Asphalt Paving Best Practices: Ensuring Quality and Durability

Asphalt is an excellent material for installing new pavement. It is easy to install, attractive, and provides a smooth surface for walking or driving. Most importantly, asphalt is highly durable and can serve you for up to 20 years, which makes it cost-saving in the long run.

However, the quality of the finish or durability of asphalt paving depends on the installation expertise. A thorough installation eliminates risks of cracks that reduce the aesthetic appeal and durability. Therefore, it’s essential to work with seasoned asphalt pavers or master the best practices for DIY.

This guide highlights the essential practices to observe and maintain the quality and longevity of your new asphalt pavement. Keep reading to explore more.

Why You Should Ensure Quality and Durability During Asphalt Installation

Before moving on to the tips, let’s discuss why you should ensure your asphalt installation is durable.

Many areas across the globe, including Seattle, experience fluctuations in temperature and humidity. These changes can have a significant impact on the ground and can also break the pavement if it is not well installed.

By working with experienced pavers, you can ensure quality asphalt Seattle installation and minimize the need for repairs afterward. So, the number one reason to work with an expert is to have an easy time with minimal maintenance.

Here are other important reasons to properly install asphalt pavement:

• To guarantee the safety of moving vehicles and pedestrians.
• To prolong the life of the pavement.
• To improve drainage in the area by preventing clogging and leaks in the poorly installed pavements.

Best Asphalt Pavement Practices

Follow these tips to ensure your asphalt pavement is stable and will serve you longer:

1. Ensure the Base is Smooth and Stable

Preparing the base for asphalt installation is the most critical step, consuming the most time. Before you start, ensure the base is all flat and well-leveled to avoid future problems. Here are the necessary steps you may take to create a flat surface.

Demolish Structures

Are there any structures in the area? If yes, remove them first using forklifts and heavy machinery. Remove all the debris on the site to ensure the foundation is firm and ready for the asphalt pavement installation.

Check Potholes and Cracks

Potholes, cracks, and other defects on the ground can cause significant damage to your asphalt pavement if you don’t seal them enough. Some cracks are small, and you may need to clean the area first to notice them. Seal them well to ensure the surface is on the same level.

Prevent Water Damage

Lastly, ensure there’s no nearby water source, like a river or stream which drains near the site. Work with an experienced pavement contractor to ensure no drainage issue could cause potential harm to the pavement.

Allow the Base to Settle

Do not start the asphalt paving process immediately after working on the foundation. Allow it to rest for two to three days to become strong and naturally settled. Installing asphalt on a newly prepared ground may subside, mainly if you have made many changes to the foundation.

2. Use High-Quality Materials

The types of materials you use significantly impact your pavement quality and durability. The main ingredients used in making asphalt include gravel, sand, crushed stone, and bitumen. These materials should be high quality so that the asphalt can also be strong. Before buying it, inspect raw material with an expert to ensure the asphalt is of the best quality.

3. Maintain Uniformity during Installation

It’s essential to maintain uniformity when mixing your asphalt pavement installation. One thing that should remain constant is the paving speed to avoid causing irregularities in waves and ripples. The temperature, the asphalt mixture thickness, and the size of the asphalt should also remain the same for consistency.

Smaller aggregate would be the best when working in a residential area, as it provides a smooth finish. Similarly, you may consider larger and thicker aggregate if installing on a commercial driveway. If the contractors are working as a team, give clear directions on the temperature, mixing speed, and thickness to maintain the quality of the pavement.

4. Observe Proper Maintenance

Asphalt pavements require proper maintenance to maintain their aesthetically pleasing appearance and durability for a long time. Therefore, you should still monitor your asphalt driveway after the installation to confirm everything is okay. Here are effective practices to adhere to when maintaining your asphalt pavement.

Inspect Regularly

Inspect your asphalt pavement after major seasons like summer and winter. A regular inspection allows you to notice any signs of damage so that you can repair the problem before it worsens.

Remove Stains

You may notice oil or chemical stains on the surface during your inspections. When left, these spills may penetrate deep into the surface and start to damage the aggregates. Always use a hand brush and a mild detergent to remove tough stains when you notice them.

Apply a Seal

A seal protects the pavement from the scorching sun and harsh weather conditions, allowing your asphalt payment to maintain its functional and aesthetic features for a long time. Apply the seal after every two to three years for the best results.

Conclusion

Asphalt is a highly versatile material ideal for installing or replacing an existing pavement. It dries quickly, meaning you don’t block the road or driveway long.

However, asphalt requires careful mixing, grading, and compaction to deliver the best results. If you don’t have the expertise or tools, leave the work to an asphalt installation professional. Also, routinely inspect it and do maintenance on time after the installation to eliminate any defects on the surface.