FAQ

Q: Whats the difference between sealcoating and repaving?

Sealcoating Purpose: Protect and extend the life of existing asphalt. What it is: A thin, protective layer of sealant applied to the surface of asphalt. When to do it: Every 2–3 years, or when the asphalt starts to show fading or minor wear. Benefits: Prevents water, oil, and sun damage Restores that rich black finish Slows down cracking and oxidation Much cheaper than repaving Cost: Low Time: Quick – usually done in a few hours and ready in 24–48 hours 🛠 ️ Repavi ng Purpose: Fix major damage or wear; start fresh with a new asphalt layer. What it is: Removing the top layer (or full depth) of old asphalt and replacing it with new material. When to do it: Every 10–25 years, or when there are large cracks, potholes, or drainage issues. Benefits: Smooth, brand-new surface Fixes structural issues Adds many more years of life Cost: High Time: Takes 1 to several days depending on size and weather

Q: How long does a new driveway installation take?

🏗️ How Long Does Installation Ta ke? Typical time: 1–2 days Depends on: Size of the driveway Weather conditions Site preparation (e.g., removing old driveway, grading, base work) For most standard residential driveways, it’s usually done in a single day. ⏳ How Long Does Asphalt Take to Cure? ✅ Initial Curing (Set Time): You can walk on it: after 24 hours You can drive on it: after 2–7 days (depending on weather) 🛑 Full Curi ng: Takes 90 days (up to 6 months) During this time, asphalt is still soft and can be more prone to damage Be mindful of making sharp turns with car tires first few months can leave marks. These will fade as the sun further cures the new asphalt.

Q: How to maintain new asphalt driveway?

1. Sealcoat Regularly First sealcoat: 12 months after installation Then every 2–3 years Sealcoating protects from UV rays, water, oil, and wear. 2. Keep It Clean Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly. Clean up oil, gas, or chemical spills quickly to prevent staining and damage. 3. Avoid Heavy Loads Don’t park heavy vehicles (like RVs or dumpsters) in the same spot for long periods — it can cause sinking or cracks. 4. Prevent Water Damage Make sure your driveway has proper drainage. Avoid letting water pool — standing water breaks down asphalt over time. 5. Fix Cracks Early Small cracks can turn into big problems. Fill cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them. 6. Protect Edges Don’t drive off the sides of the driveway — they’re more fragile and can crumble without proper edge support.

Q: Why should I use a licensed contractor like Ace Paving?

Great question! Using a contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (or the equivalent in your state) for paving your driveway comes with several important benefits: 1. Legal Compliance & Protection MHIC-licensed contractors have met strict requirements to operate legally. Hiring a licensed contractor means you’re protected under state laws if something goes wrong. You avoid risks of hiring unlicensed workers who might not follow regulations. 2. Quality Assurance Licensed contractors typically have proven skills, experience, and knowledge. They follow industry standards and building codes to ensure quality, safe, and durable work. Licensing often requires continuing education, so they stay up-to-date on best practices. 3. Financial Security MHIC contractors carry insurance, protecting you from liability if accidents happen on your property. They are bonded, meaning there’s a financial guarantee if the contractor doesn’t complete the work or violates the contract. This protects your investment in the project. 4. Recourse if Issues Arise The MHIC provides a complaint and dispute resolution process. If the contractor fails to deliver or does poor work, you can report them to MHIC, which can impose penalties or require remediation. This offers peace of mind and a path to resolve problems. 5. Professionalism & Reliability Licensed contractors usually have a track record you can verify through MHIC. They’re required to follow a professional code of conduct. This reduces chances of fraud or unprofessional behavior.

Q: What kind of warranty is offered?

1-Year Labor Warranty We stand behind our work with a 1-year warranty on labor . If any issues arise due to settling or workmanship, we’ve got you covered. For the best long-term results , we recommend waiting until closer to the end of the 1-year period before scheduling any repairs. This allows time for the asphalt to fully settle and ensures all necessary touch-ups can be addressed at once.

Question 1

Whats the difference between sealcoating and repaving?

Accepted Answer

Sealcoating

Purpose: Protect and extend the life of existing asphalt.

