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Fall is just around the corner in the Twin Cities area, which means this is the perfect time to take care of those nasty potholes in your asphalt surfaces. Rather than risking your safety behind the wheel, make sure that you’re secure this season with pothole repair!

The team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to support you and help get that asphalt back in order before the cold weather arrives. But, before we discuss parking lot pothole repair, it’s important to know exactly how they happen:

• Seasonal Changes: Although many folks blame brutal winters for potholes, they can also form as a result of summer sunshine. In the Midwest, where we have intense temperature changes season to season, it’s especially important to keep an eye out for potholes in your asphalt parking lot.
• Weather Changes: Seasonal changes also mean weather changes! The melt and freeze cycle can certainly impact the quality of an asphalt surface. If water seeps into your asphalt and expands when snow begins to fall, you can bet there will be fissures, fractures, and cracks by spring.
• Size Changes: Across the United States, potholes come in all shapes and sizes! That’s because if small cracks or fractures are left untreated, they’ll only continue to grow over time. Asphalt potholes are tricky that way, because if left untreated, they can quickly get out of control.
• Time Changes: Additionally, if not properly cared for, asphalt surfaces gradually weaken over time. That makes them more susceptible for imperfections and potholes, so it’s important to regularly sealcoat asphalt surfaces and treat parking lots!

Before the colder weather arrives in the Twin Cities, take the time to repair those pesky potholes in your asphalt parking lots. The team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to help throughout the process and bring a professional touch to your pothole repair.

So, what are you waiting for? For the best in asphalt maintenance, sealcoating, and parking lot pothole repair, give us a call today!

Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing your surfaces for the cold reality that’s about to arrive in the Twin Cities. Rather than just hoping for the best and keeping your fingers crossed, take the time to check all of your asphalt surfaces for wear and tear, and consider investing in asphalt crack repair!

Autumn is a perfect time to repair cracks because it gives your asphalt investment additional support and protection to survive the winter months. Here are a few steps to take to ensure your asphalt cracks are repaired before winter arrives:

Clean Asphalt Surfaces: If you’re uncertain whether your surface requires asphalt crack repair, start by giving it a thorough washing. Often, this requires first sweeping and then power washing the asphalt surface. Through this process, you’ll remove excess dirt and loose debris from the surface.

Inspect for Asphalt Cracks and Divots: Once the asphalt surface is cleared, you’ll need to take a moment to walk around and give it a good inspection. If you have any visible cracks and crevices, you’ll want to get these filled before the winter freeze arrives. Otherwise, through the process of snow and ice freezing and thawing, the cracks will only get bigger and more difficult to repair.

Invest in Professional Quality: Finally, make sure to invest in an asphalt crack repair company that you can trust. The team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to work with you and use its most innovative asphalt crack repair procedures in order to ensure your surface is safe for the winter months.

So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve got asphalt cracks that require repair in the Twin Cities area or are looking for any other asphalt-related services this autumn, look no farther than Gopher State Sealcoat. Our professional staff is ready, and waiting to answer your call.

September is here in the Twin Cities, which means cold weather is just around the corner. Make sure that you and your asphalt are prepared for whatever weather may come over the next few months by investing in high-quality, professional sealcoating!

Though you likely already know that professional crack sealing is important to preserving your asphalt, you may need to know more about the process. Here are some interesting facts about the asphalt crack sealing process to keep in mind this fall.

Types of Cracks: When applying a crack sealant, the goal is to keep cracks at bay. But not all cracks are created equal; each crack forms differently, depending on the weather and type of damage. Traverse cracks run horizontally across your surface, while longitudinal cracks run parallel to, sometimes along a centerline, of the pavement. Reflective cracking is the result of failing pavement sometimes seen on asphalt overlays. Alligator or mapping cracks are the result of a failing base underneath the pavement. This type of cracking can be due to repeated stress loads or improper base compaction. 

