case of accidents or damage to your property.
  2. Get multiple bids. As with any major purchase, it’s always a good idea to get multiple bids before making a decision. This will give you a better idea of the going rate for asphalt seal coating in your area and help you avoid overpaying.
  3. Check their references. Once you’ve whittled down your choices to a few potential contractors, check their references. Many bidders often overlook this step, but it can be crucial in making sure you’re hiring someone with experience and a good track record.
  4. Verify their credentials. Not all states require contractors to be licensed, but many do. If your state has licensing requirements, verify that your chosen contractor meets them before moving forward.

Now that you know a little more about seal coating etiquettes, we hope you keep these things in mind the next time you need to seal your driveway or parking lot. And, of course, if you’re ever in need of superior asphalt maintenance in Levittown, Pa, be sure to call us at PowerSurge Plus LLC.

We’ll be happy to provide you with a quote.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inspecting the surface for any cracks or holes is the first step you should take. These need to be filled and sealed before applying the asphalt sealer.
  • You must also remove any dirt, debris, or oil, as that could prevent the asphalt sealer from bonding properly.
  • After you’ve applied the asphalt sealer, it’s essential to let it dry completely before walking or driving on it.
  • Depending on the temperature and humidity, this can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
  • It’s best to leave any significant repairs and maintenance tasks to professionals, as they require special equipment and materials to be fixed correctly.

As the colder days of fall approach, it’s essential to start thinking about how you can prepare your property for winter. Some of the crucial things you can do are seal coating and crack sealing your asphalt pavement. Sealing the asphalt paving will help keep out water and debris, which can damage and discolor the surface over time.

It helps protect your pavement from cracking in harsh cold weather. It’s always recommended that you contact a professional asphalt contractor beforehand to save time, money, and effort in the long run.

However, if you’re unsure about preparing your asphalt pavement for seal coating and crack sealing before winter, let’s discuss some vital information to help you out.

Ways To Prepare Your Asphalt Pavement for The Winter

Inspect The Asphalt Surface

Inspecting the surface for any cracks or holes is the first step you should take. These need to be filled and sealed before applying the asphalt sealer. If there are large cracks or potholes, it’s best to leave them to the professional asphalt contractor, as they require special equipment and materials to be fixed correctly.

Clean The Asphalt Surface

Once you’ve inspected and repaired any minor damages, cleaning the asphalt comes next. This will remove any dirt, debris, or oil that could prevent the asphalt sealer from bonding properly. You can pressure wash or use a power washer if available. Be sure not to use hot water, as it can damage the asphalt.

Apply A Primer (Optional)

If you’re using an asphalt emulsion sealer, you’ll need to apply a primer to the asphalt. This will help the sealer adhere properly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Seal The Asphalt

Once the asphalt is clean and dry, it’s time to start sealing it. You can use a brush, squeegee, or sprayer to apply the asphalt sealer. Again, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Let It Dry

After you’ve applied the asphalt sealer, it’s essential to let it dry completely before walking or driving on it. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Once it’s dry, your asphalt should have a nice, even coating that will protect it from the elements and help it last longer.

Benefits Of Preparing Your Asphalt Pavement Before the Winter

It Saves You from Unnecessary Expenses.

Winter asphalt pavement repair can be quite costly. You can avoid these expenses by preparing your asphalt pavement and sealing any cracks before the winter season.

Reduces Weather Damage

Asphalt pavement is especially vulnerable to weather damage during the winter season. By seal coating your asphalt pavement, you can reduce the weather damage your asphalt will experience.

Improves The Appearance of Your Property

Seal coating gives asphalt a nice, even color that can improve the overall appearance of your property.

Protects Against Future Wear and Tear

By taking measures to protect your asphalt pavement now, you can prevent it from experiencing unnecessary wear and tear in the future. This will ultimately save you money in the long run.

Things To Consider Before Preparing Your Asphalt Paving for Winter

The Condition of Your Asphalt Pavement

If your asphalt is in good condition, you may only need to seal coat it. However, you will need to repair those areas before seal coating if there are cracks or other signs of damage.

The Weather

You will need to check the weather forecast to determine the best time to seal coat or crack seal your asphalt pavement. You should avoid doing these things when it is raining, or the temperature is below freezing.

Your Budget

Seal coating and crack sealing can be costly, so you must factor that into your budget when deciding whether or not to prepare your asphalt for winter.

