Frequently Asked Questions

Repair works when damage is isolated to specific areas like potholes or cracks but the foundation remains structurally sound. Resurfacing makes sense when wear is widespread but the base is intact. If the foundation has failed or drainage issues exist, neither option solves the underlying problem.

Milling removes the deteriorated top layer of pavement while preserving the usable base material underneath. This corrects uneven surfaces and drainage issues without full replacement. The milled material can be recycled, and the leveled surface creates a better foundation for the new asphalt layer.

Crushed concrete is graded and compacted recycled material that costs less upfront and works well for rural or agricultural properties. Asphalt provides a smooth, sealed surface that's easier to maintain and better for high-visibility residential areas. Crushed concrete requires periodic regrading as it shifts under traffic.

Seal coating creates a protective barrier against UV oxidation, moisture penetration, and surface wear from traffic. Without it, asphalt dries out and becomes brittle, leading to faster cracking and pothole formation. Regular seal coating slows oxidation and reduces the need for costly structural repairs.

Potholes, widening cracks, and standing water indicate foundation damage that worsens quickly if ignored. Small cracks spread during freeze-thaw cycles, and water infiltration undermines the base. Addressing damage early prevents minor surface issues from becoming full-depth failures that require excavation.

Site size, required excavation depth, drainage modifications, and asphalt thickness all impact pricing. Parking lots with poor drainage or unstable soil need more extensive base preparation. ADA-compliant grading and striping add to the scope but are often required for commercial properties.

High heat and humidity in coastal Alabama accelerate asphalt oxidation, making seal coating more important than in cooler climates. Heavy rainfall tests drainage systems—poor grading causes water to pool and weaken the base. Properties near saltwater may also see faster surface deterioration from salt exposure.

Installation starts with excavation and grading to establish proper drainage away from structures. A compacted base layer provides structural support, followed by asphalt placement at the specified thickness. Edge compaction and proper slope prevent future cracking and water damage.

No, resurfacing only addresses the surface layer and won't fix underlying foundation problems. If the base has failed, settled, or eroded, the new surface will crack and fail quickly. Base repair or reconstruction is necessary before applying new asphalt over compromised foundations.

Excavation removes unsuitable soil or old pavement, then grading establishes drainage slope. A stable base material is installed and compacted to prevent future settling. Without proper base preparation, even quality asphalt will crack and deteriorate prematurely under traffic loads.

Milling preserves and reuses the existing base instead of hauling it to landfills, reducing waste. The removed asphalt can be recycled into new pavement or base material. This approach cuts disposal costs and material consumption compared to full-depth removal and replacement.

Water infiltrates through cracks and weakens the base material underneath the asphalt. Traffic pressure causes the weakened area to collapse, creating a pothole. Freeze-thaw cycles worsen the damage, though high rainfall alone can erode base material in climates without freezing temperatures.

Yes, commercial parking lot projects include striping, layout, and ADA-compliant markings so the finished lot meets access and compliance requirements from day one. Proper marking is a core part of a complete commercial paving scope, not an add-on afterthought, and every lot we complete is ready for immediate use.

Yes, Elite Asphalt LLC handles commercial parking lot paving in Mobile, AL from site prep and base work through finished asphalt and lot markings. Commercial lots require precise grading, durable mix design, and compliant striping, and the crew is set up to deliver all of it on a single project.

A dedicated asphalt contractor brings focused expertise in grading, drainage, mix selection, and ADA-compliant layout that general contractors typically subcontract out anyway. Keeping that work with a specialist means tighter quality control and a finished lot built to handle the traffic load and weather conditions specific to Mobile.

ADA compliance shapes the entire layout of a commercial lot, including the number of accessible spaces, their dimensions, slope tolerances, and the placement of marked access aisles and ramps. Getting these details right during the paving phase is far less costly than correcting them after the asphalt is down.