Colored asphalt pavement is quickly becoming a popular choice for many.

Colored asphalt pavement is quickly becoming a popular choice for municipalities, commercial property owners, and developers looking to improve the appearance, functionality, and safety of paved surfaces. From bike lanes and pedestrian zones to decorative commercial lots and residential driveways, this innovative paving solution is transforming how we think about asphalt.

What Is Colored Asphalt Pavement?

Colored asphalt pavement is a type of asphalt mix that incorporates pigments or specially formulated binders to change the traditional black color of asphalt into vibrant, eye-catching shades such as red, green, blue, tan, or even custom hues. Unlike painted surfaces, the color in colored asphalt is integrated into the material itself, making it more durable and long-lasting.

This unique pavement type is designed not just for aesthetics but also for enhancing visibility, improving safety, and aiding in traffic organization. It is often used in areas where visual distinction is critical or where enhancing the visual appeal of infrastructure is desired.

How Is Colored Asphalt Pavement Made?

There are several methods to achieve colored asphalt pavement:

• Pigmented Binders: Instead of using the standard black bitumen, manufacturers use a clear or light-colored synthetic binder that allows the pigment to show through. This method is commonly used for producing vibrant and consistent colors.
• Mineral Pigments: Pigments can be added directly into the asphalt mix. These mineral pigments are heat-resistant and UV-stable, ensuring that the color remains vivid even under constant sunlight.
• Surface Coatings or Sealers: In some cases, a colored coating is applied to the surface of traditional asphalt. While this option is less durable than full-depth colored asphalt, it can be cost-effective for areas with lighter traffic or aesthetic needs.

Applications of Colored Asphalt Pavement

Colored asphalt pavement is versatile and can be applied in a wide range of settings, including:

• Bike Lanes: Bright green or red asphalt improves visibility and safety.
• Bus Lanes and Transit Routes: Colored lanes make public transport routes easy to identify.
• Pedestrian Crossings: Enhance safety with high-contrast surfaces.
• Driveways and Parking Lots: Boost curb appeal and create defined zones.
• Parks and Recreational Areas: Use colors to enhance natural aesthetics or guide traffic.
• School Zones: Improve child safety with attention-grabbing visuals.

Benefits of Colored Asphalt Pavement

• Enhanced Safety: By creating clear visual cues, colored asphalt pavement helps drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians stay in designated areas and reduces the risk of accidents.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Whether you’re upgrading a commercial parking lot or designing a community park, colored asphalt adds a modern and attractive touch to any space.
• Durability: Colored asphalt is built to last. When created with high-quality pigments and binders, it can withstand harsh weather, UV rays, and heavy traffic without significant fading or wear.
• Customization: From earthy tones to vivid reds and greens, colored asphalt pavement can be tailored to match your brand, theme, or landscape design.
• Low Maintenance: Compared to painted pavement markings, colored asphalt maintains its appearance longer and requires fewer touch-ups.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you with asphalt, concrete, and hardscaping projects.

We refuse to sell hot air to our customers, and that’s why we have been around for over 4 decades. We listen, inform, educate then decide what is best for our customers project and budget. If any problems arise during construction we keep our customers updated and respond to make the imperfect perfect.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post What Is Colored Asphalt Pavement? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

It’s everywhere, but where does it come from?

Asphalt pavement is one of the products that Tri-State Paving works with the most; Tri-State uses it to work on public, commercial, and residential pavement alike. You might have heard it called tarmac, blacktop, macadam, tarmacadam, or just plain asphalt. You probably have seen it all your life. Even so, where does asphalt come from?

Where Does Asphalt Come From?

Asphalt is a sticky substance, also known as bitumen, is a byproduct of crude oil. It is a petroleum “waste” product, in that it is a residual of petroleum oil that cannot produce energy but has a great power in binding materials together.

Many online sources combine asphalt and tar as one and the same, but technically, they are different. Asphalt, in the strictest form, is a petroleum byproduct, while tar is a naturally occurring sticky black liquid in the earth. They have their differences but act and look similar.

Asphalt in History

Asphalt in the technical sense did not appear until the 1800s. However, tar was used as a binder for roads and other structures since ancient times. The first known records of tar in roads dates back to Babylonian times in 615 B.C. during the reign of King Nabopolassar. It continued in use for binding and waterproofing in Greek and Roman times, but saw the first real resurgence during the Renaissance in Europe when Sir Walter Raleigh used tar to patch his ships during an exploration of the New World.

Tar and eventually asphalt grew in use during the Industrial Revolution and in 1870 and beyond in the United States. At the turn of the century, various inventors in the U.S. patented different versions of asphalt pavement.

