Three Steps to Follow in Asphalt Pavement Installation

Asphalt is one of the best paving materials for driveways, paths and feeder roads connecting farms to the main road. The benefits of asphalt include ease of installation, ease of maintenance, and the fact that asphalt roads are durable in all weather conditions. To reap these and other benefits of asphalt, however, you have to ensure that the installation follows the right procedures and guidelines. Here are three steps that you must ensure the asphalt contractor has followed in the installation process.

Removal and Demolition

It is always assumed that before installing asphalt, you will have another type of pavement working for you. The surface could be pavers, an older layer of asphalt or other materials. The removal process becomes manageable when you make use of heavy machinery. Consider hiring bulldozers and forklifts among other machinery for the destruction and removal process. If the surface was made from asphalt, you can send it to a plant for recycling. The paving process will give you a more durable road when you remove all previous coatings which might be faulty or contaminated.

Preparation of the Surface

Grading and sloping are the first steps of the series of processes that fall under surface preparation. Pay attention to grading because it determines the quality of water drainage your road will have. The next part of the preparation is making the sub base. The base is designed to create a supportive system for the new pavement. A competent asphalt contractor will check the strength of the soil making the sub-base, and if it is not strong enough, they will do undercutting to strengthen it. For instance, if the sub-soil is clay, they can dig two or three feet and then add a stronger aggregate material. Binding is the last preparation process before installing new asphalt.

Installing the New Surface

When the grading, leveling and undercutting are done, a fresh layer of asphalt will be spread onto the entire area you want to pave. The new layer is meant to provide a smooth and easy ride for anyone using the road. Ensure that the right grade of asphalt is used for this step and that the asphalt is allowed to cure for the right amount of time before use. Sealing is recommended as it reduces the possibility of the surface suffering moisture damage. 

A competent paving contractor will understand the importance of each of these steps. They will help you replace your current surface with a smooth and durable asphalt surface. 

To learn more, contact an asphalt specialist.

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