American Paving & Sealcoating

American Paving & Sealcoating We are greater Knoxville's full service asphalt paving, concrete, seal coating, and striping company.

We provide a wide range of commercial and residential services, including:
Installation & Seal Coating of New Asphalt Driveways, Parking Lots & Roadways, Resurfacing & Overlays of Existing Asphalt Concrete Driveways, Parking Lots & Roadways, Asphalt Additions to Existing Driveways, Parking Lots & Roadways, Excavation & Full Replacement of Existing Driveways, Parking Lots & Roadways,
Hot Crack Fill

ing, Patching & Repair of Cracks & Potholes, Striping, Signage & Rubber Wheel Stops, Concrete Curbing, Flat Work, Saw Cutting & Bollards, Grade, Base & Pave Work, Scarifying & Tack Coating, and Water-Directional Berms.

🛣️ When Should You Sealcoat a New Asphalt Driveway?A brand-new asphalt driveway is a big investment, so it’s natural to ...
05/14/2026

🛣️ When Should You Sealcoat a New Asphalt Driveway?

A brand-new asphalt driveway is a big investment, so it’s natural to want to protect it right away. But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: sealing too soon can actually do more harm than good.

Giving your driveway time to properly cure before sealcoating helps it stay stronger, look better, and last longer. Here’s what you should know before scheduling that first sealcoat.
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⏳ Why You Shouldn’t Sealcoat Immediately

Fresh asphalt needs time to “breathe” and harden. During the curing process, natural oils inside the asphalt slowly evaporate, allowing the surface to stabilize and strengthen.

If sealcoating is applied too early, it can create problems such as:

❌ Reduced long-term durability
❌ A finish that wears out faster
❌ Trapped oils that can weaken the pavement
❌ Poor bonding between the sealcoat and Asphalt

Waiting until the asphalt is fully cured helps the sealcoat adhere properly and provide the protection your driveway needs.
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📅 How Long Should You Wait Before Sealcoating?

Most paving professionals recommend waiting 6 to 12 months before applying the first sealcoat to a new driveway.

This waiting period allows for:
✅ Longer-lasting results
✅ Better sealcoat adhesion
✅ Proper asphalt curing
✅ Stronger surface stability

Several factors can affect the exact timing, including:
🚗 Amount of traffic on the driveway
☀️ Sun exposure
🌧️ Weather conditions

Every driveway cures a little differently, which is why appearance and surface condition matter just as much as the calendar.
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👀 Signs Your Driveway Is Ready for Sealcoating

Instead of focusing only on time, watch for these common signs that your asphalt is ready for its first sealcoat:

✔️ Light wear or minor fading is beginning to appear
✔️ The surface feels firm and fully hardened
✔️ The color has faded from deep black to more of a charcoal gray
✔️ There are very few surface oils remaining

These are good indicators that the asphalt has cured enough for sealcoating to bond effectively.
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🛡️ Why Sealcoating Matters

Once your driveway is ready, sealcoating becomes one of the best ways to protect your investment.

Benefits of sealcoating include:
✨ Improves curb appeal and restores a rich black finish
☀️ Protection from damaging UV rays
📈 Extends the life of your driveway
💧 Helps prevent water pe*******on
🧱 Reduces cracking and surface deterioration

Think of sealcoating like sunscreen for your asphalt, it creates a protective barrier against the elements.
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⚠️ What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

While sealing too early is a mistake, waiting too long can also cause problems.

Without proper maintenance:
❌ Costly repairs may become necessary
❌ Oxidation can dry out and weaken the asphalt
❌ Water may seep beneath the surface
❌ Cracks can begin forming

Applying sealcoat at the right time helps prevent damage before it starts.
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🔄 How Often Should You Sealcoat After the First Application?

After the initial sealcoat, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your driveway looking great and lasting for years.
Most residential driveways should be sealcoated:

🚙 More often for high-traffic areas or heavy use
🗓️ Every 2–3 years

Routine maintenance protects your asphalt, improves appearance, and helps you avoid expensive repairs down the road.
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🏡 Protect Your Driveway the Right Way

A little patience after installing a new driveway can make a big difference in its long-term performance. Waiting for the asphalt to fully cure before sealcoating ensures stronger protection, better durability, and a cleaner finish.

When the timing is right, sealcoating is one of the smartest ways to protect your driveway investment for years to come

🚧 Potholes: A Problem Older Than Your Commute 🚗Think potholes are just from cheap asphalt or poor maintenance? Think aga...
04/30/2026

🚧 Potholes: A Problem Older Than Your Commute 🚗

Think potholes are just from cheap asphalt or poor maintenance? Think again, they’ve been around for centuries!