Asphalt Today

Asphalt pavement is standard forroads,parking lots, anddriveways today. Through various developments, it comes in different types and designs. For instance, residential driveways need fewer pavement layers than busy highways. You’ll also find hot mix, warm mix, and cold patch asphalt, which are applicable to different climates. Asphalt pavement is also one of the most recycled materials in the world, making it a more efficient material than detractors might think. Combined with ground-up stones, asphalt is the binder that makes transportation possible today.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post Where Does Asphalt Come From? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Look out for alligator cracking in asphalt!

Asphalt is one of the most durable and versatile surfaces, so many business owners and homeowners use it throughout their properties. However, problems may occur over time that require professional intervention. Alligator cracking in asphalt is one of the most common things you may notice on your property. What is alligator cracking, and how can you fix it? 

Causes of Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking in asphalt often happens due to the impact of heavy, oversized vehicles constantly driving over the asphalt. Unfortunately, cracking may occur when this amount of stress and pressure is placed on the asphalt’s surface. In other cases, alligator cracking may result because of poor drainage. After it snows or rains, moisture that remains on the surface of the asphalt can enter and expand when freezing occurs. Over the weeks, the process damages the surface’s integrity and might require extensive repairs. In some cases, poor installation might cause alligator cracking in asphalt. As with any surface, apply enough pressure on asphalt, and it will crack. 

Repairing Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking can become problematic when it compromises the integrity of your slab. Consequently, acting fast to reverse the damage and make repairs is crucial. When the Tri-State Paving team arrives at your site, we will inspect the asphalt to determine whether or not stabilization must be performed. To keep the existing cracks from spreading and blocking out moisture, crack sealing will be done.

Whenever you notice any cracks appear in your asphalt, the first thing you must do is place sealcoating or crack filler. Although this cannot reverse the damage, it may prevent additional damage. Fortunately, you may not have to replace the whole asphalt piece. 

How Does Alligator Cracking Harm Your Property?

Even though some people assume that alligator cracking is mainly a cosmetic issue, that is not the case. As the cracking spreads across the surface of your parking lot or driveway, it may create potholes and trip hazards. Unfortunately, this might lead to vehicle damage for which you may be liable. Overall, having repairs done is the best way to protect yourself from liability.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post What Leads to Alligator Cracking in Asphalt? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Not keeping asphalt clear of snow and ice can cause damage to the asphalt itself and its travelers.

Asphalt pavement requires maintenance, and when the temperatures drop in the winter months it can become more difficult to keep yours in healthy shape. Why? Because throughout the winter, your asphalt is freezing and thawing based on changing temperatures. Ice and snow can accumulate on the surface and pool as it melts which can cause damage. When water freezes, it expands. This means that if water finds its way into a pothole or crack (via rain, melted ice or snow), it will create pressure that could worsen the hole or crack as it freezes over. But how can you protect your asphalt NOW? Let’s help.

Prepare For Snow Before It Happens

Before your area is hit with snow, survey your asphalt for cracks and potholes and make sure the entire area is free of debris. Cleaning your asphalt prior to snow ensures that large objects will not freeze over and hinder snowplows from doing their job successfully without damage to their equipment or your asphalt. Taking notice of issues like cracks or potholes gives you the opportunity to repair them immediately before snow and freezing water causes more potential damage.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating with an asphalt base will restore the oil/tar content that oxidizes from the asphalt material and make it less prone to cracks caused by climate change. Sealcoating generally needs a nightly temperature of at least 50 degrees to work properly, so if it is too cold in your area consider hiring professional help to do as much crack-filling as possible.

Shovel/Snow Removal

It’s a hefty job, but somebody has got to do it. If you let snow pile up onto your asphalt it can melt and cause serious damage to the asphalt itself and to the vehicles traveling on it. Keeping your asphalt free of standing water and piles of snow is essential to protecting it. Sometimes this can be as easy as regular shoveling, and other times with large parking lots or main roads it is a job best suited for a company that provides snow removal services. Try to shovel as much as possible before resorting to de-icing methods, as salt in water runoff can sometimes be harmful to local plants and animals.

Ready For Professional Help With Your Asphalt?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge help with all of your asphalt parking lot installation needs. You can reach us at any of our area numbers for more information and advice.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners and business owners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+!

The post 3 Ways to Protect Your Asphalt From Winter Weather appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Asphalt patches come in a variety of forms.

Cold Patch   

Cold patch is incredibly available and easy to install. This type of patch can be bought in 50 pound bags from retail home improvement chains. Cold patch can be installed easily with a shovel and square hand tamper. This temporary method of repair is used to remove the risks of safety hazards or car tire damage until professional repairs can be done to address the extent of the asphalt damage.  

