FAQS

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of sealcoating a driveway or parking lot?

Sealcoating and crack-filling protects asphalt pavement and improves its appearance. Sealcoating and crack repair can also reduce damage like frost heaves and potholes. Cracks allow water to penetrate into the gravel base and soften the soil underneath, threatening the integrity of your driveway or parking lot. When vehicles drive over these cracked, water-intruded areas, pavement cracks and holes can worsen. During winter, water intrusion leads to ice forming beneath the pavement and frost heaves are soon to follow.

When should I sealcoat my parking lot or driveway?

You should never seal a brand new driveway. Instead, let it cure for a year, since fresh asphalt contains oils which must evaporate over time. These oils are responsible for the softness of fresh asphalt; as they evaporate, the asphalt becomes harder. Sealers prevent this evaporation and can lead to improper curing, soft asphalt, and damaged sealcoating. In general, seal your asphalt paved driveway or parking lot one year after installation, then every two to three years.

Why invest in professionally applied liquid asphalt sealcoating?

Sealcoating your own driveway may seem like a bargain - but you’ll be stuck using a retail sealcoating product, which usually contains sand and coal-tar emulsions. These products may be rubberized, and don’t bind well to the asphalt, leading to a shorter lifespan and frequent reapplications. If you want a driveway sealcoating application that lasts 3-5 years (or more!), call Cooper Paving & Excavation, LLC.

What asphalt sealcoat does Cooper Paving & Excavation use?

We use Gilsonite asphalt resin, or North American Asphaltum. It’s made with a natural resinous hydrocarbon found in Utah’s Uintah Basin, and we strongly believe it’s the best available sealer on the market. You can’t buy it in a hardware or home improvement store, but Gilsonite’s performance is worth the investment of a professional application. Unlike water-based sealers, Gilsonite is a penetrating asphalt-based sealer that both resaturates and rejuvenizes asphalt surfaces. It protects your pavement against its worst enemies: moisture and frost damage. When applied, it looks shiny; after a few weeks, it settles into a velvety jet-black finish that resists oil, fuel, and chemical staining. Gilsonite doesn’t suffer from build-up or cracking like some sealants that contain latex. Plus, asphalt-based sealcoating products are better for air quality because they do not emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like coal tar-based products. They smell better, are less of a skin irritant, and look fresh longer.

Does rain affect Gilsonite sealcoating?

No, it does not. The asphalt must be dry prior to beginning the sealcoating application. Once the Gilsonite spray sealcoating is applied, rain will not damage it, even if it is not fully dry. Limited downtime is another benefit of choosing Gilsonite spray sealcoating for your asphalt pavement.

How should I care for my new asphalt pavement?

Check out these helpful documents:

Care & Maintenance Tips for Your New Driveway - https://maine-apa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Care-and-Maintenance-of-your-new-Driveway-01184619xAE394.pdf
Some Facts About Your New Driveway - https://maine-apa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Some-facts-about-your-new-driveway-or-parking-lot-01184620xAE394.pdf

What is Cooper Paving & Excavation, LLC’s service area?

We are based in Minot and Auburn, Maine, serving the entirety of Androscoggin county and portions of neighboring counties including: Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Cumberland counties. Unsure if you’re in our service area? Give us a call and let’s talk about your location and project.

Why should I choose Cooper Paving & Excavation, LLC?

We have proudly served our community since 1952, and doing great work at a fair price is important to us. We never knock on doors or solicit work, but we provide free estimates to those who request one, and we offer a wide range of services to meet the individual needs of our customers. What sets Cooper Paving & Excavation apart?

Free estimates and fast response time;
Top quality products and workmanship at competitive prices;
Strong support for local non-profit organizations;
A trusted, locally established business four generations strong;
45 years of quality work & customer satisfaction;
A great reputation as asphalt paving and excavation professionals that residential and commercial customers can trust for projects of all sizes.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions

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