Read General Asphalt Paving’s FAQ
Find answers to common paving questions from General Asphalt Paving Ltd. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve handled all types of applications for residential, commercial, municipal and industrial clients. We have a solution for you.
Q: How long will my job take?
A: The job duration depends on the size of your surface. Give us a call for a free estimate, and we can discuss specific timeline expectations.
Q: Will the weather impact my job?
A: Rain is good after the completion of your job, but not before. Ideal temperatures for asphalt paving are 15-25°C.
Q: Are you licensed?
A: We are fully licensed by the city of Toronto, fully insured, covered with the WSIB and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Q: What are the steps involved?
A: While all jobs may differ slightly, the primary steps of the job are as follows:
• Removal of existing asphalt
• Hauling off site
• Checking stone base (sub base) to ensure it meets requirements
• Supply and place new stone if needed and consolidate
• Commercial – supply and place asphalt base layer and top layer (HL8 and HL3)
• Residential – supply and place asphalt layer (HL3)
Q: When should I resurface my parking lot?
A: We recommend resurfacing when your surface is oxidized, but the base is still stable and usable for a new layer of asphalt. As a general rule, the asphalt will be approximately 12 to 15 years old (if the original surface was installed correctly with proper thickness, compaction, drainage, etc.). It’s critical to pave when weather conditions are warm and dry. Cold temperatures may cause seams, less than ideal compaction and a shorter lifespan of your surface.
Q: How long should my new resurfaced pavement last?
A: There are various factors to consider, but as a general rule, you should expect the surface to last 8-12 years.
Q: How long should I keep traffic off the new pavement?
A: While rubber tires will not damage the asphalt, you should avoid sharp turns. Power steering marks left by non-moving vehicles can impact the surface.
Q: How thick should the asphalt be on our driveway?
A: On residential applications, 2” of compact asphalt is sufficient.
Q: When can we drive on our new driveway?
A: You should only have to wait 1-2 days unless temperatures are really hot. We advise against sharp turning of your vehicles to avoid scuffing.
Q: Do I need to repair asphalt cracks immediately?
A: Yes. If the cracks are not repaired right away, you will likely develop bigger problems such as pot holes, crack expansion and eventually the failure of your surface.