Proper Timing: Asphalt crack sealing is always helpful for preserving the surfaces of parking lots, but application is best before the cold weather sets in. Otherwise, there is an increased likelihood that moisture from rain or snow melt may settle into the asphalt, freeze, expand and form cracks. Crack sealing slows down the asphalt deterioration process which in turn can make for a safer surface.

Application Process: And what, exactly, does that application process involve? Before crack sealing a surface, you need to make sure the area is clear of dirt and debris. A professional company will rout cracks according to MNDOT specifications, remove debris and vegetation, and then apply the rubber flush with the surface. Settling of the hot material is normal as the material contracts when it cools.

So, what are you waiting for? Before the weather gets too cold in the Twin Cities, give the team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call today. We’ll work with you to ensure that the job gets done right, and that you’ll have a safe asphalt surface for years to come.

After you have installed brand-new, sturdy asphalt in the Twin Cities area, you need to make sure your investment is protected. Fortunately, the team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to help! We know how to properly apply sealcoat and keep your parking lot, walking path, or other paved surface safe throughout the year.

But, how does sealcoating work? Here is the process our professionals follow while sealcoating your asphalt surfaces during the summer season:

1. Weather Check—Summer is a good time of year to
   sealcoat as the weather tends to be more dry than during the winter or
   spring seasons. In order to apply sealcoat, our professionals need a
   surface that is dry, and will remain that way, for approximately 48 eight
   hours. 
2. Regulate Safety—In addition to sweeping and
   washing off the asphalt surface, we also make sure to position barricades
   to monitor traffic in the area. Plus, we patch up any spots or holes in
   order to make sure your freshly sealcoated surface is safe!
3. Apply Sealcoating—Next, we apply the sealcoat across
   the entire asphalt surface, and double-check that it’s applied evenly.
   Occasionally, we also need to plan for a second sealcoat, to be applied
   the next day.
4. Allow to Dry—Once applied, asphalt sealcoat
   needs time to dry. Typically, 36 hours will do the trick. Once that time
   has passed and the barricades are removed, your brand-new sealcoat is
   ready for use!

Asphalt sealcoating is important because it will keep your paved surface safe throughout every season Minnesota offers. If you’re looking for a fresh asphalt sealcoating in the Twin Cities area, contact the folks at Gopher State Sealcoat today at (952) 931-9188 .

We’ll work with you to make sure you have the best experience possible, and that your asphalt is protected from sun, rain, and snow—all year long!

Summer has officially arrived in the Twin Cities area, and it’s difficult to think that not long ago we were all shoveling snow. Drastic weather changes like these are part of life in Minnesota, and the best action we can take is prepare for whatever may come!

If your commercial asphalt parking lot looks a little worse for the wear this June, consider investing in a commercial sealcoating. Here are just a few reasons a quality sealcoat will help your asphalt, no matter what type of weather is headed your way:

Protect from Sunshine: In the heat of the summer, asphalt often suffers from the intense rays of the sun. Much like skin needs sunscreen during the summer months, asphalt parking lots need a layer of protection to both maintain their structural integrity and physical appearance.

Protect from Freezing: Once winter rolls around, a commercial sealcoating will keep your asphalt protected from the melting and freezing cycle. If water gets into the asphalt surface, it will freeze and expand, creating chips in the surface. If you’ve spent money to pave your asphalt parking lot, make sure that your investment is protected!

Protect from General Damage: Sealcoating commercial asphalt surfaces is important, especially because multiple drivers use these surfaces every day. It’s important to keep all of those folks safe throughout the year, no matter the weather! While commercial sealcoating will keep your asphalt protected from aesthetic damages, such as oil stains or fading, it also protects it from physical damages, like chips or cracks. This protection will extend the overall life, and safety, of your asphalt!

So, if you are looking to prepare for whatever may come in the Twin Cities this year, contact the team at Gopher State Sealcoat. We understand the importance of keeping your asphalt in great condition and drivers who use it safe, and we’ll support you throughout the sealcoating process. Give us a call today!