Infrared Asphalt Restoration

This is an effective ‘green’ asphalt repair method. First, an infrared heater heats the pot hole to 400 degrees. Then the pot hole is scarified with a steel tooth rake. Fresh plant mix asphalt is installed and a rejuvenator is applied to older asphalt. Finally, this is compacted with a vibratory roller. Hot boxes are used to keep the fresh mix asphalt at the proper temperature.  

Infrared Asphalt Restoration is convenient because it can be done entirely independent of the asphalt plant schedule, as the hot box keeps the asphalt heated. Infrared asphalt restoration can repair all types of damage permanently, except for alligator cracking. This method is both convenient and environmentally friendly.

Saw Cut and Removal

Saw cut removal is an in depth method of asphalt repair. It is used to fix alligator cracked pavement. Saw cut and removal involves marking areas of asphalt failure with marking paint, snapping a chalk line, saw cutting the perimeter, excavating to a depth of 2-6 inches, replacing it in 1-2 lifts of new plan hot mix asphalt, and compacting with a vibrancy roller. The new saw cut joint is sealed with a hot rubberized crack sealant to prevent water from doing further asphalt damage.   

Skin Patching/Surface Patching

Skin patching, also referred to as surface patching, is a temporary asphalt patch which is more long lasting than cold patch, but not permanent like saw cut removal or infrared restoration. This method is utilized when emergency repairs need to be made in high-traffic areas.

Get In Touch With Tristate Paving Today  

We are an experienced hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you correct any winter weather asphalt damage.

Contact us at any one of our here locations: West Chester at (610) 563-9456, Oxford at (610) 932-3566, or Delaware (302) 757-4100.

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

The post What are the Different Types of Asphalt Patches? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Two coats of sealant are applied to the driveway or parking lot using a squeegee or sprayer.

Asphalt driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks are big investments! They are expensive and time-consuming to install, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last up to twelve years! Something you can do to prolong the life of your driveway is seal-coating your asphalt. Read on to find out more about the asphalt seal-coating process!

What is Seal-Coating?

Asphalt seal-coating acts as a barrier between your asphalt and the elements – water, ice, car fluids, the sun, salt and other chemicals, which might destroy the structural integrity of your driveway. The sealant is usually a coal tar emulsion, making it very resistant to water, gas, oil, salt, and UV radiation. Think of asphalt sealant like sunscreen for your driveway!

How Is It Applied?

Asphault seal-coating is best done by professionals, who will have the appropriate safety equipment and technique for handling the sealant.

First, the asphalt will be cleaned to remove all dirt and debris, using a combination of brooms, blowers, and pressure washers. The sealant will coat and remaining debris, and cause flaking, weak spots in the seal-coating. Once the pavement is clean, any remaining chemical spots – such as oil or anti-freeze – will be treated with a priming liquid to make sure that the seal-coating will stick.

Two coats of sealant are applied to the driveway or parking lot using a squeegee or sprayer, with some time allowed for it to dry between coats. It is very important to give the seal-coating enough time to dry and cure before using the asphalt. If used too soon, you could see unexpected early wear and tear or tire markings in the seal-coating. Try to give the asphalt at least 24 hours before seeing any traffic.

So, are you ready to call on the help of a professional paving company?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post Asphalt Seal-Coating Prolongs the Life of Your Delaware Driveway appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Gravel driveways are easy on the budget and adding gravel periodically is quicker than sealing an asphalt driveway.

Your driveway doesn’t have to be a boring slab of asphalt – modern day driveways include colors, patterns, and landscaping building right in. Take a moment to read about some of the recent creative driveway design trends to gracing modern homes.

Permeable Pavers

Rain water taxes don’t appeal to anyone. One option to reduce your environmental impact and your tax bill is to use permeable pavers as part of your driveway. Permeable paving in a grid running in the same direction of your house can extend the architectural appearance of your home while allowing water to percolate down through the earth instead of running off site. You can even add a parking spot for your car by creating runners in the grass.

Pea Gravel

For a cozier, Old-World feel to your driveway design, consider doing a gravel driveway. Gravel driveways are easy on the budget and adding gravel periodically is quicker than sealing an asphalt driveway. Gravel driveways are also permeable, so no additional rain water taxes! However, gravel driveways can produce a lot of dust and weeds, so be ready to spray your driveway down with weed killer during the spring and summer.

Mixed Materials

Uninterrupted stretches of dull concrete can be a design bummer. Get creative with your driveway design by mixing materials – try adding a paver border, interior bands, or brick insets to add visual interest.

Landscaping

Incorporating your landscape into your driveway design. Low shrubs or small flowering plants are great for disguising and softening the edge of a driveway. Or add a raised border or flower bed to the edge of the driveway. Adding color and texture to your driveway design can provide a visual distraction from the utilitarian purpose of the hardscaping.

