The Complete 7-Step Process Of installing Asphalt paving Surface

 Listing down the step-by-step process for installing asphalt paving surface-from demolition of older surface to a smooth, new surface.

●     Step 1: Demolition and Removal

The first step of an asphalt surface installation is to get rid of the existing surface, and the older can be made of any material like concrete, asphalt, or pavers.

1. The demolition of such surface is done with the help of heavy machinery that includes small bobcats and forklifts, and when needed, there are also dump trucks and front loaders.
2. After removing the older surface, the debris is removed
3. A lot of paving companies also recycle the old concrete and asphalt, and they turn the deteriorating waste into usable and strong asphalt again.

●     Step 2: Grading and Sloping

When the existing surface is clean, with the help of technology, Asphalt Pathways professionals start preparing the surface considering proper water drainage.

With the help of automatic motor graders and laser-guided transits, the professionals grade the asphalt surface that must be paved to ensure that the water runs off properly.

Proper drainage is very important for your asphalt surface as water is one of the major causes of damage, including cracks, potholes, and heaving.

●     Step 3: Prepare the Sub Base

Sub-base is one of the most important parts of installing a new asphalt surface.

1. The sub-base helps in having a stable surface to support new pavements
2. The sub-base is also considered a frost barrier to help reduce winter damage due to freezing and thawing.
3. While installing the asphalt pavements, base stability, base thickness, and compaction are necessary steps.  If you have not compacted the sub-base appropriately, the asphalt surface will not offer a lasting life.

●     Step 4: Proof Roll, Undercutting, and Sub Base Repair

Once your sub-base is properly graded and compacted, some professionals as  companies do an extra step known as a proof roll. Again, to make sure that the underlying surface is durable, strong, and prepared to support new asphalt.

1. The proof roll process involves driving a quad-axle dump truck with a load of 72,000 pounds. It is done row by row on a complete asphalt surface.
2. If the gravel spreads more than an inch under the weight of the dump truck, it indicates that the base is not properly set.

If there are soft areas in the sub-base. In that case, the professional paving experts make the necessary repairs in the affected areas to ensure that the entire sub-base is durable and supportive.

1. The professionals use undercutting to repair the soft pods.  This process requires the surface to be dug deep up to 2 to 3 feet and replace the underlying soft clay with sturdy aggregate materials.
2. A lot of professionals also offer alternative options, like they use geo-grid instead of using the undercutting method. The geo-grid process requires digging 16 inches below the surface and laying a grid down to bridge the base materials together. By doing so, the professionals create a solid support structure for the new asphalt with a very low cost of traditional undercutting.

●     Step 5: Binder and Surface Course 

Once the asphalt  services professionals have laid the sub base and have identified and repaired all the soft areas, the step is to add the binder. The binder is a large aggregate mixed with oil that makes it durable and strong.

The binder layer acts as an additional strength to the new asphalt surface.

●     Step 6: Install New Asphalt Surface

Once the supportive structures are installed on the new asphalt surface, adding a top layer to the surface provides a smooth and clean ride.  The surface asphalt comprises sand, small aggregate and oil.

This top layer provides a jet-black asphalt surface when installed appropriately, and it offers a smooth ride and an attractive and shiny surface.

●     Step 7: Butt Joints and Transitions

It is very rare that you install an asphalt surface that is not connected to the existing driveways, parking lots or roadways. As such, asphalt-paving experts must look for a way that provides a smooth transition from an old surface to a new surface.

1. It is important to pay attention to these transitional areas to ensure that the water runs off and grades properly.
2. Installation of butt joints is important to make sure that the pedestrians and drivers do not notice differences in the surfaces.

●     To Complete the Project: Final Roll

The entire asphalt surface becomes smooth and compacted once the asphalt and butt joists have been installed or laid. Next, the asphalt pavement surface is smoothed and compressed by using a roller truck.  This last step is done to ensure that no bumps of aggregate or stone are left on the smooth new surface.

Make sure that the asphalt driveways contractors you hire know and do all the installation steps to ensure that you have a durable and functional surface. The best asphalt company in Melbourne is Road Seal as they have trained and experienced professionals.