If you’ve been looking for an effective way to refresh your asphalt pavement, look no further than the Onyx frictional mastic seal by Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions. At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we are proud to offer this innovative product, which was designed to minimize future maintenance needs and provide more durable roads.

Keep reading to explore what makes Onyx an ideal choice for your pavement and learn how the surface treatment process works.

Key Features and Benefits of the Onyx Frictional Mastic Seal

If your asphalt surface is looking a bit worse for wear, you may not have to completely re-pave it. Onyx is an asphalt surface treatment that can be applied on top of existing pavement, smoothing out the surface and extending its lifespan.

As a specialized mixture of asphalt emulsion, angular fine aggregates, polymers, recycled materials, and catalysts, this frictional mastic seal was developed to protect your investment, minimize downtime, and prevent future issues.

Superior Quality

One of the things that makes Onyx stand out from other asphalt sealing products is that it’s manufactured in a central plant and is applied without dilution. This means you can rest assured that your seal coat has met strict quality standards and will perform as intended.

Toughness and Durability

The key to Onyx’s durability is that it contains high amounts of unique polymers and catalysts that have proven to provide long-term performance. Its specialized formulation was developed to maximize durability, and despite its higher aggregate loadings, it consistently performs better than similar products in the wet track abrasion test.

Increased Friction

The right amount of friction is essential for motorists to drive safely on any surface, and asphalt pavement is no exception. Thanks to Onyx’s increased level of high-quality fine aggregate material, it provides excellent friction, allowing you to feel comfortable driving on it.

Reduced Downtime

When performing asphalt maintenance, time is of the essence. Downtime results in frustration, inconvenience, and increased costs. That’s why the Onyx frictional mastic surface treatment was developed to minimize downtime, with faster application, early strength development, and a quicker return to traffic.

Decreased Maintenance Costs

When you invest in an Onyx frictional mastic seal, you’re protecting your asphalt surface from future wear and tear. Not only does this extend the lifespan of your pavement, but it also reduces the likelihood of future maintenance needs, saving you money in the long run. 

Striking Color

Like its name, Onyx is a striking, dark black color. Not only does this look more attractive, but it also enhances the contrast between the road and its striping, making it safer and easier for motorists to navigate the roads. Plus, it’s formulated to minimize ultraviolet damage to the pavement, protecting it from the sun’s intense rays.

Achieving the Perfect Asphalt Surface

Achieving the perfect asphalt surface requires expertise and attention to detail. That’s where we come in. At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we pride ourselves on creating the highest quality results, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Step 1: Preparation

The key to success in any asphalt paving project is careful surface preparation. Before applying Onyx to the asphalt surface, we remove any loose material, sand, vegetation, dust, mud, and other contaminants. 

We also ensure that the surface is completely dry prior to application, as any water could interfere with the results. We never apply surface treatments while it’s raining or snowing, during inclement weather, or when surface moisture is present.

Step 2: Application

Once we’ve made sure the surface is completely ready, we apply the first coat of Onyx frictional mastic seal. We don’t apply the second coat until the first is 100 percent set and dry — thanks to Onyx’s quick-drying formulation, we don’t have to wait too long.

Throughout this process, we are careful to make straight lines along the edges, creating a clean, crisp finish. When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about ragged edges leaving the borders of your pavement susceptible to wear from water infiltration, chemical exposure, or regular traffic. Plus, we work to keep a uniform thickness throughout all areas of the asphalt surface, ensuring a smooth surface with consistent performance.

Step 3: Post-Application 

The final step in the seal coating process is allowing for sufficient dry time. The entire surface must be completely cured before traffic can resume. Once it’s dry, we can add fresh line striping, leaving you with a rejuvenated road or parking lot.

Seal Coating by Precision Asphalt Maintenance

If you’re ready to extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface, contact us today to learn more about how the Onyx frictional mastic seal can provide the performance and durability you’ve been looking for.

