Facts and Fun: Pavement Edition

Posted on: 12 July 2021

If you're looking for an impressive curb appeal for your home, paving your driveway or parking lot delivers outstanding results. If you want asphalt on your driveway, ensure the residential paving project is handled by professionals. It guarantees the longevity and functionality of the driveway or parking lot.

Installing a high-grade asphalt pavement or driveway involves elaborate steps from start to finish. It's crucial to understand every step that professionals undertake. It helps you discern whether you're getting good value for money. Whether you're replacing or paving anew, it's important to note that it takes more than preparing the surface and pouring the asphalt. 

Here are the steps involved in a residential paving project.

1. Project Planning

A perfectly finished residential paving project must start with adequate planning. When you and your tested paving contractor deliberate on the crucial phases from the outset, it guarantees success. Indeed, different paving projects come with unique specifications and needs. A professional paving contractor will help acquire relevant permits, determine the fate of the underlayer and discuss drainage issues before the paving starts.

2. Excavation and Preparation

The area to be paved must be excavated, leveled, and compacted. If there's a broken asphalt layer, it's advisable to excavate and remove it. If the surface holds virgin soil, you'll need to dig it out, to remove uneven features, stumps, or rocks. A skilled residential paving contractor will evaluate the soil type and recommend compaction for a stable base. If you expect your asphalt surface to drain water perfectly, it's crucial to grade and slope the area to eliminate pooling.

3. Laying the Sub Base

The base you lay for the final asphalt layer determines the integrity and stability of your driveway. You must ensure that the base sits evenly to offer a stable foundation. The best option is to compact aggregate stones to solidify the base layer. An experienced paving specialist will ensure compacting to avoid settling after the asphalt is poured. They will test the sub-base and apply binding layers before pouring the asphalt.

4. Pouring the Asphalt

Often, asphalt is poured as a hot mix, given its versatility. The paving technician you select must ensure proper asphalt mix rations. They supervise the pouring, leveling, and grading. This process requires professional handling to ensure proper and uniform curing. One crucial step that needs attention is compaction after pouring. When handled properly, your asphalt mixture will hold and harden to last longer.

5. Final Hardening

After the paving contractor ensures proper pouring and compaction, they finish off the edges and wait for the surface to harden. A professionally laid asphalt driveway will take a few hours to cure completely. You must not rush to drive on the new layer to avoid damage.