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Plan Ahead for Crack Sealing

Although this cold, winter weather is not exactly ideal for crack sealing asphalt in the Twin Cities, January is the perfect time of year to start thinking ahead to spring! After the snow melts, you are likely to notice chips or cracks in your asphalt, especially if you have not recently resealed or invested in sealing it.

Fortunately, the asphalt crack sealing professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat are also thinking ahead this time of year, and improving on our years of experience in the following ways:

Ordering Equipment: At Gopher State Sealcoat, we want to be ready to crack seal your asphalt as soon as the weather allows. We know that your time is valuable, and don’t want you to wait any longer than you have to after the winter months finally end. That’s why our team is currently ordering equipment for crack sealing work in the spring!

Cleaning and Updating: Winter is also a perfect opportunity for our professional staff members to both clean and update our equipment for asphalt crack sealing. During the warmer months, our staff is working hard to keep your asphalt surfaces safe. We make certain to research new techniques and practices during the winter months, and use the most updated information when we get back to crack sealing during the spring!

Communicating: Winter is also a perfect time to communicate, both with other industry professionals and with our customers! If you have questions about crack sealing, or any of our many other services, January is the perfect time to call us. In addition to answering your questions, we’re also happy to schedule an appointment or initial consultation.

So, what are you waiting for? If you need asphalt crack sealing services this spring in the Twin Cities, give the professional staff members at Gopher State Sealcoat a call at (952) 931-9188 today. We’ll schedule your appointment, and plan for when the snow finally thaws!

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Common Questions Answered for Winter Asphalt Maintenance

Although asphalt maintenance may not be at the top of your to-do list this holiday season in the Twin Cities, make sure to consider it as the temperature drops. Asphalt maintenance is important this time of year, especially as you start investing in deicing techniques for driveways, parking lots, and walkways.

Before picking up a bag of deicing salt or chemicals, take a moment to do your research. Here are answers to a few common questions about deicing:

  • Does rock salt work best for deicing asphalt?

Most folks reach for the rock salt immediately once the weather changes, but it’s important to know there are other options available. Support asphalt maintenance by purchasing smarter this season and moving away from the rock salt. This substance can cause pitting in your asphalt and is dangerous for animals in your neighborhood.

  • Which chemicals work best for deicing asphalt surfaces?

Professionals most often recommend using calcium magnesium acetate or propylene glycol to deice asphalt surfaces. They are less dangerous to the natural world and less likely to damage asphalt. When using any type of chemical, however, make sure to practice safety. Use gloves to distribute, or make sure to immediately wash your hands afterward!

  • Are kitty litter or sand viable options for deicing asphalt?

These are great alternatives for making surfaces less slippery and safer, but not for deicing! As part of your asphalt maintenance, kitty litter or sand work well as a non-toxic method for creating traction in parking lots or on driveways and walkways. However, these are not viable options for deicing your asphalt.

As part of your asphalt maintenance this holiday season, use deicing materials carefully in the Twin Cities. Do your research, and make sure you’re not purchasing dangerous materials that can cause damage to your asphalt or neighborhood.

Do you have additional questions about asphalt maintenance? Contact the team at Gopher State Sealcoat today!

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Seeking Asphalt Repair before Winter Arrives

Although the temperature is dropping and weather is changing in the Twin Cities, there’s still time for asphalt repair before winter arrives! Many folks think that because the seasons are changing there’s no time left for outdoor projects. Before winter officially arrives, though, there’s still plenty of work that can be done!

If you have damaged asphalt parking lots, here are just a few ways to work with Gopher State Sealcoat to make sure they’re ready for winter’s arrival:

Seal Asphalt Cracks: Start by looking at your parking lot and checking for any cracks. If you notice an opening that might worsen over the winter season, give our professional team a call as soon as possible. We’ll provide excellent asphalt repair services for your surface, and make sure there won’t be additional damage throughout the late fall and winter!

Repair Potholes: In addition to identifying cracks in your asphalt, take the time to address serious potholes as well. Even though potholes often seem too far gone to fully repair, our expert staff members can provide excellent asphalt repair services. We’ll make sure your potholes are prepped for the winter months!

