What Are the Steps for Asphalt Pavement Installation Colorado Springs CO?
Asphalt installation is considered one of the best options for paved surfaces because of its durability and resilience. If you’re looking for a material that will last for years and remain strong and supportive, asphalt may be your answer.
Asphalt pavement is the preferred choice for roads, parking lots, driveways, and more. While it’s favored because of its durability, it doesn’t last forever. So, what’s the process for a new asphalt pavement to be installed? Let’s take a closer look at the 8 steps involved.
Step 1: Demolition and Removal
The first step in the asphalt pavement installation process is the demolition and removal of the existing asphalt or concrete surface. This step provides a clean canvas for the new asphalt. Heavy machines such as bobcats, front loaders, forklifts, and dump trucks are used to demolish and remove the old surface. Asphalt Pavement Colorado Springs CO tips.
Step 2: Grading and Sloping Asphalt Pavement Colorado Springs
After the completion of step one, the pavers can begin the grading and sloping process. This process helps create a surface that provides proper water drainage during heavy rains. Since water is a major cause of damage to asphalt – including cracks, heaving, and potholes – it’s vital to execute the grading and sloping step with care and precision.
Step 3: Prepare the Sub-Base
Surprisingly, the sub-base is the most important element of your new asphalt surface. The sub-base provides a stable surface to support the new pavement. During installation, the base thickness, stability, and compaction are crucial steps. If these steps aren’t accurately followed, the asphalt surface won’t be as durable as it should in years to come.
The sub-base is also a frost barrier in the winter to reduce damage caused by freezing and thawing.
Step 4: Proof Roll, Undercutting, and Sub-Base Repair
After the sub-base is thoroughly graded and compacted, the next step is called a proof roll. A proof roll secures the underlying surface and guarantees that it’s strong enough to support the top layer of asphalt. If a soft spot is found, necessary steps will be made in the compromised areas to ensure the entire sub-base is strong and supportive.
Step 5: Binder and Surfacing
Once the sub-base is laid and any soft areas are repaired, it’s time for the binder and surfacing stage. The binding agent is usually made of aggregate mixed with oil Asphalt Pavement Colorado Springs CO – this makes the binder strong and durable.
Step 6: Installing the New Asphalt
Now that the support structures are in place, it’s time to install the top layer of fresh asphalt. This layer is made up of small aggregate, sand, and oil. This combination creates jet-black asphalt that provides a shiny attractive surface and a smooth ride.
Step 7: Butt Joints and Transitions
New asphalt often connects with old asphalt – like existing roads, parking lots, or driveways. When this happens, butt joints are installed to ensure a smooth transition between the two surfaces. These transitional areas need to be graded and compacted for proper water run-off.
Step 8: Final Roll
After the asphalt and butt joints are laid, the entire surface is compacted and smoothed. This final step ensures that no small bumps of stone or aggregate are poking through the smooth new surface.
When these installation steps are followed carefully, your new asphalt pavement will be functional and durable for years to come. Shiny new asphalt is attractive, provides a smooth ride, and brings new life to your home, business, town, or city.
FAQs:
Q1: How long will a new asphalt driveway or parking lot last?
Ans: With a properly installed asphalt surface, using good product, customers can expect the asphalt surface to last 30 or more years. With proper maintenance, many projects can last 40 to 50 years.
Q2: Can you repair my existing driveway?
Ans: Asphalt is the easiest paving surface to repair. There are many repair options a Wolf Paving team member can discuss with you. For most repair services, it is best to consult a professional.
Q3: What is an overlay and is it appropriate for my needs?
Ans: On some occasions, it is possible to apply a new layer of asphalt over an old layer. A qualified asphalt paving professional will need to inspect the site to make that determination. Unfortunately, overlays are often done on pavement surfaces that should be repaired or replaced entirely. At Wolf Paving, we will only overlay when we are sure that option the best choice for the integrity and durability of the surface.
Q4: How do you decide what type of asphalt should be used in my project?
Ans: Product type for each unique paving project is determined by one of our asphalt paving professionals. Inspection of the site will indicate the best match for the anticipated usage. On most Municipal and new Commercial sites, the specification for the product is provided by the architect or engineering firm. We then formulate the product to match the noted specifications.
Q5: When and where should cold mix or hot mix asphalt be used?
Ans: Cold mix is used mostly in off-season situations, or where a quick fix is needed. Hot mix is used during prime season.
For more information or a free estimate on your next project, Contact Pavco Springs Paving & Sealcoating in Colorado Springs CO. You can count on us for durable, high-quality results!
Read our other amazing blog: https://pavcosprings.com/asphalt-paving-colorado-springs-residents-new-update/