Our Guide To All Things Asphalt

When considering a new asphalt pavement, there are several key tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful project. Here are some important considerations:

1. Hire a reputable contractor: Choose a licensed and experienced asphalt contractor who has a good reputation and a track record of quality work. Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure their credibility.
2. Assess your needs: Determine the specific requirements of your project, such as the intended use, expected traffic load, and climate conditions. This will help in selecting the appropriate asphalt mix, thickness, and other specifications.
3. Obtain professional quotes: Seek quotes from a professional contractor with a good reputation and a guarantee for quality. Be cautious of extremely low bids, as they may indicate subpar materials or workmanship.
4. Consider drainage: Proper drainage is crucial for the longevity of your asphalt pavement. Ensure that the contractor plans for adequate slope and installation of proper drainage systems, such as catch basins and ditches, to prevent water accumulation.
5. Prepare the site properly: The area where the asphalt will be installed should be properly prepared. This includes removing any vegetation, grading the surface, and addressing any underlying issues like soft spots or poor soil conditions.
6. Use high-quality materials: Insist on using high-quality asphalt materials that meet local standards and specifications. This will ensure a durable and long-lasting pavement.
7. Regular maintenance: After installation, regular maintenance is essential to preserve the condition of your asphalt pavement. This includes periodic sealcoating, crack sealing, and timely repairs to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
8. Understand warranties and guarantees: Discuss warranties and guarantees with your contractor to understand what is covered and for how long. Ensure that you receive written documentation outlining the terms and conditions.

1. Surface Preparation - Our process begins with the removal of the existing asphalt or surface, including any roots or weeds that may interfere with the new asphalt.
2. Grading - Next, we meticulously grade the surface to ensure proper water drainage, eliminating any standing water issues that can lead to potholes and cracks in the asphalt. With our skillful grading and sloping, any water that falls onto your new driveway will run off without collecting.
3. Sub Base Layer - The sub base layer installation follows, serving as the foundation for the driveway and frost barrier at freezing temperatures. We use a crushed aggregate material, such as gravel, to create a 6-8 inch layer that undergoes a quality check using rolling. If any flexing or weak spots are found, we will reinforce the area of the sub base using undercutting or geo-gridding, ensuring a strong and supportive sub base.
4. Binder Layer - The binder course layer installation comes next, using bitumen, a petroleum-based liquid, to hold the surface layer together. The liquid asphalt binder serves as the glue for the aggregates.
5. Surface Layer - Finally, we install the aggregate surface layer, composed of crushed stone, gravel, or sand, on top of the binder layer. This is the exposed top layer. The binder and aggregate surface layers combine to form fresh, smooth, and shiny asphalt around 2.5 to 3.5 inches thick, depending on desired strength.
6. Joints and Transitions - We pay close attention to joints and transitions, perfecting them to ensure a smooth surface and proper water drainage.
7. Smoothing and Compacting - The final step is to smooth and compact the whole driveway, ensuring a completely finished and flat surface. While typical drying time for your new asphalt surface is 2-3 days, curing can take up to 6 months. Nevertheless, the driveway can be used as soon as it has dried. 

Driveway Paving

Asphalt Repair

Asphalt Sealcoating

1. Performance-Graded (PG) Asphalt: PG asphalt is classified based on its performance characteristics at different temperatures. The grading system includes a number, such as PG 64-22, where the first number represents the high-temperature performance (in degrees Celsius) and the second number represents the low-temperature performance. PG asphalt is commonly used in highway construction and is specified based on the climate conditions of the region.
2. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): HMA is a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate materials, heated and mixed at high temperatures. It is the most commonly used grade of asphalt for various applications, including roads, driveways, and parking lots.
3. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): WMA is a newer technology that allows asphalt to be produced and placed at lower temperatures compared to HMA. It offers similar performance to HMA but with reduced energy consumption and emissions. WMA is suitable for areas with lower traffic and moderate climates.
4. Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA): CMA is a lower-grade asphalt that is not heated during production or installation. It is typically used for temporary repairs or in areas with very low traffic. CMA is not as durable as HMA or WMA and may require more frequent maintenance.

What Is Used as the Base for Asphalt?

The base for asphalt pavement typically consists of aggregate materials, which provide a stable foundation for the asphalt layer. The base layer is placed directly on the prepared subgrade, which is the native soil or compacted fill material beneath the pavement.

The aggregate materials used in the base layer can vary depending on the specific project requirements and local conditions. Commonly used materials include crushed stone, gravel, or recycled concrete. These materials are selected for their stability, strength, and ability to withstand the anticipated traffic load. The base layer serves several important functions, including:

1. Load distribution: The base layer distributes the load from vehicles evenly across the subgrade, preventing excessive stress and deformation.
2. Stability: The base layer provides stability and prevents the asphalt layer from shifting or settling.
3. Drainage: The base layer helps with drainage by allowing water to flow away from the pavement, reducing the risk of water damage.
4. Frost protection: In colder climates, a well-designed base layer can help protect the pavement from the damaging effects of frost heave.

It is crucial to properly prepare and compact the base layer to ensure its effectiveness. This involves grading the subgrade, adding and compacting the aggregate materials in layers, and ensuring proper compaction to achieve the desired density. The specific requirements for the base layer, including the thickness and type of aggregate materials, depend on factors such as the expected traffic load, climate conditions, and local regulations.