This season, look no further than Gopher State Sealcoat to help with all your parking lot and asphalt related needs in the Twin Cities area. In addition to paving and patchwork as well as performing regular sealing and crack repairs, we also provide parking lot striping to keep your lot in line.

Are you considering fresh parking lot stipes for your asphalt this season? Here are a few commonly asked questions that you may have about parking lot striping before getting started:

How do I prepare my asphalt surface for parking lot striping?

In order to get the job done right, our professional team needs the parking lot completely clear of vehicles. Make sure to inform tenants or customers about this scheduled maintenance. If the asphalt is dirty, consider having it swept prior to striping. Also, especially as the weather warms up and irrigation systems switch on, make sure to keep the area dry!

When can vehicles return to the parking lot?

After parking lot striping, we suggest to wait at least an hour before the paint is fully dry and ready for traffic. This can, however, be dependent on the weather that day or the temperature during the time of year. Our professional staff will be able to give you a time frame.

How much does it cost to stripe a parking lot?

This also depends on the type of services you require. Prices can vary based on the layout, number of spaces, and other factors that you require for your specific parking lot. For example, how many handicap parking spots are required? Will you need to include arrows to help direct traffic? Our staff will work to make a plan with you ahead of time, addressing both your needs and the overall cost.

So, if you are considering parking lot striping this May in the Twin Cities, look no further than Gopher State Sealcoat. We are here to support you throughout the process, by answering questions and providing our years of expertise. Give our team a call today!

After a long, difficult winter, it’s important to start thinking ahead towards warmer months in the Twin Cities. For many folks that own commercial or residential buildings with asphalt parking lots, this thought process comes with a lot of responsibility, especially if the asphalt sustained damage over the winter. Asphalt crack sealing is the perfect way to make certain your parking lot or other asphalt surface is prepared for the upcoming warmer months.

Here are just a few of the reasons to invest in the hot crack sealing technique, available from the professional team at Gopher State Sealcoat:

• Importance of Crack Sealing: Asphalt crack sealing is extremely important for protecting your investment in an asphalt surface. Replacing asphalt surfaces is both time consuming and expensive, whereas sealing individual, small asphalt cracks is an efficient and effective way to keep that surface working for you!
• Timing for Crack Sealing: If you’ve noticed small cracks or chips in your asphalt following the winter season, don’t wait to treat them. Asphalt crack sealing is less effective on larger dents and holes and, over time, those minor imperfections will only continue to expand. Call in the experts as soon as possible!
• Investing in Hot Crack Sealing: At Gopher State Sealcoat, our hot crack sealing process is the same that keeps Minnesota’s highways safe. We believe in the importance of using only quality products and materials and taking the time to get the job done. After routing the crack, we apply a hot crack sealant which can be touched up as necessary over time.

If you’ve noticed any cracks or chips in your asphalt pavement following the winter season in the Twin Cities, don’t wait. Give the professional, experienced team at Gopher State Sealcoat a call about our hot crack sealing services today, and allow us to share our expertise with you!

Are you concerned about how the ice and snow are treating your blacktop this time of year, or did you notice a few cracks and chips before the season started? Then it’s time to prepare to sealcoat your asphalt this Spring in the Twin Cities!

Sealcoating is an important part of your scheduled asphalt maintenance plan because in addition to protecting your investment from Minnesota winters, it’s a great way to make certain your asphalt integrity endures for years to come. Here are a few often-asked questions about what to expect from the sealcoating process:

What goes into a sealcoat?

Sealcoat is made up of a binder, which is applied to the surface of your asphalt surface. Products produced can range from cold mixed to hot-colloidal suspension blended. And while both processes can turn your pavement black, it is the hot-colloidal blending that merges all the chemicals together. In the long run, this should keep out excess water and protect the asphalt for an extended period.

How long does it take for the sealcoating to fully cure, or set into my asphalt surface?

Although the process of installing a fresh sealcoat can vary from one to several hours, it can take up to one week to fully cure. It is vital for vehicular traffic and other heavy objects to stay off of the new sealcoat as long as possible. If possible, move heavy containers like garbage dumpsters near the entrance of parking lots to avoid tire twists from the truck.