Back in the 1500s, people actually dug clay out of roads to make pottery 🏺… leaving behind holes that wrecked wagon wheels. Fast forward to today, and while the materials have changed, the problem hasn’t.

So what really causes potholes? 🤔

Modern roads are made with asphalt, a mix of stone, sand, and a sticky binder that holds it all together. When it’s new, it’s smooth and strong. But over time, three main things start breaking it down:

🚛 Heavy Traffic
Every vehicle adds stress, especially big trucks. Over time, that pressure weakens the surface.

🌡️ Temperature Changes
Hot weather makes pavement expand, cold weather makes it contract. That movement creates cracks.

☀️🌧️ Sun & Water Damage
Sunlight dries asphalt out, and water seeps into cracks, making things worse fast.

💥 The Biggest Culprit: Water
Once water gets under the surface, it speeds everything up. It can freeze and expand ❄️ or weaken the asphalt from within; either way, damage spreads quickly.

That’s why potholes seem to appear overnight… but they’ve actually been forming for months.
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Not all pothole repairs are created equal 🛠️

⚡ “Throw & Go”
Fast and cheap, but very temporary.

🚚 Fill & Roll
A little better, compacted with a truck tire, but still a short-term fix.

✅ Done Right (Semi-Permanent Repair)
Clean it out, remove damaged asphalt, install new material, and compact it properly. This is what actually lasts.
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The Bottom Line 👇

Potholes aren’t random, they’re caused by time, traffic, weather, and water working together.

Quick fixes might get you by, but doing the job right is what keeps roads (and customers) happy long-term. 🙌

👉 Learn more or get a quote: www.americanpavingtn.com

ADA Parking Requirements in Tennessee: What Property Owners Need to Know (and Why It Matters)If you own or manage a comm...
04/14/2026

ADA Parking Requirements in Tennessee: What Property Owners Need to Know (and Why It Matters)

If you own or manage a commercial property in Tennessee, ADA-compliant parking isn’t just a box to check, it’s a legal requirement, a customer experience factor, and a direct reflection of your business.

And yet… it’s one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a property.

Let’s break it down simply 👇
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🚧 What Are ADA Parking Requirements?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures individuals with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, including your parking lot.

This applies to:
🏢 Office buildings
🛍 Retail centers
🏘 Apartment complexes
🏥 Medical facilities
⛪ Churches & schools

👉 Important: If you resurface, sealcoat, or restripe your lot, you may be required to bring it up to current ADA standards.
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📏 Key Requirements (Simplified)

✔ Number of Spaces
Even small lots must have at least one ADA-compliant space.

✔ Van-Accessible Spaces 🚐
At least 1 out of every 6 ADA spaces must be van accessible with extra width.

✔ Access Aisles
Clearly striped and ALWAYS kept open.

✔ Location 📍
Must be on the shortest accessible path to your entrance.

✔ Slope ⚠️
Maximum of 2%, one of the most common (and costly) issues.

✔ Signage 🪧
Mounted high enough to be seen over vehicles, paint alone isn’t enough.
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⚠️ Why This Matters

💸 Avoid Costly Problems
Non-compliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, and expensive fixes.

🛠 Repairs Can Trigger Compliance
Sealcoating or striping your lot? That can require updates to meet current standards.

👥 Serve More Customers
If people can’t safely access your property, they won’t come back.

⭐ Protect Your Reputation
A clean, compliant lot shows professionalism and attention to detail.
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🚨 Common Issues We See All the Time

• Slopes too steep after paving
• Missing or incorrect signage
• Narrow access aisles
• Faded or poorly placed striping
• ADA spaces too far from entrances

Most problems don’t happen during construction, they happen over time.
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💡 Final Thought

ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding problems, it’s about doing things right.

If your lot hasn’t been evaluated in a few years, there’s a good chance something has changed.

A quick review now can save you time, money, and headaches later.

What Is WAM-Foam? A Simpler Look at a Warm Mix Asphalt TechnologyIn the paving industry, traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HM...
03/10/2026

What Is WAM-Foam? A Simpler Look at a Warm Mix Asphalt Technology

In the paving industry, traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is typically produced at temperatures above 300°F. These high temperatures are necessary to make the asphalt binder fluid enough to coat the stone (aggregate) and allow the mix to be properly placed and compacted.

However, researchers and engineers have been exploring ways to produce asphalt at lower temperatures without sacrificing quality. These methods are known as Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies. One of the more interesting methods is called WAM-Foam®.

