Asphalt Terminology
Milling
The grinding down and removal of asphalt using a powered machine. A contractor will usually grind 1/2 of the thickness of the existing asphalt to make the new asphalt overlay the old asphalt.
Overlay
This consists of installing a new layer of asphalt (usually 1.5” to 2” thick) on top of an existing asphalt driveway, parking lot or road. This might also be referred as retop or recap.
Crackfill
A hot melt and hot applied rubberized material used to seal cracks larger than ¼” to help prevent water penetration and damage to base.
Cold Patch
An asphalt that is designed to apply cold. The most common use is to temporarily repair potholes and damaged areas. Best for small repairs.
Hot Mix
A mixture of rock, oil and fines that is heated prior to mixing and installed at an elevated temperature to allow for better compaction and adhesion. The most common term is “blacktop” or “asphalt”
Sealcoating
A topical coating of black tar mixed with water and sand that is applied to asphalt to give it a refreshed appearance.
Unraveling
The loosening of the rock and “fine” (aggregate) due to the oxidation of the oils (binders) that hold your asphalt together.
Oxidation
The natural deterioration of your asphalt due to the elements that surround it such as weather, irrigation, fluid spills and traffic.
Tac Coat
The brown, sticky oil that is applied to the existing pavement prior to resurfacing with a new layer of asphalt. This primer is what bonds the new asphalt to the old asphalt.
Reflective Cracking
Cracks which develop on a driveway, parking lot or road that was recently overlaid. This condition can be avoided by installing a fabric that prevents premature cracking of the new asphalt.
Petromat
A Fabric used between the original pavement and the overlay to reduce the reflective cracking that may occur in the new asphalt surface.
Tac Coat
The brown, sticky oil that is applied to the existing pavement prior to resurfacing with a new layer of asphalt. This primer is what bonds the new asphalt to the old asphalt.