Asphalt/Blacktop Services

The two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between blacktop and asphalt paving. Blacktop is a type of asphalt, but not all asphalt is blacktop. Asphalt is a mixture of crushed stone, gravel or sand combined with bitumen, a petroleum-based binder. It’s commonly used in roads, highways and large infrastructure projects. Blacktop is a specific kind of asphalt that contains more sand and less stone. It’s mixed at a higher temperature, resulting in a smoother, shinier surface.

That depends on your budget, usage and aesthetics. With less labor and fewer materials, blacktop generally costs less to install than concrete. This makes it a budget-friendly option — especially for larger areas like parking lots. It also handles freeze/thaw cycles better, making it an ideal choice for colder climates. Concrete may have a higher up-front cost, but it typically lasts longer — up to 40 years with proper maintenance, versus up to 15 years for blacktop. It is also better suited for hot climates. Contact us to discuss the pros and cons of both materials. Our expert specialists will help you determine the best choice for your needs, budget and style.

Proper grading, drainage and a stable base are critical. We handle everything from excavation to base installation to ensure a smooth, long-lasting surface.

We recommend sealcoating every 2 to 3 years to protect your pavement from UV rays, moisture, oil and daily wear. It helps extend the life of your parking lot or driveway and keeps it looking fresh.

An overlay is a 2-inch layer of asphalt that is applied over an existing driveway. We usually recommend overlays when there are no issues with water and the driveway has a solid base that is free of extensive cracking and buckling. An overlay is typically applied once; too many layers can make the asphalt too high.

We mill out the area by scratching 2 inches into the surface and replacing it with 2 inches of new asphalt. For repairs that require deeper fixes or may need drainage work, we can saw-cut the area. After we complete all patch work, we apply a rubber seal around the entire area to help prevent water intrusion.

The schedule will vary based on project size, but most commercial jobs are completed in 1 to 3 days. We’ll provide a clear schedule upfront so you can plan around any temporary access disruptions.

Maintenance services for blacktop parking lots typically include crack sealing, commercial sealing, pothole repair and line striping. Not only does maintenance extend the life of the parking lot, it also reduces liabilities for businesses. Potholes can damage vehicles and create unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Here at Quality Blacktopping + Concrete, we offer an array of proactive maintenance services to make it easy to keep your lot safe and looking good.

Temperature and moisture matter. Winter can be harsh on blacktop, and the freeze/thaw cycle can turn small cracks into dangerous potholes in a matter of days. Spring through early fall is the ideal window for most services, as warm, dry conditions help materials cure and bond properly.

Tearing out the old blacktop should be your last resort. The only time we recommend doing a tear out is if there is base failure beneath the existing blacktop. The best foundation for a new layer of blacktop is the existing asphalt below it. We can help determine the most cost-effective solution that will deliver long-term durability to maximize your return.

Yes! Fixing drainage issues is key to maximizing the life of your assets and the first thing we look at before starting a job. We always slope new blacktop or concrete surfaces toward existing drains, the street or to the sides of the lot.