Why Lower Temperature Asphalt Matters

Producing asphalt at lower temperatures has several important benefits:

• Reduced fuel consumption at the asphalt plant
• Lower emissions, fumes, and odors during production and paving
• Improved working conditions for paving crews
• Potential cost savings due to lower energy use

These advantages are especially important in urban areas where air quality regulations are stricter.

How WAM-Foam Works

The WAM-Foam process takes a unique approach by using two different asphalt binders instead of one.

Here’s how it works in simple terms.

Step 1: The Soft Binder Stage

First, a softer asphalt binder is mixed with the stone aggregate at about 230°F, which is significantly lower than traditional hot mix temperatures.

This first step is important because it fully coats the aggregate, creating a protective layer around the stone.

Step 2: The Foamed Hard Binder Stage

Next, a harder asphalt binder is added to the mix, but in a special form.

Cold water is injected into the heated hard binder, which causes the water to rapidly evaporate. This reaction creates a large volume of asphalt foam.

This foamed binder is then mixed into the already coated aggregate. The foam expands, spreads easily, and combines with the soft binder to create the final asphalt mixture.

Why the Process Works

The key to WAM-Foam is combining the flexibility of the soft binder with the strength of the hard binder.

• The soft binder helps coat the aggregate at lower temperatures.
• The foamed hard binder provides the durability and strength needed for long-lasting pavement.

Together, they produce an asphalt mix that can perform similarly to traditional hot mix while being produced at much lower temperatures.

The Importance of Proper Mixing

For WAM-Foam to work properly, the process must be carefully controlled.

According to research, the most critical factors include:

• Proper selection of soft and hard binders
• Ensuring the aggregate is fully coated in the first mixing stage
• Preventing water from reaching the binder-aggregate interface
• Removing moisture from the final mix
These steps help ensure the final asphalt product performs as intended.

Energy Savings and Environmental Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of WAM-Foam is energy efficiency.
Research indicates that producing asphalt with this method can reduce plant fuel consumption by up to 30%. That means:

• Lower production costs
• Reduced environmental impact
• Less fuel burned during asphalt production

The Bigger Picture for Asphalt Technology

Warm Mix Asphalt technologies like WAM-Foam show how the paving industry continues to evolve. By lowering production temperatures, contractors and transportation agencies can reduce energy use while still producing durable pavement.

While ongoing research continues to evaluate long-term performance, the potential benefits for cost savings, air quality, and sustainability make technologies like WAM-Foam an important part of the future of asphalt paving.

Why Striping Equipment Matters More Than Most Property Owners RealizeParking lot striping plays a critical role in safet...
03/03/2026

Why Striping Equipment Matters More Than Most Property Owners Realize

Parking lot striping plays a critical role in safety, traffic flow, ADA compliance, and overall property appearance. While paint quality is important, one of the biggest factors affecting performance and appearance is the type of equipment used to apply it.

Not all striping systems are the same, and the differences are measurable.
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Aerosol Line Stripers: Limitations to Consider

Aerosol stripers are sometimes used for small touch-ups or temporary applications. However, they come with technical limitations that affect long-term results.

🔸 Overspray
Manufacturers acknowledge that overspray can carry a significant distance. This can result in unintended paint mist on adjacent pavement, landscaping, vehicles, or nearby surfaces.

🔸 Paint Thickness: 1 - 2 Mils
Aerosol systems typically apply paint at a thickness of 1 to 2 mils (a mil equals one-thousandth of an inch). This is a very thin coating that wears down quickly under traffic and weather exposure.

🔸 Inconsistent Spraying Pressure
Aerosol systems rely on internal can pressure, which can vary during use. As pressure drops, coverage may become uneven.

🔸 Line Clarity
Lower pressure control can lead to soft or slightly blurry edges instead of sharp, defined lines.

🔸 No Vibration Reduction System
On textured asphalt, minor surface imperfections can translate into slight waviness in the striping.

🔸 Limited Capabilities
• Line widths typically limited to 2"- 4"
• Not designed for curb striping
• Best suited for minor or temporary markings
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Professional Airless Striping Systems: What Sets Them Apart

Commercial-grade airless striping machines are engineered specifically for durability, precision, and high-traffic environments.

✅ No Overspray
Airless systems apply paint in a controlled, direct spray pattern, keeping paint exactly where it belongs.

✅ Paint Thickness: 10–30+ Mils
Professional airless equipment applies paint between 10 and 30+ mils thick, many times thicker than aerosol applications.

Why thickness matters:
• 📏 Increased durability under traffic
• 🌦 Better resistance to weathering
• 👀 Improved visibility and reflectivity
• ⏳ Longer maintenance cycles

Thicker application does not just improve initial appearance, it extends performance.