When we enjoy a summer drive down the smooth highway or take a leisurely stroll on the sturdy sidewalks, we take for granted the critical component that binds these surfaces together: bitumen. This key ingredient ensures longevity, efficiency, and durability in paving products. In this blog post, we’ll explore what this substance is, what types are available, the benefits of using it in asphalt maintenance, and its role in our daily lives.

What is Bitumen?

Bitumen is a sticky, viscous substance that’s derived from crude oil. In asphalt mixtures, it acts as a binder, holding together the aggregate — gravel, sand, and crushed stone — to create a cohesive, durable conglomerate surface. Thanks to its waterproofing and adhesive properties, it’s an essential component in the construction and maintenance of parking lots, roads, runways, and other paved areas.

Types and Uses

There are several types of bitumen used in asphalt paving and maintenance, each serving specific purposes based on the project’s requirements:

• Penetration grade: This variety is classified based on its hardness and penetration value. It’s commonly used in road construction and repair, providing an attractive balance between durability and flexibility.
• Oxidized or blown: This type is produced by passing air through bitumen at high temperatures, creating a more rigid and less temperature-sensitive product suitable for waterproofing, roofing, and industrial applications.
• Polymer-modified (PMB): Enhanced with polymers to improve its strength, elasticity, and resistance, PMB is ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions or heavy traffic.
• Cutback: This type is diluted with solvents that reduce its viscosity, making application easier. Once it’s applied, the solvents evaporate, leaving a solid layer behind. It’s typically used for surface dressing and tack coats.
• Emulsion: This is a mixture of water, bitumen, and emulsifying agents, which makes it easier to apply at lower temperatures. It’s commonly used for pavement maintenance and surface treatments.

Benefits in Asphalt Maintenance

Bitumen offers an array of advantages, making it an indispensable component of asphalt maintenance. 

One of the most significant benefits it provides is durability, binding aggregates together and creating a strong surface that can withstand heavy traffic and other stressors. At the same time, it’s flexible and elastic, allowing surfaces to expand and contract with temperature changes. This flexibility reduces the risk of cracks and damage.

Water is asphalt’s worst enemy, infiltrating cracks and wreaking havoc. Bitumen is impermeable, preventing water from penetrating the pavement, protecting the underlying layers and extending the asphalt’s lifespan. 

Bitumen is relatively affordable and readily available, which makes it a cost-effective solution for large-scale paving projects. Plus, it can be recycled in new asphalt mixtures, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

The Role of Bitumen in Asphalt Maintenance

When it comes to effective asphalt maintenance, the proper use and quality of bitumen are essential. Here are some key aspects of its role in maintaining asphalt surfaces:

Crack Sealing

Cracks are a common issue in asphalt surfaces, occurring due to heavy loads, temperature fluctuations, and aging components. By using a bitumen-based sealant, asphalt maintenance professionals can fill these cracks, protecting the surface from water infiltration and further damage.

Pothole Repair

Bitumen is used in patching materials designed to fill potholes, restoring the integrity and smoothness of the pavement. Professional pothole repair with this vital component can significantly extend the lifespan of a road surface.

Resurfacing

Asphalt surfaces can become rough and worn over time. Resurfacing the pavement with a new layer of bitumen-rich asphalt rejuvenates the pavement, enhancing its performance and boosting its appearance.

Preventive Maintenance

Regularly applying emulsion or cutback bitumen as a surface treatment can protect the asphalt pavement from environmental damage and delay the need for major (and costly) repairs, saving you money in the long run.

Structural Integrity

In full-depth reclamation or reconstruction projects, bitumen helps the new pavement layers bond together, ensuring the structure is stable and durable.

Harness the Power of Bitumen with Precision Asphalt Maintenance

It’s time to sing the praises of asphalt maintenance’s unsung hero. At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we recognize the pivotal role bitumen plays in ensuring our roads and pavements remain safe, efficient, and durable. Thanks to this key component, we can deliver high-quality, long lasting results in every project we take on.