What it is: A thin, protective layer of sealant applied to the surface of asphalt.

When to do it: Every 2–3 years, or when the asphalt starts to show fading or minor wear.

Benefits:

Prevents water, oil, and sun damage
Restores that rich black finish
Slows down cracking and oxidation
Much cheaper than repaving

Cost: Low

Time: Quick – usually done in a few hours and ready in 24–48 hours

🛠️ Repaving

Purpose: Fix major damage or wear; start fresh with a new asphalt layer.

What it is: Removing the top layer (or full depth) of old asphalt and replacing it with new material.

When to do it: Every 10–25 years, or when there are large cracks, potholes, or drainage issues.
Benefits:

Smooth, brand-new surface
Fixes structural issues
Adds many more years of life

Cost: High

Time: Takes 1 to several days depending on size and weather

Question 2

How long does a new driveway installation take?

Accepted Answer

🏗️ How Long Does Installation Take?

Typical time: 1–2 days
Depends on:
Size of the driveway
Weather conditions
Site preparation (e.g., removing old driveway, grading, base work)

For most standard residential driveways, it’s usually done in a single day.

⏳ How Long Does Asphalt Take to Cure?

✅ Initial Curing (Set Time):

You can walk on it: after 24 hours
You can drive on it: after 2–7 days (depending on weather)

🛑 Full Curing:

Takes 90 days (up to 6 months)
During this time, asphalt is still soft and can be more prone to damage
Be mindful of making sharp turns with car tires first few months can leave marks. These will fade as the sun further cures the new asphalt.

Question 3

How to maintain new asphalt driveway?

Accepted Answer

1. Sealcoat Regularly

First sealcoat: 12 months after installation
Then every 2–3 years
Sealcoating protects from UV rays, water, oil, and wear.

2. Keep It Clean

Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly.
Clean up oil, gas, or chemical spills quickly to prevent staining and damage.

3. Avoid Heavy Loads

Don’t park heavy vehicles (like RVs or dumpsters) in the same spot for long periods — it can cause sinking or cracks.

4. Prevent Water Damage

Make sure your driveway has proper drainage.
Avoid letting water pool — standing water breaks down asphalt over time.

5. Fix Cracks Early

Small cracks can turn into big problems. Fill cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them.

6. Protect Edges

Don’t drive off the sides of the driveway — they’re more fragile and can crumble without proper edge support.

Question 4

Why should I use a licensed contractor like Ace Paving?

Accepted Answer

Great question! Using a contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) (or the equivalent in your state) for paving your driveway comes with several important benefits:

1. Legal Compliance & Protection

MHIC-licensed contractors have met strict requirements to operate legally.
Hiring a licensed contractor means you’re protected under state laws if something goes wrong.
You avoid risks of hiring unlicensed workers who might not follow regulations.

2. Quality Assurance

Licensed contractors typically have proven skills, experience, and knowledge.
They follow industry standards and building codes to ensure quality, safe, and durable work.
Licensing often requires continuing education, so they stay up-to-date on best practices.

3. Financial Security

MHIC contractors carry insurance, protecting you from liability if accidents happen on your property.
They are bonded, meaning there’s a financial guarantee if the contractor doesn’t complete the work or violates the contract.
This protects your investment in the project.

4. Recourse if Issues Arise

The MHIC provides a complaint and dispute resolution process.
If the contractor fails to deliver or does poor work, you can report them to MHIC, which can impose penalties or require remediation.
This offers peace of mind and a path to resolve problems.

5. Professionalism & Reliability

Licensed contractors usually have a track record you can verify through MHIC.
They’re required to follow a professional code of conduct.
This reduces chances of fraud or unprofessional behavior.

Question 5

What kind of warranty is offered?

Accepted Answer

1-Year Labor Warranty

We stand behind our work with a 1-year warranty on labor. If any issues arise due to settling or workmanship, we’ve got you covered.

For the best long-term results, we recommend waiting until closer to the end of the 1-year period before scheduling any repairs. This allows time for the asphalt to fully settle and ensures all necessary touch-ups can be addressed at once.

FAQ