The Process of Asphalt Pavement Installation

Asphalt Paving & Repair

Though it’s built for durability, overtime, asphalt can experience some degrees of wear and tear. When this occurs, it’s ideal for the asphalt to be repaired. However, if the asphalt surface is in bad shape, it may need to be removed altogether. Lone Star Paving provides quality asphalt paving in Nashville, TN, and the middle Tennessee area.  We provide turnkey new installs as well as overlays, or resurfacing, of existing asphalt surfaces. With that being said, let’s take a look at the 6 steps that go into the installation of asphalt/pavement.

Removal of existing surface

The first step in the installation of asphalt/pavement is the removal of the existing surface. Many times, these surfaces consist of older forms of concrete, asphalt, or pavers. Usually, a reputable paving team will come in and begin the demolition process to remove all of the existing surface, providing a clean canvas for the new asphalt. This will require heavy machineries such as bobcats, front loaders, dump trucks, and forklifts.

Grading and Sloping

Once the demolition process has commenced and all the existing surface has been completely removed, the pavers can begin the grading and sloping process. The grading and sloping step help to create a surface that boasts excellent water drainage in the event of high rains. Depending on the company you hire, pavers will normally use laser-guided transits and automatic motor graders for optimal results. Since water is the number one source of damage to asphalt–causing potholes, heaving, and cracks–it’s extremely important to execute the grading and sloping step with precision and carefulness.

Preparing the Sub Base

As soon as the pavers have created a surface that yields excellent water drainage, it’s time to start preparations for the sub base. In asphalt roadways, driveways, etc., the sub base gives support to the new pavement. Additionally, the sub base provides the means of a frost barrier come time for the winter season. This frost barrier helps to reduce the likelihood of any sustained damage during winter temperatures. During this process, workers have to carefully measure the thickness of the sub base, as well as its stability and compaction. If these measurements don’t line up, it can cause the asphalt surface to not be as durable as it should in years to come.

Sub Base Repair

As the sub base is compacted to proper standard, the pavers will execute what’s called a proof roll. A proof roll is done to secure the underlying surface and make sure that it’s strong enough to support the top layer of asphalt. In the event the pavers find an unsturdy spot during the proof roll, they will take the necessary steps to repair the sub base.

Binder and Surfacing

Once the sub base has been properly repaired of any soft points, pavers can begin the binding and surfacing stage. Usually, the binding agent is made of aggregate that’s mixed together with oil; this makes the binder industrial-strength and sturdy.

Installing the Asphalt

After the first 5 steps are completed with precision, the pavers can start installing the top layer of asphalt. In the event that old asphalt meets with new asphalt ends, butt joints need to be installed to ensure a smooth transition between the two surfaces. Once this is completed, the entire surface must be smoothed and compacted for efficiency.

Once these steps have been completed, the new asphalt will boast smooth driving and years of durability. For more information on paving and asphalt in Nashville, TN, contact Lone Star Paving, today.