What will sealcoating accomplish?

Preventative sealcoating is helps keep your asphalt safe, smooth, and looking fresh. Although it’s important to invest in new asphalt when older asphalt begins deteriorating, sealcoating is a cost-effective way to slow down the aging process of asphalt.

So, if you are interested about sealcoating for the upcoming season in the Twin Cities, make sure to invest as soon as possible! The team at Gopher State Sealcoat is here to help out with all your asphalt and sealcoating needs in 2020. Just give us a call at (952) 931-9188 today!

After installing new asphalt in the Twin Cities, you might be fearful of the first snowfall of the season. Once you’ve invested in a new asphalt driveway, walking trail, or bike path, you want to ensure that investment stays safe throughout the cold winter months with sealcoating and other care options.

Here are just a few tips for keeping your asphalt investment safe through whatever winter throws our way this season:

 

Sealcoating: If you haven’t already done so, make sure a quality sealcoating is applied to the asphalt before winter fully arrives. Schedule an appointment with Gopher State Sealcoat and make sure your asphalt receives a protective layer before the cycle of snow, freezing, thaw, and refreezing begins! 

 

Shoveling: Invest in a plastic shovel to help protect your asphalt. Allowing snow to build up increases weight and pressure on the surface, and metal shovels oftentimes damage asphalt. Make sure to have a sturdy plastic shovel on hand for quick snow removal!

 

Snow Blowing: For bigger snowfalls, and especially if you have asphalt for a commercial space or apartment building, make sure to hire a quality company to snow blow throughout the season. It’s important to remove heavy snowfall quickly and efficiently.

 

Deicing: Although throwing down salt may seem like the best way to protect folks using your icy asphalt driveway, parking lot, or walkways, rock salt can cause damage to asphalt surfaces. If you use salt, use it sparingly, and make sure that the contents of your deicing salt are nontoxic. Magnesium chloride is usually a good option!

 

Are your new asphalt surfaces prepared for the Twin Cities winter ahead? If you’re unsure or have questions, the professionals at Gopher State Sealcoat are here to help! Give us a call today for all of your asphalt and sealcoating needs, and make sure you’re ready for snow, rain, hail, blizzards, or whatever else winter has in store!

Fall is here in the Twin Cities and that means winter is just around the corner. As you prepare for winter throughout your commercial space, testing out your heating system and weather proofing your windows, have you considered how to prepare your parking lot for the impending cold?

 

If you’ve started to notice cracks around your commercial parking lot, take a moment to identify the cause before investing in a high-quality routing and asphalt crack repair. Here’s how to get started:

 

Block: After a few seasonal cycles, temperature changes in less-trafficked areas of your parking lot may cause a cycle of expanding and shrinking. These types of asphalt cracks are usually large and cover a rectangular space of a foot or more.

 

Slippage: If staff members or customers use your asphalt driveway every day, the surface may be prone to slippage cracks. Oftentimes, when cars turn or brake frequently on aging asphalt, these crescent-shaped cracks are likely to appear.

 

Transverse: Transverse cracks also form as a result of extreme temperature changes. As water melts and freezes on asphalt surfaces, or inside pre-existing asphalt cracks, transverse cracks form and expand over time. Ultimately, this causes severe damage to your parking lot.

 

Longitudinal: These types of asphalt cracks form parallel to the centerline of your parking lot asphalt and may result from a number of issues. Though sometimes weather related, longitudinal cracks may also result from a poor initial asphalt installation or inconsistent maintenance.

 

Although noticing and identifying asphalt cracks is the first step towards preparing your parking lot for fall and wintertime, make sure to contact the professionals next. With the weather changing and cooling fast, you’ll want to move fast, too!

The folks at Gopher State Sealcoat are here for all of your Twin Cities asphalt crack repair needs, from routing to filling, and will help you understand what’s best for your commercial space. Give us a call today!