✅ Consistent Spraying Pressure
Hydraulic systems maintain steady pressure for uniform coverage from start to finish.

✅ Sharp, Clean Line Edges
Controlled spray patterns produce crisp, clearly defined markings that improve readability and overall appearance.

✅ Vibration Reduction Systems
Built-in vibration control helps maintain straight, consistent lines even on rough asphalt surfaces.

✅ Expanded Capabilities
• Line widths from 2" up to 24"
• Curb striping
• Crosswalks
• ADA symbols
• Fire lanes
• Directional arrows and specialty markings
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Why These Differences Matter

🚦 Safety: Clear, durable markings improve traffic flow and reduce confusion.

🛡 Liability Reduction: Highly visible fire lanes and ADA markings help protect property owners.

🏢 Professional Appearance: Crisp lines reflect proper maintenance and attention to detail.

💰 Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Thicker applications reduce how often restriping is required.
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The Bottom Line

The equipment behind the striping directly impacts durability, clarity, and maintenance frequency. A 1 - 2 mil aerosol application simply cannot perform the same way as a 10 - 30+ mil professional airless application under real-world conditions.

Understanding these technical differences allows property owners and managers to make informed decisions, ensuring their pavement markings are applied correctly, at the proper thickness, and built to last.

🚧 Not All Asphalt Is the Same: Here’s Why It Matters 🚧When you drive on a road or pull into a parking lot, you probably ...
02/23/2026

🚧 Not All Asphalt Is the Same: Here’s Why It Matters 🚧

When you drive on a road or pull into a parking lot, you probably don’t think about what type of asphalt was used. But the mix design plays a HUGE role in how long that pavement lasts.

According to guidance from the Federal Highway Administration and the National Asphalt Pavement Association, choosing the right asphalt mix depends on traffic, environment, and the structure underneath.

Here’s the simple breakdown 👇

🔹 Dense-Graded Mix: The “workhorse” of asphalt.
Used on most roads and parking lots. Strong, durable, and cost-effective. Great for low to moderate traffic areas and even many highways.

🔹 Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA): Built for heavy traffic.
Designed to resist rutting from trucks and high-volume roadways. More durable and longer-lasting, often used on interstates and major highways.

🔹 Open-Graded Mix (OGFC): Designed for drainage.
Helps reduce splash and spray in wet weather and can lower road noise. Typically used on higher-speed roads.

🛣️ Roads are built in layers; surface, binder, and base, and each layer may use a different mix depending on how much traffic it will carry.

The biggest takeaway?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” asphalt.

Using the right mix for the right application means:
✔️ Longer pavement life
✔️ Better performance
✔️ Fewer costly repairs
✔️ Improved safety

Good pavement design isn’t just about thickness, it’s about choosing the right materials for the job.

Why 1" - 2" Asphalt Doesn’t Last 🚧When it comes to asphalt paving, thickness isn’t just a number,  it’s structural stren...
02/18/2026

Why 1" - 2" Asphalt Doesn’t Last 🚧

When it comes to asphalt paving, thickness isn’t just a number, it’s structural strength.

One of the biggest reasons pavement fails early is simple: it was installed too thin. While 1" - 2" of asphalt may look fine at first, it usually doesn’t hold up under real-world use.

Here’s why:

1️⃣ It’s Not Structurally Strong Enough
Asphalt is designed to distribute vehicle weight across the base underneath it. When it’s too thin, the stress transfers directly to the base, causing early cracking and failure.

2️⃣ Heavy Vehicles Are Inevitable
Even residential driveways see delivery trucks, garbage trucks, moving trucks, and work vehicles. Thin asphalt can’t handle repeated heavy loads, leading to rutting and alligator cracking.

3️⃣ It’s Harder to Compact Properly
Thin lifts cool quickly during installation, reducing compaction time. Lower density means weaker pavement and a shorter lifespan.

4️⃣ Base Imperfections Show Through
Thin asphalt mirrors whatever is underneath it. If the base isn’t properly graded and compacted, problems show up fast.

What Works Better for a Standard Driveway?

For most residential driveways:
✔ 2.5" - 3" compacted asphalt for standard vehicles
✔ 3" - 4" compacted asphalt if heavier vehicles are expected

And just as important, a properly prepared stone base underneath.

Bottom line:
Saving money on thin asphalt upfront almost always leads to higher repair costs later.

In paving, thickness equals strength. And strength equals longevity.

Did you know there’s a “glue” that helps your asphalt last longer?It’s called tack coat, the thin bonding layer between ...
02/10/2026

Did you know there’s a “glue” that helps your asphalt last longer?

It’s called tack coat, the thin bonding layer between old pavement and new asphalt. Most people never see it, but it plays a huge role in how long your parking lot or roadway holds up.