Snow Preparation: Although asphalt cracks and potholes are a good starting point for asphalt repair during the month of November, there are other tasks that need to be addressed. Speak with our professional team about other services that we can provide, such as snow preparation. Our staff members know which tips and tricks work best for your specific surface, in addition to providing complete asphalt repairs for all types of projects.

Asphalt repairs are especially important during the month of November in the Twin Cities. Rather than allowing colder weather to damage your asphalt surfaces, intervene before autumn is over. Give the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call at (952) 931-9188 today, and start the process of asphalt repair!

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How Crack Sealing Will Help Your Asphalt Survive the Winter

During the autumnal months in the Twin Cities, take the time to care for your asphalt pavement. Although there are many ways to ensure your asphalt is safe, asphalt crack sealing is the perfect way to prep for the colder months.

Crack sealing has many benefits for your asphalt parking lot. Here are just a few questions to consider regarding thorough, professional crack sealing this fall:

 

  • What exactly does crack sealing do for my asphalt?

Through the process of asphalt crack sealing, professionals work to bond together the walls of a crack. With this protective seal in place your asphalt is better protected to withstand heavy snow and sleet during the winter months. If the water from melting snow isn’t able to penetrate your asphalt, the parking lot can’t crack as easily!

  • Why is fall a good time of year to seal cracks?

Along with increased precipitation during the winter months, lower temperatures put your asphalt at risk. Constant freezing and thawing only increases the risk of an unsealed crack growing before spring arrives. To best prevent this type of damage, invest in professional crack sealing before it gets too cold outside.

  • How long will a crack seal protect my asphalt?

Unlike simply filling in asphalt cracks, professional crack sealing using routing is a long-term solution. If completed correctly and before the winter weather arrives, crack sealing will protect your asphalt investment for many years to come.

 

If you’re interested in asphalt crack sealing this autumn in the Twin Cities area, contact the professional team at Gopher State Sealcoat. Our staff members understand the value of protecting your asphalt and will work to fulfill all your asphalt-related needs.

Don’t wait until those temperatures drop or snowflakes start to fall. Give Gopher State Sealcoat a call today at (952) 931-9188 and make sure your asphalt is protected!

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Maintain Asphalt this September in the Twin Cities

Although installing asphalt is typically a large financial undertaking in the Twin Cities area, maintaining it is the key to protecting this investment. Asphalt maintenance is just as important as the initial installation, if not more. Rather than allowing asphalt to incur damage over time, there are ways to take care of your parking lot after it’s installed!

Here are just a few ideas about how to maintain asphalt this September:

 

Sweeping Regularly: Although it may feel counter-intuitive to sweep outside of your building, this task removes excess dust and debris from asphalt surfaces and keeps it from cracking over time. A thorough sweep, even just one time each year, can do wonders to keep your asphalt maintained and looking fresh!

 Sealing Cracks Immediately: Have you recently noticed small cracks or chips in the surface of your asphalt? What about small imperfections or minor wear and tear? Then it’s time to get these fixed! The longer you wait to repair or seal these cracks and damage, the worse (and more expensive) your asphalt maintenance will become.

Applying Sealcoating When Needed: Once every three to five years, it’s important to invest in a high-quality sealcoating. Over time, and through the diverse weather in Minnesota, the initial layer of sealcoat may become worn, tired, and less effective. A brand-new sealcoat every couple of years, however, will keep your asphalt investment safe for a long time!

Spot Checking Routinely: As part of your routine asphalt maintenance, keep an eye on your surface throughout the year. Walking around, looking at the surface, and noticing small imperfections can go a long way in helping you see small problems before they become big ones and in protecting your asphalt investment!

 

The team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to help with all your asphalt maintenance needs in the Twin Cities area, so if you’ve noticed cracking, chipping, or other problems on your asphalt surface, don’t wait. Give us a call at 952-931-9188!

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Common Questions about Asphalt Routing and Crack Repair in the Twin Cities

If you’ve noticed bumps, cracks, or other asphalt-related issues on your blacktop in the Twin Cities, summer is the right time to consider asphalt routing and crack repair. Rather than risking the safety of your tenants or staff members and possible damage to vehicles, take the time to consider making that asphalt work better for your property.

