For property owners in Southeast Michigan, the condition of paved surfaces is more than just a matter of looks—it's a critical component of safety, property value, and long-term investment. That's why understanding the science of proper installation and the importance of consistent maintenance is key.

A full-service contractor like Sommerset Paving specializes in bringing this expertise to every project, offering comprehensive asphalt and concrete contracting services for residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and municipal roadways. Their approach connects technical know-how with practical solutions, such as understanding that a common question homeowners have is how long does concrete take to dry, which is fundamental to planning any project.

The Foundation: Professional Paving and Installation

The longevity of any paved surface begins with a correct installation, a process heavily influenced by material science and environmental factors.

• Mastering Temperature for Asphalt: Successful asphalt paving is a race against the clock, dictated by temperature. The hot-mix asphalt must be laid when both the ambient air and ground temperature are at least 50°F and rising. Crews have a limited window to compact the asphalt before it cools below 185°F, as inadequate compaction leads to premature raveling (a rough, loose surface) and reduces the pavement's lifespan. Experienced contractors manage this by adjusting their equipment and workflow based on daily conditions, ensuring the dense, smooth surface asphalt is known for.

• The Curing Process of Concrete: Unlike simple drying, concrete "curing" is a chemical process called hydration, where it gains strength over time. While it's safe for foot traffic in 24-48 hours, concrete reaches most of its strength within 7 days and continues to cure for 28 days or more to achieve maximum durability. It’s a common industry standard to test concrete's compressive strength at the 28-day mark, though specific mixes can be designed to reach required strengths much sooner. Proper curing involves maintaining adequate moisture and temperature, which professional contractors meticulously control for optimal results.

Preserving Your Investment: Maintenance and Repair

Proactive maintenance is the most cost-effective strategy to extend the life of pavement. Addressing small issues prevents them from escalating into major, costly failures.

• The Critical Role of Crack Sealing: Cracks are the primary entry point for water, which weakens the base material and leads to potholes and structural damage. The gold standard for repair is hot-pour rubberized crack filler, applied by professional-grade equipment. This material is more flexible and durable than store-bought cold pour, creating a long-lasting seal that moves with the pavement. For a property manager or business owner, hiring a professional for this service ensures cracks are properly cleaned and filled, protecting the asset.

• Sealcoating for Surface Protection: Asphalt sealcoating acts as a protective barrier against UV rays, water, oil, and gasoline. For residential driveways and commercial lots, a fresh sealcoat every few years restores a deep black appearance and significantly slows the oxidation and weathering process. It is a fundamental part of a scheduled maintenance plan.

• Resurfacing vs. Replacement: Not all worn pavement needs a complete tear-out. Asphalt overlays or resurfacing involve paving a new layer over a structurally sound base. This is an efficient solution for surfaces with widespread surface cracks or weathering but intact foundations. A professional assessment can determine if resurfacing is a viable and economical alternative to full reconstruction.

Choosing a Professional Partner: The Sommerset Paving Approach

For over 15 years, Sommerset Paving has served Southeast Michigan by combining technical expertise with a client-focused philosophy. Their services demonstrate the full scope of professional pavement management:

• Comprehensive Service Range: They handle everything from new construction of driveways and parking lots to intricate municipal roadway projects. Their repair expertise covers crack sealing, pothole repair, and sealcoating.

• A Focus on Communication and Trust: The company emphasizes clear communication, offering clients a single point of contact from estimate to project completion. This transparent approach is built on core values of tenacity, integrity, and kindness.

• Proven Community Reliability: With thousands of projects completed, their work is trusted by homeowners, local businesses (like The Hamburg Garage and Los Amigos), and municipalities throughout the region.

Conclusion: A Strategic Asset Management Decision

Viewing pavement through the lens of asset management transforms it from a periodic expense into a strategic investment. Professional installation, guided by material science, and a proactive maintenance plan, executed by skilled contractors, are the pillars of this approach. By partnering with an experienced, full-service contractor like

Sommerset Paving, property owners in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Brighton, and across Southeast Michigan gain a knowledgeable ally. This partnership ensures that every paved surface—whether a home's entrance, a business's first impression, or a community's roadway—is built to last, maintain its value, and provide safe, reliable service for years to come. I hope this article provides a clear overview of professional paving solutions. If you have more specific questions about concrete curing times or asphalt seasonal work, feel free to ask.