frequently asked questions
For over 24 years, A&L Asphalt has been paving driveways and parking lots across Sonoma, Marin, and Lake County.
asphalt paving
It depends on the size of the area, ground condition, and asphalt thickness needed. We provide free, no-obligation estimates so you know the real cost before committing.
A typical residential driveway can often be completed in a day or two. Larger commercial lots take longer depending on size and complexity. We’ll give you a specific timeline during your estimate.
Warmer, drier months generally give the best results for asphalt compaction and curing, though we can often work around weather depending on your project.
New asphalt typically needs at least a few days to cure before regular vehicle traffic, and longer before it’s fully hardened. We’ll give you exact timing for your project.
Yes. We pave everything from single driveways to large commercial parking lots.
Yes. A&L Asphalt is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Contractor License #801317.
ASPHALT DRIVEWAY INSTALLATION
It depends on the size of your driveway and the current ground condition. We provide free estimates so you know the exact cost before committing.
Most residential driveways can be installed in a day or two, depending on size and site conditions.
Residential driveways typically need enough thickness to handle regular passenger vehicle traffic. We’ll recommend the right depth for your specific property.
Both have real advantages. Asphalt is generally more affordable and easier to repair; concrete often lasts longer with less regular upkeep. We can help you decide based on your budget and priorities.
New asphalt needs several days to cure before regular use. We’ll give you exact timing based on weather and your specific project.
Yes, financing is available. Ask us about it when you request your free estimate.
ASPHALT SEALCOATING
Most driveways benefit from sealcoating every 2 to 3 years, depending on sun exposure and use.
Typically 2 to 3 years under normal conditions, though heavy traffic or intense sun exposure can shorten that timeline.
Sealcoating alone doesn’t stop existing cracks — those need to be filled first. Once filled and sealed, the coating helps prevent new surface cracking from UV and water damage.
This depends on weather and temperature, but we’ll give you exact timing for your specific project.
Yes. We fill cracks as part of the sealcoating process before applying the sealer.
Yes. We can set up a scheduled maintenance plan so your property stays protected without you having to track the timing.
ASPHALT REPAIR & POTHOLE PATCHING
It depends on the size and depth of the pothole and whether the base needs repair. We give free estimates so you know the exact cost.
Yes, when the repair addresses the base underneath, not just the surface. A proper repair should hold much longer than a quick surface patch.
Water intrusion through cracks, combined with vehicle weight and temperature changes, is the most common cause.
We prioritize active safety concerns and can typically schedule an assessment quickly — call us directly for urgent situations.
Yes. Crack sealing addresses smaller surface cracks before they spread, while pothole repair addresses damage that’s already broken through the surface.
Yes. We handle repair work for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial property managers.
COMMERCIAL PARKING LOT PAVING & RESURFACING
It depends on lot size, current condition, and whether new paving or resurfacing is the right fit. We provide detailed written estimates for budgeting purposes.
Timelines vary by size and scope, but we’ll give you a specific schedule during your estimate, including options for phased work if needed.
In many cases, yes. We can often phase work in sections or schedule around your slower hours to minimize disruption.
Resurfacing adds a new asphalt layer over an existing, structurally sound lot. Full repaving starts from the ground up and is necessary when the base has failed.
Yes. We regularly coordinate scheduled maintenance and paving projects across property portfolios.
Yes. A&L Asphalt is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Contractor License #801317.
PARKING LOT STRIPING & LINE STRIPING
Most commercial lots benefit from restriping every 1 to 3 years, depending on traffic and sun exposure.
We use traffic paint designed specifically to hold up to vehicle traffic and outdoor weather exposure.
Drying time depends on weather conditions, but we’ll give you exact timing for your specific project so you can plan traffic flow around it.
Yes, if the asphalt itself is in good condition. Restriping alone is often all that’s needed if the surface is fine but the lines have simply faded.
We handle standard fire lane markings as part of general striping work. For full ADA compliance upgrades, including truncated domes and van-accessible spaces, see our dedicated ADA compliance service.
Yes. We can set up a scheduled restriping plan so your lot stays looking sharp without you having to track the timing.
ADA COMPLIANCE STRIPING & RAMPS
Requirements cover the number of accessible spaces based on total parking count, van-accessible space dimensions, ramp slope, truncated dome placement at curb transitions, and proper signage. We can assess your specific property against current requirements.
Non-compliant lots can face complaints, required corrective work, and potential legal exposure. Addressing it proactively is almost always less costly than a forced correction.
The required number is based on your total parking space count, following a set ratio under ADA and California code. We’ll calculate this for your specific property.
Truncated domes are the textured warning surface panels installed at curb ramps and pedestrian transitions to alert visually impaired individuals. They’re required at specific accessible route transition points.
Yes, and it’s often the most efficient time to do it, since the lot is already being worked on.
Yes. We’ve completed ADA compliance upgrades including truncated dome installation for commercial clients like Verizon Wireless.
CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS & WALKWAYS
Cost depends on square footage, finish type, and site prep needed. We provide free estimates so you know the exact cost.
Concrete typically needs several days before light use and longer before full strength is reached. We’ll give you exact timing for your project.
Both have real advantages. Concrete tends to last longer with less maintenance; asphalt is generally more affordable and easier to patch. We can help you decide based on your priorities.
Yes. We install both standard broom-finish concrete and stamped decorative options.
Control joints give the concrete planned lines to crack along instead of cracking randomly across the surface, which keeps the driveway looking clean over time.
Yes. We install both and can give you an honest comparison for your specific property and budget.
CONCRETE CURBS, GUTTERS & ADA RAMPS
They control water drainage, protect buildings and landscaping from runoff, and define parking and traffic boundaries.
Cost depends on linear footage and drainage complexity. We provide detailed written estimates for accurate budgeting.
Most commercial properties with public parking are required to provide accessible routes, which includes compliant curb ramps. We can assess your specific property.
In many cases, yes, if the damage is localized. We’ll assess whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your property.
Yes. Curb, gutter, and ADA ramp work is often included as part of full commercial paving or resurfacing projects, or can be done as a standalone job.
Yes. We’ve worked with property managers, HOAs, and commercial property owners throughout Sonoma and Marin County.
EXCAVATION & GRADING
In most cases, yes. Proper grading ensures water drains away from the new surface instead of pooling on it, which directly affects how long the paving lasts.
Excavation is removing material to prepare a site. Grading is shaping the land to the correct slope, mainly for drainage. Most projects need both.
Cost depends on the size of the area and complexity of the drainage plan. We provide free estimates so you know the real cost.
Yes. We assess how water is currently moving across your property and grade to correct pooling or misdirected runoff.
Yes. We provide general excavation, trenching, land leveling, and hauling services, including tractor, bobcat, and dump truck work.
Yes, it’s typically the first phase of any new paving or concrete project we complete.