FAQs

With proper asphalt maintenance, sealcoating, crack sealing, and timely repairs, asphalt pavement can often last 25–30 years or more. The lifespan of asphalt depends on traffic conditions, drainage, weather exposure, pavement thickness, and the condition of the base layer underneath the asphalt.

Most asphalt surfaces should be sealcoated every 3–5 years depending on traffic volume and pavement condition. Sealcoating helps protect asphalt from UV damage, oxidation, water intrusion, oil spills, and premature deterioration.

Crack sealing is one of the most important asphalt maintenance services available. Small cracks allow water to penetrate beneath the asphalt surface and weaken the base layer below. Sealing cracks early helps prevent potholes, pavement failure, and costly reconstruction repairs. 

The proper asphalt thickness depends on the type of traffic the pavement will experience. Residential driveways are typically paved with approximately 3 inches of asphalt because they primarily support passenger vehicles. Commercial parking lots and private roads exposed to garbage trucks, delivery trucks, and heavier traffic often require 4 inches of asphalt or more for additional structural strength and durability.

The base layer acts as the foundation of the asphalt pavement system. Just like a building depends on a strong foundation, asphalt pavement depends on a properly graded and compacted base layer to support traffic and prevent premature failure. If the base material is unstable or deteriorated, the asphalt above it will eventually crack, settle, and fail.

Before paving begins, Lucas Paving carefully evaluates the existing pavement and underlying base layer. Once the old asphalt surface has been removed, we inspect the condition of the base material, re-grade and compact the area, and install additional base rock if necessary. In some cases, unsuitable or failed areas may require deep lift asphalt repairs or full-depth reconstruction before paving can begin.

Potholes are usually caused by water intrusion, traffic loads, and deterioration of the base layer beneath the asphalt. Once water penetrates through cracks and weakens the pavement structure, the asphalt surface can begin to break apart under traffic.

An asphalt overlay involves installing a new layer of asphalt over an existing pavement surface to extend pavement life and improve appearance. Overlays are often a cost-effective alternative to full reconstruction when the underlying pavement structure remains stable.

Yes. Lucas Paving provides complete asphalt maintenance services including:

• Sealcoating
• Crack sealing
• Asphalt repairs
• Pothole repair
• Asphalt patching
• Parking lot striping
• ADA compliance upgrades
• Pavement maintenance programs

Routine asphalt maintenance helps extend pavement life and reduce long-term repair costs.

For most residential and commercial paving projects, we recommend staying off newly paved asphalt for at least 24 hours depending on weather conditions and asphalt temperatures. Heavy vehicles should remain off the new pavement for a longer period when possible.

Asphalt can crack due to aging, oxidation, water intrusion, heavy traffic, poor drainage, temperature changes, and failing base material underneath the pavement. Routine asphalt maintenance helps reduce cracking and extend pavement life.

Lucas Paving proudly serves Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Alamo, Concord, Orinda, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Fremont, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding Bay Area communities.

Yes. Lucas Paving provides free site evaluations and estimates for residential, commercial, HOA, private road, asphalt maintenance, and demolition projects throughout the Bay Area.

If the pavement has minor cracking and surface wear, resurfacing or an asphalt overlay may be sufficient. However, if there is widespread cracking, drainage problems, potholes, settlement, or base failure, full reconstruction may be necessary. Lucas Paving evaluates each project individually and recommends the most cost-effective long-term solution based on the condition of the existing pavement and underlying base layer.

It is also important to understand that asphalt overlays only work properly if the original drainage in the parking lot or roadway was correctly designed and installed. Water cannot run uphill, so proper drainage is critical when resurfacing asphalt pavement. The low points, catch basins, and drainage areas of the parking lot must still function correctly after the new layer of asphalt is installed to ensure water can properly drain away from the pavement surface. If drainage problems already exist prior to resurfacing, they may need to be corrected before an overlay is performed. Proper drainage helps prevent standing water, water intrusion, and premature asphalt failure over time.