Materials To Be Used

When seal coating your asphalt, you must choose between an asphalt emulsion or a coal tar sealer. Asphalt emulsions are less expensive and easier to apply, but they do not last as long as coal tar sealers.

To crack seal your asphalt, you must purchase a crack filler and a crack sealer machine. The type of crack filler you choose will depend on the size of the cracks in your asphalt.

Tools you will need to seal coat or crack seal your asphalt pavement include:

  • A broom or leaf blower
  • A garden hose
  • A pressure washer (optional)
  • A squeegee
  • A paint roller (optional)
  • A crack sealer machine
  • A crack filler

Instead Of DIY, Hire A Professional Asphalt Contractor.

Suppose you ever feel that asphalt pavement maintenance and seal coating are overwhelming tasks. In that case, it’s always best to hire a professional asphalt contractor.

Professionals have the experience and understanding to get the job done right the first time. They will even help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Why Are Seal Coating and Crack Sealing Important?

Seal coating and crack sealing asphalt are essential because it protects your asphalt from the elements and helps to prolong its lifespan. Asphalt is a porous material susceptible to water, sun, snow, and ice damage.

Water is one of the biggest enemies of asphalt. When water seeps into asphalt, it can cause the asphalt to crack and crumble. Cracks in asphalt allow water to seep in, accelerating the deterioration of the asphalt.

Sunlight can also damage asphalt, causing it to dry and become brittle. Snow and ice can also cause damage to asphalt by expanding and contracting as they freeze and thaw.

Seal coating creates a barrier between your asphalt and the elements, helping to protect it from damage. Seal coating also helps fill in small cracks and holes, preventing water from seeping in and causing further damage.

Here’s some more information about seal coating that might interest you.

Crack sealing is another essential asphalt maintenance task. It helps to prevent water from seeping into cracks and causing them to widen and deepen. Moreover, it also helps to prevent snow and ice from getting into cracks and expanding, which can cause even more damage.

Winter is one of the most challenging times of year on asphalt pavement. The combination of snow, ice, salt, and cold temperatures can cause severe damage to asphalt. Protecting your asphalt paving before winter by taking the necessary steps protects your investment and ensures that you avoid costly repairs later on.

PowerSurge Plus LLC offers extensive asphalt maintenance and repair services in Philadelphia, PA, for both commercial and residential avenues. Get a free quote today to learn more!

Key Takeaways:

  1. There are many asphalt crack fillers on the market, each with its specific purpose.
  2. Flex-A-Fill is product contractors use to fill in cracks and joints; it sets quickly and hardens quickly.
  3. Deery Hot Pour Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler is our favorite because it saves contractors money on maintenance supplies and can fill cracks up to 1″ in width.
  4. Latex-ite Pli-Stix Blacktop Joint and Crack Filler come in long, thin sticks instead of huge blocks; application is easy – simply wedge it inside the cracks and melt it with a handheld torch.
  5. When choosing a good crack filler, look for one that is versatile, dries quickly, can withstand extreme temperatures, is non-tracking, and is easy to use.

Anyone who has ever dealt with a cracked driveway, sidewalk, or concrete surface knows that it can be a real headache to fix. The joyful news is that several products on the market are designed to make this process a little bit easier. So, which one is the best?

PowerSurge Plus LLC will look at three popular asphalt crack fillers and compare their features and benefits in this blog post. We’ll also discuss when each product is best suited for use. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which crack filler is suitable for your needs.

Asphalt Crack Fillers: A Brief Overview

The asphalt market is huge – The global market revenue for asphalt plants is predicted to reach nearly 2.5 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. Asphalt pavement owners everywhere rely on crack fillers to prevent costly repairs. Without crack filler, pavement cracks would expand and eventually turn into potholes. These potholes need to be repaired, which can be pretty expensive. In extreme cases, you may even have to repave the damaged area.

This is why crack fillers are so important. They act as a barrier, filling in the cracks and stopping water and other debris from seeping through. This protects the asphalt beneath, prolonging its lifespan. There are many different sorts of crack fillers on the market, each designed for specific purposes.

But with so many products on the market, how do you know the best? We checked out four different asphalt crack filler brands to see which one lasts longer, dries faster, and gives you more bang for your buck. Check it out below!