Whether you need pothole repair, crack sealing, road resurfacing, or preventative maintenance, our team of highly skilled technicians is up for the challenge. Contact us today to receive a free estimate and learn more about how we can help you ensure your pavement’s longevity and durability. 

Asphalt paving is an investment, and you want to ensure it stays in optimal condition for years to come. While asphalt is a versatile and durable material, because your driveway, road, or parking lot is exposed to the elements, it still requires regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan. 

At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, our specialized repair and maintenance services are designed to make your asphalt surfaces last longer, ensuring they stay in top condition for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll explore six ways we can help your asphalt last longer. 

#1. Asphalt Repair

Regular repair is the key to maintaining your asphalt surface’s durability and longevity. Over time, weather conditions and heavy traffic can cause wear and tear, including potholes and cracks. Addressing these issues promptly with regular inspections and timely repairs prevent small issues from escalating, extending the pavement’s overall lifespan and reducing the likelihood of costly resurfacing.

Depending on the extent of the damage, asphalt repair may involve removing damaged sections, filling holes and cracks, leveling uneven surfaces, and patching certain areas. By taking a proactive approach to asphalt maintenance, you’re not just helping it last longer — you’re also enhancing its structural integrity and improving its appearance.

#2. Crack Sealing

Thanks to moisture exposure, temperature fluctuations, and heavy loads, cracks in your asphalt surface are inevitable. If left unrepaired, these small cracks can expand, leading to more significant damage. However, crack sealing can be an effective preventative measure. 

By filling cracks with a hot or cold sealant, you stop water from seeping into the pavement, which can cause the asphalt to weaken and deteriorate over time. Crack sealing is a cost-effective way to make your asphalt last longer, as it helps prevent major structural issues that would necessitate re-paving.

#3. Seal Coating

As a protective barrier applied to the surface of the asphalt, seal coating shields against harmful elements like oil and gasoline spills, UV rays, and water penetration. It also reduces oxidation and fills small surface voids. Seal coating can significantly extend your asphalt’s lifespan while giving it a fresh, clean appearance. 

Depending on environmental conditions and the level of traffic, seal coating should be performed every two to three years. This relatively inexpensive preventative measure can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive repairs.

#4. Slurry Sealing

Slurry sealing is another reliable way to help your asphalt last longer. The process involves applying a specially formulated mixture of asphalt emulsion, water, rock, and other additives to the surface of the pavement with the goal of filling small cracks and surface imperfections along with providing a smooth, durable surface.

Slurry sealing is a particularly useful tool for rejuvenating older asphalt surfaces that have begun to show signs of wear and tear. Not only does it enhance the appearance of the pavement, but it also can also significantly extend its lifespan and improve skid resistance and water resistance, making it a smart investment.

#5. Pothole Repair

Potholes are a common problem in colder climates thanks to water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. They can be a major safety hazard, and if they’re ignored for too long, they can lead to more extensive damage. Pothole repair doesn’t only help your asphalt pavement last longer — it’s a crucial aspect of ensuring a safe driving surface.

Promptly removing damaged sections of pavement and filling the void with fresh asphalt prevents further deterioration of the surrounding surface. Regular inspections and prompt repair are essential for keeping your asphalt in top condition.

#6. Grading and Drainage

If you want to make your asphalt surface last longer, proper grading and drainage are absolutely necessary. Poor drainage allows water to pool on the surface, which can seep into the pavement and weaken it over time, leading to cracks and potholes. 

Regularly check your drainage system and perform any necessary maintenance to ensure it’s functioning correctly. A proper slope and drainage system help prevent water-related damage, therefore extending the life of your asphalt pavement. 

Make Your Asphalt Last Longer with Precision Asphalt Maintenance

Don’t neglect your asphalt surfaces. By allowing the experts at Precision Asphalt Maintenance to take care of your pavement, you can help it last longer, protecting your investment. Whether you need crack sealing, seal coating, repairs, slurry sealing, or grading and drainage implementation, we have the reliable services you need to ensure your asphalt’s longevity.

Contact us today to get started on your asphalt maintenance project.