 

We get a lot of questions from folks in the area about the benefits of asphalt routing and crack repair. Here are just a few of the most common questions, as well as a few answers from the professionals.

 

When should I consider asphalt routing and crack repair? If you noticed issues with your asphalt after the snow melted, it’s time to start looking into repairs. Otherwise, over time and with continued weather changes, these cracks will only become larger, more dangerous, and increasingly expensive to fix.

 

How does asphalt routing and crack repair work? Asphalt routing refers to the process of using a machine to grind a crack to a consistent depth and width with clean edges and then filling the crack with hot, rubberized crack sealant to protect the crack from filling with water or cracking any further. In order to work effectively, though, cracks typically should be less than one inch thick or deep.

 

What are the benefits of asphalt routing and crack repair? In addition to improving the safety of your asphalt surface, it increases the life of your asphalt surface. That saves you money, both in the short- and long-term. After routing and crack repair, you may buy a few more quality years with your asphalt surface before it requires a complete resealing or resurfacing.

 

Asphalt routing and crack repair is a beneficial solution for damaged blacktops in the Twin Cities. If you have additional questions about your asphalt surface or need to schedule routing and crack repair, give the professional team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call at (952) 931-9188 today!

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It’s Time for Asphalt Crack Repair in the Twin Cities Area

Now that winter has passed, and spring is officially upon us in the Twin Cities, it’s time to tackle all those projects the cold weather prevented, including asphalt crack repair. Unfortunately, the freeze/thaw cycles common to our region are especially tough on asphalt. The expansion and contraction the asphalt undergoes can cause cracks, clearly revealed once the snow has melted. These cracks can grow over time and present a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians, so they need to be treated as quickly as possible.

Rather than adding one more thing to your to-do list, contact the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat for all of your asphalt crack repair needs. We follow a thorough process to ensure the cracks in your asphalt are properly repaired while preventing future damage. Here’s how we do it!

 

Dry and Clear the Surface: Asphalt cracks usually grow and spread because of exposure to moisture. If asphalt cracking has ruined the surface of your pavement, our professionals will start the process by effectively clearing and drying the area. As we progress, we will make sure to monitor moisture around the area and only attempt to seal asphalt cracks if the weather is fair!

 

Rout the Cracks: To ensure the sealants we use properly bond to the asphalt, we rout existing cracks to make a clean reservoir. We also clean out the crack with high-pressure air to ensure it’s dry and free of debris.

 

Apply Sealant: We utilize pour pots and a direct melter wand to seal the cracks, depending on the location and type of project. The rubber is applied at over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The low viscosity will seal even the smallest of cracks. Sealants will help prevent the cracks from growing and keep moisture out of the base of your asphalt.

 

Allow to Set: Once sealant is applied, do not use the asphalt surface for approximately 48 hours. This will allow the sealant to properly bond to the asphalt and prevent any damage while it sets.

 

Although it may be tempting to try and DIY your asphalt crack repair, it’s best to invest your money into quality repairs that will last. The professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat understand how to appropriately handle asphalt crack repair, and we will make sure the job is done right the first time.

Are you ready to get started? Contact Gopher State Sealcoat a call today for all your asphalt and sealcoating needs in the Twin Cities!

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Maintain Asphalt Parking Lot Safety this January in the Twin Cities

Your asphalt parking lot works extra hard during the winter months in the Twin Cities area. Whether serving as a safe place to park or a tailgating area, the New Year is sure to bring new responsibilities for your asphalt surfaces!

 

How can you protect and preserve your asphalt parking lot and keep everyone who uses the parking lot safe throughout the wintry months of 2019? Let’s take a look!

 

Create Safety Plans: Always have a safety plan in place for your asphalt parking lot. If you hire a company to clear snow and ice during inclement weather, make sure to create a specific timeline outlining their arrivals and departures. If you have individuals shoveling, spreading sand, or performing other winter asphalt maintenance, create a clear set of instructions and exchange contact information, just in case of emergency!

