There’s a lot that goes into asphalt pavement installation. It’s not just pouring material down and calling it a day. You need to firmly understand the different steps involved to ensure a high-quality finished product.
In this blog post, Paradise Asphalt Maintenance will review each step so you can be confident about your project. Let’s jump right in!
Step 1: Demolish and Remove
Before installing any new asphalt, you must remove the old material. This process includes removing all debris and excavating the surface to a proper depth.
To achieve this process, we use various heavy equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks. The old asphalt makes for excellent fill material, so recycling it is ideal.
Step 2: Grade and Slope
You must ensure that any water will be able to drain away from the new asphalt properly, so the surface needs to be graded and sloped accordingly. You can use a laser level to get this process right, ensuring that your pavement will last for years and years.
The structure will be set in place by site grading before construction and will not move after the asphalt is installed. On the other hand, an unstable surface can lead to problems like potholes, resulting in asphalt failure.
Step 3: Prepare
The sub-base is critical to the installation process as it lays the foundation for the new asphalt. It’s vital to ensure that this layer is smooth and even, so use a plate compactor to get the job done correctly.
If you’re working with a preexisting surface, you’ll need to remove any loose rocks or debris before laying down the sub-base. This step requires extra care, as any mistakes can lead to asphalt failure down the road.
Step 4: Proof Roll, Undercut, and Repair
After thoroughly grading and compacting the sub-base, it’s time for the proof roll. This step ensures that the underlying surface will be level and smooth, so use a roller compactor to get the job done.
If you notice any soft areas, use an undercutter to dig down 2 or 3 feet beneath the surface. To ensure a stable surface, you’ll replace the soft clay or soil with a more robust aggregate material.
Step 5: Bind
A mixture of large aggregate and oil is called the binder. It’s responsible for binding the pavement together and is spread over the surface before the asphalt is applied. This step is crucial for the asphalt’s strength and longevity.
The asphalt can crack and separate from the underlying surface if the binder is not applied correctly. Take care to get the binder spread evenly and to the correct depth.
Step 6: Install and Complete
Finally, the asphalt surface mixture of small aggregate, sand, and oil is applied. This top layer is what you and your car will drive on, so it’s essential to get it right.
Ensure that the new pavement connects smoothly to other roads by adding butt joints. These are the places where two pieces of pavement meet and are sealed together. Once you’ve laid the butt joints, use a roller truck to compact the surface. This will help the asphalt settle and create a smooth, even finish.
Conclusion
Looking for expert asphalt pavement installation in Shawnee, KS?
Never fear! Paradise Asphalt Maintenance is here to help. We combine experience and expertise to provide you with a high-quality finish to last you years.