A recent industry study published in the journal Construction and Building Materials found that when tack coat is applied correctly, asphalt layers bond together and perform as one solid structure. The researchers tested real pavement sections and confirmed that proper tack coat application helps reduce early cracking, shifting, and layer separation; all common causes of premature pavement failure.

The study also showed that the type of tack coat used and how evenly it’s applied can make a measurable difference in performance. In short, skipping steps or cutting corners during this phase can shorten the life of your pavement and lead to higher repair costs down the road.

Takeaway for property owners:

Not all paving jobs are created equal. The details you don’t see can make the biggest difference in how long your pavement lasts.

At American Paving, we follow proven, industry-backed best practices from the ground up, because what’s between the layers matters just as much as what you see on the surface.

02/03/2026

Most parking lot problems don’t start as big, expensive issues.

They start as small cracks, faded lines, and “we’ll deal with it later” maintenance.

But here’s the truth 👇
There are two ways property owners handle pavement:

1️⃣ Reactive Repairs
This is when you wait until potholes form, water damage spreads, and someone complains. By then, you’re not doing simple maintenance anymore — you’re paying for repairs or reconstruction. It’s stressful, disruptive, and always more expensive.

2️⃣ Capital Planning (The Smarter Way)
This is when you look ahead and plan pavement maintenance before problems become emergencies:

✔ Regular inspections
✔ Crack sealing before cracks become potholes
✔ Sealcoating to protect your asphalt
✔ Fresh striping to keep things safe and compliant

Planning ahead keeps costs predictable and helps your parking lot last years longer.

Your parking lot isn’t just pavement — it’s:
• The first impression of your property
• A safety factor for customers and visitors
• Part of your overall property value

A little planning now can save a LOT of money later.

If you manage or own a commercial property, church, apartment complex, HOA, or small business and you’re unsure where your parking lot stands, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction or take a look.

👍 Like this post if you’ve ever dealt with surprise repairs.
💬 Comment if you’d like tips on building a simple maintenance plan for your lot.

Parking Lot Maintenance 101 - Post 4Budgeting & Maintenance Cycles: How Often to Sealcoat, Stripe & InspectA lot of prop...
01/19/2026

Parking Lot Maintenance 101 - Post 4

Budgeting & Maintenance Cycles: How Often to Sealcoat, Stripe & Inspect

A lot of property owners ask the same questions:
📍 How often should we sealcoat?
📍 When do we need to stripe?
📍 What should we budget for each year?

Here’s a quick breakdown:
✅ Annual Inspections
Look for cracks, drainage issues, potholes, and faded striping.

✅ Crack Sealing (every 1 - 2 years)
Stops water from damaging the base. Low cost, high value.

✅ Sealcoating (every 3 - 5 years)
Protects the asphalt, improves curb appeal, and extends pavement life.

✅ Striping (every 1 - 3 years)
Safety, traffic flow, and ADA compliance. Makes the lot look fresh.

🚫 Repairs
Done only as needed and way more expensive if preventative work is ignored.

Quick takeaway:

Preventative maintenance = predictable costs
Emergency repairs = expensive surprises

A well-maintained parking lot can last 25 - 30+ years, while a neglected one may fail in 10 -15.

Next up in Post 5:
Capital Planning vs. Reactive Repairs: how managers and property owners budget smarter and avoid major expenses.

01/13/2026

Parking Lot Maintenance 101: Post 3

Preventative Maintenance: What Comes First and Why 🛠️🚧

Most property owners know that crack sealing, sealcoating, and striping help extend the life of a parking lot…

But many don’t realize the order matters! 👇
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1️⃣ Crack Sealing (First Step)

Cracks let water into the pavement and turn into bigger problems. 💧➡️🕳️

Seal them early to avoid potholes and base failures.
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2️⃣ Sealcoating (Protection + Looks)

Sealcoat is like sunscreen for asphalt. ☀️🛡️
It protects against weather, chemicals, and oxidation — and brings the pavement back to that clean black finish. 🖤
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3️⃣ Striping (Safety + Organization)

Once the sealcoat cures, fresh striping completes the job. 🅿️
It improves visibility, ADA compliance, traffic flow, and safety.
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The Right Sequence:

➡️ Crack Seal → Sealcoat → Stripe ✔️

Doing it out of order can cost more in the long run and shorten pavement life.
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Next Up in Post 4:

📅 How often to sealcoat, stripe, and inspect — and what to budget for!

Address

Lenoir City, TN
37772

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 7pm
Thursday 7:30am - 7pm
Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 7:30am - 7pm

Telephone

+18652065420

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