Question
QUESTION: I don't know if you have knowledge of this situation .we had blacktop put in backyard and a driveway.Large amount.The blacktop evidently wasn't hot enough and the job is not what we expected,they had to patch holes the same day they put it in.Several men have been here to say it is a very poor quality of blacktop.
Now they wanted $9,059.00 offered !,000 off and half on a new sealer next year,which they said would be done for $552.00.I do not have that in writing for the seal and in all reality we think it would be much more.Right now I could cry.it looks terrible,I went around today and other places look much better where blacktop was put in..My husband is 87 and I am 80 ,and I wanted the blacktop so he could get around on a mobile chair and have some quality of life.He is a wonderful quiet and gentle person and I'm afraid of the stress on him.
One of the men today said" make them tear it out and put it in right" ,that is not an option, we had lawn put in and everything would be too much of a mess.If we were younger it might be  easier to handle but I can't sleep and don't know what to do,I have to decide,my husband is not well,I feel they had to know it should have been smoother.We have been told nothing can be done for a year,and will they do this right?One of the men said don't pay until the new sealer is put on and it should be coated twice.What would happen if we did that.I'm scared and worried.Please help me decide.Thank You.

ANSWER: Hello Dawn

Sorry, I have absolutely no idea what a BLACTOP is so i am unable to answer your question
Kind regards

Jonathan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry,I meant blacktop on the driveway and out in the backyard .We had thought about cement but the blacktop might be cheaper, anyway the job is not good.My husband has to use the scooter chair,he cannot walk, and this way he can get into the fresh air,we have ramps to the outside,
There is a lot of space covered with the blacktop for him to ride ride around in and being outdoors in the sunshine is more healthy for him.I don't know how to handle this but we have been told by more then one person the blacktop wasn't put on right ,maybe it wasn't hot enough or they used too large of gravel, whatever the reason it looks terrible.Is there anyone who could tell me what to do.Thank You.

Answer
Hello dawn

I understand your situation and I feel that you have little choice but to use blacktop, especially as you have already a layer laid down. You could have used bricks but that clearly becomes costly. You can lay another layer of blacktop if the curbing and levels (steps, ramps etc) can handle a rise of an inch or so. Asphalt (blacktop) binds very well with other asphalt but do the work when there is hot sun for best results.

Let me know how you get on

Best

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com