Asphalt is just about everywhere; it has become part of life. It is the most common material for building roads, sidewalks, airport runways, bike paths, parking lots, playgrounds, and tennis courts. Asphalt is usually a mixture of three ingredients; aggregates, binders, and fillers. The contents of the mixture can range from sand to crushed rocks.
Asphalt is common, and you use it daily; you probably have an idea of the entire installation process. But have you ever thought about what asphalt stone work entails? In this article, we cover the essentials of asphalt stone installation to put you in the know.
The installation Process
Grading the Surface
Quality asphalt pavement is usually several layers deep. Installing such pavement starts with grading the surface before laying down asphalt. A contractor first surveys the location to determine the degree of grading work required based on factors such as weather, water drainage, type of roadway, and the expected degree of use.
Preparation of Sub Base
Sub-base preparation is the second and one of the most important steps in the asphalt installation process. A sub-base is the load-bearing layer of an asphalt structure, and as such, it must be done correctly. The degree of durability and sturdiness of the asphalt will depend on the nature of the work done on the sub-base. The layer is made of aggregate materials, including stones.
Binder Layer
Once the sub-base is done, a layer of binder made from bitumen mixed with oil for strength and durability is added. The contractor then finishes up the binder layer with a proof roll to detect soft areas that may not be strong enough to sustain the expected load bearing. The soft areas are fixed by digging several feet deep and replacing the soft areas with stronger aggregates.
Asphalt Installation
This is the final step of the asphalt installation process. The process involves pouring asphalt onto the already fixed sub-base layer. Asphalt is then leveled and leveled smoothly to compact the surface. The surface is then left to cool and dry after rolling. Drying time will vary depending on the prevailing conditions, but giving the surface up to 24 hours to dry before use is usually recommended.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt installation is not as simple and straightforward as many would make it seem. On the contrary, it is an intense job that occurs in several stages. As demonstrated above, if a phase of the process is not done right, it affects the subsequent phases and, ultimately, the quality of asphalt. Because of this, it is recommended to work with a reputable and experienced contractor for all asphalt installation work.
Pro-Pave, Inc. is a trusted provider of all things asphalt with several decades of experience serving a diverse range of clients. The quality of our work speaks for itself. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote.