Flex-A-Fill Hot Asphalt Crack Filler

Contractors use Flex-A-Fill to fill cracks and joints. It sets quickly and hardens fast, so people can use the area as soon as the product is dry. One of its primary benefits is that it works for asphalt & concrete, making it convenient for contractors who work with both types of pavement. Additionally, it is versatile enough to fix roads, driveways, parking lots, and airport runways.

Unfortunately, this crack filler can only be used with a direct-fire melter. You’ll have to explore other options if you use an oil-jacketed crack fill melter.

Pros:

  • Dries within an hour or two
  • Inexpensive
  • You can use it to repair asphalt and concrete
  • Professional-grade crack filler
  • This crack filler can cover up to 230 linear feet per block, making it ideal for filling in large cracks.

Cons:

  • You can use it in direct-fire melters only

Deery Hot Pour Rubberized Crack Filler

The Deery Hot Pour Rubberized Asphalt Crack Filler is our favorite crack filler for many reasons: it saves contractors money on asphalt maintenance supplies. It can fill cracks up to 1″ in width in parking lots and driveways, which means less time spent working on a single job site. Plus, it dries and hardens in only an hour or two, so your crew can quickly move on to other Jobsite projects. It stays dark and firm even years from now – giving your customers real value for their investment.

Pros:

  • It dries within an hour or two
  • It is flexible yet firm and can last up to 4 years
  • It’s Versatile — it can be applied using direct-fire and oil-jacketed melters
  • The crack filler is 100% professional grade
  • This product can cover up to 200 linear feet per block
  • Use it to fill cracks in concrete and asphalt

Cons:

  • The cost is higher compared to other brands

Latex-ite Pli-Stix Blacktop Joint and Crack Filler

One package will not be sufficient if you have many cracks to cover.

Latex-ite is quite a unique product; it comes in long, thin sticks as opposed to the huge 30-lb blocks in which the first two products come. Each pack can cover up to 30 feet of cracks (1/2″ to 1″ wide).

The application is straightforward – wedge it inside the cracks and melt it with a handheld torch. There is no need to remove the plastic wrapper; it melts along with the product.

However, this might not be the best product if you have deep and wide cracks that need repair. If you’re a contractor who needs to service multiple properties in one day, use hot pour crack fillers instead.

Pros:

  • Contractors and do-it-yourselfers can use this product on asphalt and concrete.
  • It can be applied using a handheld torch,
  • One package can cover up to around 30 feet of cracks.

Cons:

  • It takes a longer time to dry.

A Good Crack Filler: What to Look For?

1. Versatile

Your primary focus is asphalt repair and maintenance, but what if a customer requests you to fix cracks in concrete? In instances like that, it’s helpful to have a versatile crack-filling product. If you want to keep customers who ask for repairs on concrete surfaces, then it would be best to get a crack-filling product that can serve both purposes: asphalt and concrete.

2. Dries Quickly

You do not want to keep your customers waiting, so getting an asphalt crack filler that dries quickly is essential. No one likes dealing with a sticky surface, and slow-drying products usually cause this problem. Get a crack filler that dries in 30 minutes to save yourself from the hassle.

Also Read: Seal Coating In October: Yay Or Nay For Your Driveway?

3. Able to Withstand extreme temperatures

There will be times when you’ll have to work under extreme weather conditions. For example, summer temperatures can go up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In such cases, it’s important to use a crack filler that can withstand high temperatures without losing its properties.

4. Non-tracking

When repairing cracks, you don’t want the filler material to track onto your flooring or clothing. This can be a big issue, especially with products prone to dripping. Look for a non-tracking crack filler to avoid this issue.

5. Ease of use

Some crack fillers are easier to apply than others. If you’re not experienced in using these products, choosing one that’s easy to apply is best. Otherwise, folks might end up making a mess and wasting the product.

Bottom Line

These are some of the best asphalt crack fillers on the market. Be sure to choose one that’s best suited to your needs. And don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the product.

Looking For Asphalt Repair In Bucks & Montgomery Counties, PA? Let Us Help!

PowerSurge Plus LLC is an asphalt maintenance & repair firm based in Bucks & Montgomery Counties, PA, that offers affordable, customer-oriented services intending to build long-term relationships with clients. Our experts are dedicated to providing high-quality asphalt crack repair services and satisfactory results that gain our client’s trust and loyalty. We are well aware of the importance of maintaining a safe and smooth driveway, parking lot, or road, which is why we only use the best materials for every repair.

We offer asphalt crack sealing, pothole repair, sealcoating, line striping, and more. We also provide free quotes! Contact us today.