Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries about our services and process — so you can move forward with confidence. For anything else, feel free to contact us directly.

FAQS

We have targeted solutions for every type of pavement damage. We treat hairline cracks with a protective liquid sealcoat, fill mid-sized cracks (ranging from .25" to 1.5") with a high grade hot tar sealer, and repair major cracks over 1.5" using high-durability Asphalt Mastic Repair (AMR)

Dealing with flaking sealer is tricky because new repairs won'thold if the underlaying layer is already peeling. The key is proper surface preparation: we remove as much flaking material as possible using mechanical scrubbers and high-pressure washing. We then apply a latex priming layer, followed by a high-aggregate sealer (like SPE-C™) to lock down the surface and form a tough, durable top layer.

For optimal results, keep all traffic off freshly repaired asphalt for at leas t48 hours. During the initial curing period, avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary ("dry turning"), as this can dig into the fresh asphalt and leave tire marks.

Wait 48 hours after the job is finished before running perimeter sprinklers to prevent water damage to the new surface.

Damage to concrete or other adjacent surfaces is outside the scope of our asphalt contract and is not covered by Prime Pave LLC.

In most cases, full replacement isn't necessary. Over time, UV rays from the sun cause bitumen oils to dry out, leading to surface unraveling - a condition where aggregate breaks free, leaving your pavement looking light gray and requiring constant sweeping to clear loose gravel.

While this indicates rapid surface deterioration, the process can be dramatically slowed. By applying a premium, high-polymer aggregate sealer (like SPE-C™), we restore essential bitumen oils to the asphalt and lock down loose aggregate with superior film strength. This targeted preservation method protects your pavement and can extend its lifespan by more than 7 years, giving you valuable time to budget for future replacement.

Spring and fall are the absolute best times for sealcoating. Our limitations require the low temperatures to remain above 50ºf for the initial 24 hours of curing. During summer months, temperatures over 105ºf can cause rapid setting; however, this can be remedied by applying our coating early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.

For hot tar and mastic crack repairs, cooler months are far superior to warm months. Asphalt thermally expands and contracts with temperature change; this causes crack widths to increase when cool and decrease when warm. The optimal time to repair cracks is when they are at their widest, allowing for a full-depth, long-lasting repair.

Asphalt striping and asphalt patches can be performed year-round. These services are best completed as soon as a problem is noticed to prevent further damage.

This is a normal occurrence for asphalt crack fillers. Crack repair materials are made to be highly flexible to absorb the thermal movement of asphalt. Because of this, fillers will rarely sit flush with the surface. On hot days, you may notice a slight indent as the filler actively stretches to keep the crack sealed. On colder days, you may notice the filler bulges up slightly as thermal contraction squeezes the material above the surface.

Alligator cracking typically occurs due to structural fatigue caused by repeated heavy traffic loading over a weakened base or subgrade. Over time, as vehicles pass over the pavement, tiny micro-fissures form under the surface where tensile stress is highest. As moisture penetrates these cracks—often accelerated by freeze-thaw cycles, inadequate drainage, or aging, dried-out bitumen—it erodes the underlying base layer. Without a solid foundation to support the weight above, the asphalt flexes beyond its structural limit, causing the surface to shatter into the interconnected, web-like pattern characteristic of alligator cracking.

There are two primary methods for repairing alligator cracking, depending on whether the issue is structural or surface-level. For severe damage or subgrade failure, a Remove and Replace (R&R) asphalt patch provides a permanent, structural fix by saw-cutting and excavating the failed pavement down to the base, replacing compromised material, and laying new, fully compacted hot-mix asphalt.

For light-to-moderate surface cracking where the base remains stable, applying a fiber-reinforced emulsion filler offers a cost-effective alternative. This thick, polymer-modified slurry is squeegeed directly over the cracked area, utilizing synthetic fibers to bridge micro-fissures, lock loose aggregate together, and create a flexible, watertight barrier that prevents further moisture intrusion.

Time is of the essence when dealing with alligator cracking, as open fissures allow water to quickly penetrate and erode the underlying base layer. Promptly sealing or patching these areas stops minor surface wear from escalating into severe subgrade failure and costly structural repairs.

Dealing with oil stains on asphalt requires swift action using a step-by-step approach. Start by spreading an absorbent material like cat litter or mechanic's floor-dry over the fresh spill to soak up standing liquid, then scrub the area with a heavy-duty degreaser and a stiff brush to break down the embedded petroleum.

For light oil stains prior to sealcoating, a latex-based oil spot primer is applied to prevent the oil residue from bleeding through and disrupting the sealer adhesion.

If oil has sat long enough to dissolve the bitumen binder and leave soft or crumbling asphalt, the damaged section must be cut out and replaced with a new asphalt patch.

For any questions not covered here, please contact us directly—we’re happy to clarify details before your project begins.