Running a local contracting business out here means Neighborly Asphalt Inc gets asked the same Asphalt questions over and over again. Homeowners in neighborhoods like Country Club or up in the hills of Los Altos want straight answers without the sales pitch. Neighborly Asphalt Inc will tackle the biggest questions we hear every single week about Asphalt Paving in Los Altos, CA.
How long should a new asphalt driveway actually last in Los Altos?
Under normal conditions, a well-installed Asphalt Driveway lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years or more. But local factors matter. The heavy clay soils we deal with around the Bay Area expand and contract quite a bit with moisture changes, which puts stress on your base layer. If the sub-base was done right and you keep up with sealcoating every 2 to 3 years, you will easily hit that upper mark. Skimp on the prep work, and you will see cracks by year five. Neighborly Asphalt Inc provides Asphalt Paving services for homes in Los Altos, CA.
Why is my asphalt getting soft on hot summer afternoons?
We hit some proper heat waves during late summer, and fresh or dark asphalt absorbs a ton of that solar radiation. It is totally normal for asphalt to soften up when temperatures spike. Heavy vehicles can leave ruts if parked on it during the hottest part of the day. If your driveway is a few years old and still turning into a soft mess, the mix might have too much oil or lack proper compaction from day one. For homes and businesses in Los Altos, Neighborly Asphalt Inc provides Asphalt Repair.
Can I just patch these cracks myself or do I need to call a pro?
You can handle minor hairline cracks yourself with a standard tube of cold-pour filler from the hardware store. It keeps water out during our winter rains, which is the main goal. Anything wider than a half-inch or areas where the edges are crumbling need hot-pour rubberized sealant or a patch cut-out. At Neighborly Asphalt Inc, we spend a lot of time fixing DIY patch jobs that actually trapped moisture underneath and ruined the surrounding pavement. A well-built Asphalt Patching job adds real value to any home in Los Altos.
How long do I have to keep my cars off a new driveway?
Keep foot traffic off for at least 24 hours, and stay off it with vehicles for a minimum of 5 to 7 days. Hot weather makes asphalt cure slower than you might think. Even after a week, heavy delivery trucks or tight power steering turns can scuff the fresh surface. Give it a solid month before parking heavy RVs or trailers on it. We provide Asphalt Paving services for homes and businesses in Los Altos.
Why does water pool in certain spots after it rains?
Puddling usually points to a grading issue or a compromised sub-base that settled over time. Los Altos property lots have varied slopes, and if the water is not draining away from your foundation and driveway edges, it will shorten the life of your pavement. Small puddles under a quarter-inch deep evaporate quickly and are not an emergency, but deeper pools need professional leveling or milling. Call Neighborly Asphalt Inc for Asphalt work in Los Altos, CA.
How often should I sealcoat my driveway?
Plan on sealcoating every 2 to 3 years once the original factory sheen wears off and the surface starts looking gray. Sealcoat acts like sunscreen for your asphalt, blocking UV rays and keeping out water and oil leaks. Do not do it every single year, because piling on too many layers causes the material to get thick, brittle, and start peeling off in ugly sheets. The work will hold up for many years in the Los Altos climate.
If you have a specific issue with your pavement that is not on this list, reach out to Neighborly Asphalt Inc. Our team is always glad to visit your property and look at what you are dealing with.