Stamped Asphalt

If you’re stuck with an asphalt driveway, consider getting it reshaped and resealed. Previously laid asphalt can be rewarmed and treated if it’s in good condition. An asphalt contractor can apply a pattern to warmed asphalt using large stamp templates. The surface can then be sprayed with a colored sealer to create beautiful brick or stone appearances.

So, are you ready to call on the help of a professional paving company?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post Creative Driveway Design appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Paving maintenance is a great way to end the summer.

It can be easy to forget about taking care of the paving and other concrete structures in your life. We walk and drive on them every day, but we don’t often give them much thought. Today we’re going to be talking about some of the maintenance items you might want to invest in before winter hits Oxford. Are you ready to learn more about paving maintenance? Well, let’s do it!

Taking care of your driveway.

Winter is traditionally pretty hard on concrete and asphalt. The cold usually wreaks havoc on them. So, if you’re going to do some maintenance, then this is the time. After all, preemptive maintenance can be very helpful. It will keep your driveway fortified for the colder months. Any cracks or chips should be tended to before they get worse. You should also avoid getting oil or gas on your driveway so that you can ensure a long life for your pavement. Whether your driveway is residential or commercial, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe to drive on. Once the snow hits, you can call us to help remove your snow as well.

Check on your curbs.

When cars run into curbs, they can leave some heavy damages. This can escalate without proper maintenance. If you think that your curbs are looking a little shabby, then give us a call. We can help you check them out. Our methods of repair are quick and they will last for a long time. We want to help you protect your investment. Paving maintenance of any kind is a great way to keep your home and neighborhood looking fresh and inviting.

So, are you ready to call on the help of a professional paving company?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post Thinking about Paving Maintenance in Oxford? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Asphalt is a fantastic paving material.

Asphalt is all around us all the time. Roads, driveways, and even shingles can be made out of this material. It’s relatively cheap and decently sturdy, making it an excellent material for a new driveway, but what should you know before going in? There’s a lot that you should know, but don’t worry. We’re going to be giving you the rundown on this material today. Ready to learn more about asphalt? Well, let’s get going!

What are the benefits of using asphalt for your next project?

Well, the biggest benefit of using asphalt is probably that it provides a smooth and comfortable place to drive or bike over. The fact that it is cost-efficient simply puts icing on the cake. Though your asphalt won’t last forever, it will last quite a while. This makes it a great investment for a driveway or road that leads up to your home.

What should you worry about?

Despite the fact that asphalt lasts a long time, it can deteriorate. This deterioration can happen very quickly, so it’s in your best interest to monitor your asphalt throughout the year. You should keep an extra keen eye on it during the winter months, when asphalt is most likely to develop potholes. Now, to keep your asphalt in good condition, you should try to repair cracks as soon as they form. As we said, the deterioration can happen quickly, so jump on it as soon as possible. This will lengthen the life of your asphalt.

So, are you ready to call on the help of a professional paving company?

Call Tristate Paving. We’re a seasoned hardscaping company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The post Asphalt: A Need-to-Know Guide appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

Which sort of driveway is right for your home ?

Both materials are very popular for driveways, but how do you know which one is right for you? Well, today we’re going to compare the two materials and you can assess which one will better suit your needs. Remember to keep in mind the amount of stress you think you will be imposing on the driveway, your budget, and your aesthetic. All of these things will play a part in your final decision. Here we go!

Asphalt Driveway

The average asphalt driveway is going to last your about twenty years, but there will probably be quite a bit of maintenance you will need to perform on it during that time. Repairing asphalt isn’t very difficult though, so don’t write it off just yet. It should also be mentioned that asphalt driveways cost less than your average concrete driveway. They handle spills decently well, but they are often cracked by harsh weather. Cold in particular can lead to potholes. Another great thing about asphalt is that it is ready to go very quickly after it is laid.

Concrete Driveway

Though more expensive, this material is great for longevity. It averages about ten more years than an asphalt driveway. Concrete also holds up pretty well over time and requires a lot less repair work. This is good because repairing concrete can be a hassle and the patches are much more obvious. Concrete doesn’t appreciate oil and gasoline spills and will become stained easier than asphalt. Another disadvantage to using concrete is that you cannot walk or drive on it for seven days after it is poured.

So, what do you think? Will you choose asphalt or concrete for your next driveway?

Ready to invest in your new driveway?

Tri-State Paving and Construction has provided exceptional asphalt and concrete services for over 40 years.  Powered by information and run by the consumer, we strive to put forth the best in concrete and paving for all of our customers while giving them as much insight as possible.

We perform road construction, paving services and decoration for curbs and walls.  We’re available to work in both commercial and residential settings, giving you the options you need to get the best job done right.  Contact us online or call the location nearest you:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

The post Asphalt or Concrete for your New Driveway? appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.