 

Safety Stock Up: Always have materials on hand in case of a severe blizzard or storm. Keep shovels and deicing materials on the premises and ensure all employees have access to these materials. If materials go missing or run out, always restock before the next snowstorm strikes your asphalt parking lot. Blankets, mittens, and other outdoor clothing items are a bonus, especially for emergency snow removal in subzero temperatures!

 

Safety Awareness: Do your research beforehand! Keep an eye on the weather throughout the month of January because it can be unpredictable, and make sure not to overestimate the safety of your asphalt parking lot. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. Remove excess snow quickly, use signage to notate wet areas, and keep folks safe from falling on slick icy spots or seriously injuring themselves.

 

In the Twin Cities, make asphalt parking lot safety a priority this January. By following the tips above you’ll keep drivers, employees, and pedestrians safe throughout this chilly season.

 

For all your sealcoat and asphalt related needs, give the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today!

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Repair Asphalt Cracks This Summer in the Twin Cities, MN Area

There are a number of outdoor projects to address during the summer months around your Twin Cities property. The list only seems to grow each day! 

Fortunately, there’s one outdoor project you can always trust to the professionals. If you’ve noticed pesky cracks in your parking lot asphalt, the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat are here to answer your questions about repair, including:

When is it best to seal parking lot cracks? Generally, spring through fall because the weather is warmer and drier than winter months. Ideally, because cracks tend to contract during summer and expand during winter, try to fill in cracks during the spring or heading into cooler fall or winter months.

How often should asphalt cracks be sealed? Seal fresh cracks as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your asphalt parking lot throughout each season. The faster these cracks are addressed, the less likely they are to continue cracking. Regular crack repair will protect your asphalt investment!

Should I fill in all types of cracks? Most straight-line cracks can be sealed, but there are certain types of cracks that can’t be, including alligator cracks. These types of cracks resemble the skin of an alligator and generally mean that the asphalt is too dehydrated to save. In situations such as this, consider patching these parts of the parking lot before the asphalt loosens and becomes a pothole.

How long does it take to seal a crack in the asphalt? Generally, asphalt crack-sealing material cools within minutes, which means you and your parking lot will be ready for business. Barrier paper may be applied on warmer days or when an asphalt surface is open to traffic to help prevent tracking.

As you spruce up outside your commercial property this summertime in the Twin Cities, give yourself a little extra time to focus on managing your property. Contact the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat today at (952) 931-9188 for all of your asphalt related needs including crack repair, sealing, and paving. With our expertise, your parking lot will be ready for every season! 

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Summertime Asphalt Sealcoating in the Twin Cities, MN Area

Although most of us think about post-winter potholes when it comes to asphalt damage in the Twin Cities, MN area, there’s a lot of damage that can occur during the summer months as well. If you have an asphalt parking lot at your apartment building or commercial property, make sure to avoid common threats to asphalt during the summertime.

Here are just a few issues related to warm, summer weather to avoid:

Sunshine Issues: Just like skin exposed to too much sun, asphalt experiences damage after too much ultraviolet exposure. Over time, the carbon bonds within the asphalt will break down, leaving the asphalt especially vulnerable to cracks or chips. The best way to protect asphalt is by regularly applying a sealcoat. Think of it as an asphalt sunscreen!

Reapplication Failure: Even if you’re using a sealcoat, make sure to reapply it frequently. Sealcoating requires an update every two or three years, otherwise, over time, it becomes less effective at protecting your asphalt from weather damage. If you just installed asphalt, the asphalt will need to secrete its oils to cure correctly and for a proper bonding with future sealants. Make sure the first sealcoating is applied in a timely manner, preferably more than twelve months after the asphalt installation. Applying sealcoat too soon to new asphalt can cause peeling which can be a big problem.

Asphalt Overuse: Cars come in and out of apartment building or commercial parking lots every day. That means a lot of different vehicles of different weights and sizes constantly moving all over the lot. This kind of usage wears down sealcoat quickly, which means it may need to be reapplied more frequently. Keep an eye on your parking lot!

When it comes to protecting your asphalt investment this summer in the Twin Cities, MN area, make sure you take the correct precautionary steps. Sealcoating works best when reapplied regularly and will protect your asphalt from sun damage and wear and tear.

For all of your apartment building or commercial asphalt parking lot needs this summertime, give the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today!