New Construction Asphalt

Installing a new asphalt surface is a different process than resurfacing an existing one.

The utmost care in observation, planning, and building must be taken to ensure a smooth, level surface is the end result.

Our experienced team has handled many challenging new construction projects and would love the opportunity to help you create a successful project as well.

Installing Asphalt

Installing asphalt involves the following steps:

  1. Prepare the Site
    • Clearing and Grading: The construction site is cleared of any vegetation, debris, or obstacles. Then, the ground is graded to establish the desired slope and ensure proper drainage.
    • Subgrade Preparation: The subgrade, which is the native soil or existing base material beneath the pavement, is prepared by compacting and stabilizing it to provide a stable foundation for the asphalt layers.
  2. Install Base
    • Aggregate Base: A layer of compacted aggregate base material is typically placed on top of the prepared subgrade. This layer provides additional stability and helps distribute the load evenly.
  3. Install Binder Course
    • Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Placement: The first layer of asphalt, known as the binder course, is placed on top of the aggregate base. HMA is delivered to the construction site in heated trucks and spread using paving machines. The material is then compacted to achieve the required density.
  4. Install Surface Course
    • Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Placement: The final layer of asphalt, known as the surface course, is placed on top of the binder course. The process is similar to the binder course installation, involving the delivery, spreading, and compaction of HMA.
  5. Compaction and Finishing Touches
    • Roller Compaction: Specialized rollers are used to compact the freshly placed asphalt layers. The rollers exert pressure to remove air voids, achieve proper density, and create a smooth and uniform surface.
    • Finishing Touches: Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the desired slope, grade, and surface smoothness. This may involve additional compaction, leveling, or the use of specialized tools.

Uses for Asphalt

Asphalt can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Here are a few examples:

  • Parking: parking lots, parking structures and decks, etc.
  • Transportation: roads, railways, airport runways, taxiways, etc.
  • Recreation: playgrounds, bike paths, running tracks, sport courts, etc.
  • Building construction: warehouse flooring, etc.
  • Industrial: ports, work sites, etc.

Asphalt vs. Concrete

In many instances, asphalt is the go-to choice because of its economical properties. It is often cheaper than other paving materials, but more importantly, asphalt’s unique properties allow it to be ready for use in a short period of time.

America’s roadways are a never-ending source of traffic and usage. When a new road or parking lot needs to be constructed or maintained and time is of the essence, asphalt is the material for the job.

Driveways and parking lots can be laid in 1-2 days, then ready for foot and vehicle traffic only one day later.

Concrete, while it has its own set of benefits, can be laid in 2-4 days and requires 5-7 days to cure during which the surface cannot be used.

It’s these advantages that make asphalt one of the most popular and cost effective options in modern day construction.

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