Whether you’re planning a new driveway or a parking lot, knowing what’s going to happen during your asphalt paving project can help ensure you feel confident and prepared when the start date arrives. Every project is unique, but most will follow a similar process that’s designed to ensure safety and project success. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the average asphalt paving project will entail.
- Site Preparation – The first step is to ensure the site is ready for paving. Old asphalt may be removed, the area will be graded, and proper drainage will be established. We’ll also lay a stable foundation and compact the ground to help prevent cracking, potholes, and other effects of premature wear.
- Installing the Base Layer – Once the ground is compacted, we lay down a layer of crushed gravel or aggregate and compact that as well. This layer helps with drainage and provides critical structural support. Without a proper base, even the best asphalt paving materials will fail.
- Applying the Asphalt – When the base is ready, we then use specialized equipment to pour a layer of hot asphalt. We spread it evenly and then use rollers to compact it and create a smooth, durable surface.
- Final Touches & Inspection – Once the hot asphalt has been compacted, we finish the edges and smooth out any transitions. Our team carefully inspects the final product to ensure proper thickness, grading, and overall quality.
- Curing & Use – Asphalt cools and hardens quickly, but it does require a cure time to ensure long-term stability and durability. We’ll give specific recommendations for curing time based on the unique aspects of your project, but the typical timeline is 24-48 hours before light use is allowed.
We hope you find this quick guide to asphalt paving handy! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or if you want to schedule an appointment with our team to get started on a quote for paving at your property.