How to prep for Asphalt
Long-lasting pavement surfaces can be used to build roads, driveways, and parking lots. Professional pavement installation ensures that the project is completed to its full potential. Quality and durability are not guaranteed by the lowest price of paving. For a durable pavement installation, follow the steps below.
Step 1 - Find a Reliable Pavement Installer
You can search online for reviews to help you narrow down your choices when searching for paving contractors who will do the job right. This is the most crucial step in ensuring durable pavement installations. You must set a realistic budget for your project before you hire a reliable contractor. Ask for references and compare your options. A fair price will ensure that you aren't paying too much or too little.
Ask for testimonials and look at your options.
Step 2 - Remove old surface or mill asphalt
A reputable paving contractor will inspect the old surface thoroughly to determine the best course of action. The first step in a long-lasting pavement installation is to remove old asphalt, concrete and gravel. For projects that require only a small amount of asphalt to be removed, milling might be an option. This is determined during inspection.
To determine the best course of action, conduct a thorough inspection on the surface.
It is best to completely remove any old surface when replacing a private driveway, private road, or parking lot. It is important to clean and clear the old surface of all debris before you start the new installation.
Step 3: Ensure Proper Grading, Sloping & Drainage
This is a critical step in the pavement installation process and requires precision and care. This step is crucial to ensure that your pavement remains durable. Most reputable paving contractors will be careful. Pavement surfaces are susceptible to water damage, so drainage is essential. Future savings can be made by grading and sloping your driveway, private road, or parking lot.
Step 4 - Focus on compacting soil & other surfaces
Your contractor will likely use a drum roll for this stage of long-lasting pavement construction. This step is done with professional machinery. The sub-base is essential for a smooth application of pavement and stable surfaces.
This step is made possible by professional machinery.
Before moving on to the next steps, repair any soft spots. These areas can be repaired using a variety of methods. There are three options: undercutting, geogrid, or plowing. Reliable contractors ensure that the areas comprised are properly fixed and that the aggregate mix is compact.
Step 5 - Surfacing
5A - Use Crushed Rock to Cover the Base & Let Set
Gravel or crushed rock is used to cover the previously rolled and compacted base. The thickness of crushed rock or gravel will vary depending on whether the sub-base is clay- or sandy-based. Clay-based sub-bases will require 4 inches of crushed stone, while clay-based ones will require 8 inches.
Although it is not necessary, most contractors recommend letting the crushed rock or gravel settle. The time it takes for the gravel to settle will vary depending on the duration of the project.
5B - Applying Binder to a New Long Lasting Pavement Surface
The binding and surfacing steps of long-lasting pavement installations consist of the application aggregate mixed with oil. This is done during the surfacing process to ensure a strong and durable surface. This step is critical to the integrity of your new pavement.
Step 6 - Decide on the Proper Asphalt Size and Thickness
Your new asphalt pavement installation will vary in size and thickness depending on whether it is used for residential or commercial purposes. Driveways and driveways are more durable than other surfaces and can be applied thinner layers. The thickness of the asphalt aggregate is crucial for its durability, both on private roads and in commercial applications. The asphalt aggregate size varies between 3/8 inches and 3/4 inches.
New asphalt pavement installation sizes and thicknesses can vary.
Step 7: Roll New Asphalt Surface
The drum roller is used to compact the asphalt after it has been laid. The professional roller compacts asphalt that has been previously laid. A compact layer of aggregate is essential for long-lasting pavement installations. You must evaluate the equipment of a contractor before you hire them. Professional paving is possible with a quality roll.
Your new asphalt surface can be rolled.
Step 8 - Long Lasting Pavement Curving
After the application of asphalt, the final step is to edging the new pavement surface. This is similar to rolling and helps improve the durability and compactness of the new pavement. Pavement edging can be done in many ways. Ask your contractor about the possibilities. You can choose from traditional pavement edging or edging that improves durability and aesthetics.
The addition of edging improves aesthetics and durability.
Your new pavement surface can be protected by curved surfaces. Every pavement surface is different. Your driveway, private road or parking area must be curved correctly to ensure a long-lasting and durable pavement installation. The right angles are important to ensure that the new pavement surface flows smoothly and does not cause any future damage.
Step 9 - Protect your New Pavement Installation With Sealcoating
Sealcoating is an important step in protecting your new pavement. This step is crucial for the protection of your new pavement. It also requires a regular maintenance schedule. We recommend that you sealcoat areas most affected by cold weather during the summer and fall seasons.
Sealcoat the new pavement surface, and plan routine maintenance.
Step 10 - Pavement Striping
Pavement striping is most used for commercial paving projects. The striping is used to optimize vehicle traffic and parking area markings. This does not guarantee the durability of your new pavement but may be required by local laws to improve private roads.
Pavement stripping optimizes vehicle traffic.
We hope you find this article helpful. It is our goal to educate and help as many people as possible. You can read more about construction and property maintenance on our educational blog.
Bend Asphalt is highly recommended for paving projects within Deschutes County. Contact Bend Paving if you are in the area and need professionals to install durable pavement.