Category: Asphalt Repair

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

Summer has finally arrived in the Twin Cities, MN area, which means it’s time to hit the trails! As the number of folks walking, running, hiking, and biking increases on the public or private asphalt trails and pathways you’re responsible for, have you taken the time to thoroughly inspected them to ensure they’re safe for everyone to use?

 

Now’s the perfect time to inspect and assess the condition , and repair asphalt trails and pathways and there are some important concerns to consider when evaluating them for safety. With frost and freezing no longer an issue, the warmth of summer is the ideal time to conduct repairs and maintenance to ensure everyone is truly safe on the trails.

 

1. Assess Use: First and foremost, take the time to learn about who uses the trails and which are the most popular within your city, park, neighborhood association, golf course, or other trail area. This will determine which trails have experienced the most wear and also indicate which asphalt trail or pathway needs repairs.
2. Evaluate Setting: Look around the trailhead and notice the types of nearby vegetation. If your asphalt trail or pathway is covered by branches or molding leaves, or if vegetation is sprouting through cracks in the pavement, it’s time to contact a professional to perform routine asphalt maintenance and patching.
3. Check Safety: Besides routine wear and tear, asphalt trails and pathways may experience other types of damage. If spidery cracks are beginning to form, the asphalt will definitely benefit from a fresh sealcoating. Large cracks or holes caused by freezing or other factors may indicate total replaced is required.
4. Make Routines: If asphalt trails or pathways are evaluated, assessed, and fixed on a yearly basis, these repairs will be minor and routine. Rather than neglecting them over a long period of time which increases the cost and time to repair damage, catch small issues quickly and attend to them!

 

As the summer season settles into the Twin Cities, MN area, make sure the asphalt trails and pathways on your public or private property are safe. To maintain and repair asphalt in the greater Metro area, give the industry leading professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today!

Spring is the perfect time of year to repair potholes in the Twin Cities, MN area! After a winter of snowing, freezing, thawing, and melting, commercial parking lots need a little extra care, especially when they’re full of potholes. Rather than risking the safety of your customers and employees or endangering their vehicles, take the time for pothole repair!

 

Ready to get started? Here’s what it takes to make those potholes disappear from your commercial parking lots! 

 

Clean Up:

First and foremost, clean up the area. Sweep away dirt and sand from the area around the pothole, and then make sure that all other loose parking lot debris is cleared from the area.

 

Pour Patch:

Use an asphalt patch to repair the pothole. Pour the patch directly into the pothole or use a shovel to move it into the area that needs repair. At this point in the process, that pothole should already look a lot better!

 

Compact:

Next, make sure to compact the patch as tightly as possible. The most successful asphalt patches are extremely well compacted, so make sure to really take your time with this step. Repeat, pouring approximately two inches of patch between compacting, until the pothole is full.

 

Crown and Conclude:

Finally, apply a small crown of asphalt patch atop the pothole. The product should continue to settle once applied. Make sure to carefully read the instructions on the product and double check the steps to successfully fill each and every parking lot pothole! 

 

Make sure your commercial parking lot is prepared for spring and summer in the Twin Cities, MN area. Invest some time into filling pesky potholes, and make sure the task is done right.

 

Feeling uncertain about the process? The professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat understand exactly what it takes to make your potholes perfectly disappear. Give us a call today to make your parking lot safe, smooth, and properly prepared!

 

Spring has arrived in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, which means it’s time to get outside! As you lace up your hiking shoes or inflate your bicycle tires, can you trust that the asphalt pathways you’ll be traveling upon are safe?

Over the winter season, asphalt hiking trails or bike paths can experience cracking, chipping, or fading, making them much harder to navigate once folks get back outside. Fortunately, there are ways to take care of these issues and get back to the outdoor activities that Minnesotans love!

Let’s take a look at how to handle damaged outdoor paths with asphalt pathway repair this spring:

Patch Repair:

Have you noticed holes appearing in your asphalt pathway? A quality asphalt repair company will know exactly how to patch and repair those holes and get your pavement looking as good as new!
Crack Sealing:

With continued exposure to rain, ice, heat, and cold, cracks in asphalt can quickly turn into serious issues in Minnesota! If cracks have started to form, take the time to have them filled and sealed before they spread any further and cause greater damage.

Roots:

Especially in natural landscapes, roots are likely to interfere with asphalt paving. Address this issue quickly, before the asphalt or the tree is compromised, in order to ensure the best results. Professional asphalt workers will know what to do, whether it means patching the asphalt or working with the tree to guarantee your pathway remains safe all season long!

Sealcoating:

Make sure that whatever work you do this season lasts for many future seasons as well! Sealcoating will protect your asphalt from future weather events, fading, or general wear and tear. Additionally, making sealcoating a part of your asphalt pathway repair will extend its lifespan!

In order to get outside and move safely this spring in the Twin Cities, MN area, make sure your walking and hiking paths are safe with asphalt pathway repair. Give us a call today!