Most Common Questions

With proper installation and regular maintenance like sealcoating, your asphalt can easily last 15-20 years or longer. We use quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your investment stands up to Illinois weather and daily use. Regular sealcoating every 2-3 years significantly extends the life of your pavement and keeps it looking good.

Most residential driveways can be completed in 1-2 days, depending on size and weather conditions. Larger commercial parking lots may take several days to a week. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your estimate and keep you updated throughout the process. Illinois weather can sometimes cause delays, but we work efficiently to minimize any disruption to your daily routine.

You can typically walk on new asphalt within a few hours, but we recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours before driving on it. For heavier vehicles or equipment, it's best to wait 3-7 days to allow the asphalt to fully cure. We'll give you specific guidance based on weather conditions and the type of work we did. We want to make sure your new pavement gets the best start possible.

Resurfacing adds a new layer of asphalt over your existing surface, which works great when the base is still solid but the top layer is worn or damaged. New paving means removing everything and starting completely fresh. Resurfacing costs less and takes less time, while new paving gives you a completely fresh start. We'll help you decide what's best for your specific situation during your free estimate.

Sealcoating is a protective layer applied over your asphalt that shields it from UV rays, water, vehicle fluids, and other elements. This preventative maintenance helps prevent cracks, extends your asphalt's lifespan, improves appearance, and saves you money long-term by delaying major repairs or replacement. We recommend sealcoating every 2-3 years to keep your pavement in top shape.

In some cases, yes. We can overlay new asphalt on an existing surface when the base is still stable and the current asphalt has minimal damage. This is more cost-effective than complete replacement. During our free assessment, we'll evaluate whether an overlay is suitable or if removal and replacement would provide better long-term results. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on what we see.

Asphalt installation requires temperatures generally above 50°F for proper compaction and curing. Rain can prevent proper installation since the asphalt needs to be applied to a dry base. We carefully schedule projects accounting for weather forecasts, but occasionally projects may need to be rescheduled due to unexpected weather conditions to ensure quality results. We'll keep you informed if weather becomes a factor.

Proper drainage is critical for asphalt longevity. During our initial assessment, we evaluate your property's natural water flow and design the asphalt surface with appropriate slopes (typically 2-3%) to direct water away from buildings and prevent pooling. For properties with existing drainage challenges, we may recommend additional solutions like French drains or catch basins. We'll address any drainage concerns before we start paving.

Yes, absolutely! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all our services. We'll come out to your property, take a look at the job, and give you a detailed quote with upfront pricing. There's no pressure and no hidden fees—just an honest assessment of what your project will cost. Call us at 618-277-4258 or request a quote through our website.

Arrow Asphalt Paving serves the entire Metro East area of Illinois. Based in Belleville, we work throughout the region including Edwardsville, Collinsville, O'Fallon, Alton, Granite City, and many surrounding communities. We've been serving this area for over 40 years, so chances are we've worked near you before. Give us a call at 618-277-4258 and we'll let you know if we can help with your project.