Your Complete Guide To Asphalt Paving

Before you begin any commercial asphalt paving project, it's important to properly plan and prepare. All State Paving can help you assess your site, create a project timeline, and establish a budget. We'll start by evaluating the area to be paved and identifying any potential obstacles or challenges that may need to be addressed, such as drainage issues, utility lines, or tree roots. Next, we'll establish a project timeline that takes into account factors like weather, scheduling, and permit requirements. Finally, we'll be able properly quote your project, which will account for materials, equipment needed, labor costs, and potential unexpected expenses that may arise. With a clear plan in place, you'll be better equipped to manage your commercial asphalt paving project and ensure its success.

Proper site preparation is critical to the success of any commercial asphalt paving project. It sets the foundation for the new pavement, ensuring it will be strong, durable, and long-lasting. Site preparation typically involves milling or removing any existing pavement, grading the area to ensure proper drainage, and compacting the soil to create a stable base. Once the site has been cleared and graded, a layer of aggregate may be added to further stabilize the soil and provide additional drainage. By taking the time to properly prepare the site for your commercial asphalt paving project, you can ensure that your new pavement will be structurally sound and perform well for years to come.

The asphalt mix is another critical element of a successful paving job. The right mix can maximize the durability and overall performance of your pavement. Asphalt mixes are designed based on a number of factors, including outdoor temperature and expected traffic load; while site conditions will determine the amount of asphalt needed. A mix that works well in one location may not perform as well in another. Factors such as aggregate size, binder type, and additives are carefully selected to create an asphalt mix that will withstand heavy traffic, resist cracking, and provide a smooth surface for vehicles. All State Paving will choose an asphalt mix for your your job that follows industry standards and ensures longevity of the pavement. By choosing the right asphalt mix for your commercial paving project, you can improve the overall quality and performance of your pavement and minimize the need for costly repairs in the future.

The techniques and best practices that All State Paving has developed over the past several decades are sure to produce the best results for your pavement. Proper techniques include ensuring the correct slope for drainage, using the right compaction equipment, and using the correct temperature and depth for the asphalt mix. The best solutions begin with the right subgrade prep, and end with an evenly laid asphalt with a smooth finish. Following these practices will result in a pavement that can withstand heavy traffic and the most extreme weather conditions.

There are several asphalt irregularities that can be identified if best practices aren't followed. Here are a few examples:

1. Rutting & Raveling
When the temperature is inconsistent throughout the asphalt (+-25ºF temperature differential), cooler areas will compact at a slower rate and reach ambient temperature much faster than the surround mat. These isolated areas lacking compaction will cause reduced strength, lower fatigue life, faster aging, and a greater susceptibility to moisture damage.

2. Segregation
When the asphalt is not a homogenous hot mix, there is a good chance the pavement will exhibit early signs of distress.

3. Minimizing Starts & Stops
Just like concrete, having a steady flow of material during placement is key to minimizing starts and stops and having a continuous smooth surface. If there is an unplanned period of time when material isn’t available, the uniformity of the asphalt surface will likely be compromised.

Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of commercial asphalt paving. Sealcoating is a great technique that applies a protective layer over your asphalt surface to protect it from the elements before any cracks appear. Filling cracks that have already developed and patching are necessary repair techniques that can prevent further damage to your asphalt that require resurfacing. If you suspect your pavement is showing signs of wear, have us professionally inspect and repair it to maximize the life of your asphalt parking lot or road.