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Good Asphalt Paving Job vs. Bad One – What To Look For

When you work with an asphalt contractor, you want to know that the job is going to be done right the first time. A good asphalt paving job is done with care, and is going to last for years, while poorly done asphalt paving is going to have a number of complications until it fails completely. The thickness of the asphalt overlay, the asphalt surface transitions, the drainage protocol, and the application of primer all play a role in how well the entire job is completed.

The Thickness of the Asphalt Overlay

Any good asphalt contractor is going to use a minimum or two inches of asphalt when they complete an asphalt paving job. This is an industry standard, and one that is followed by all reputable asphalt contractors worth hiring. If the company tries to spend less money to complete the job, they might try to get away with using only one inch of asphalt. This is going to cause the paving to crack, and does not provide a stable base for your completed project. If the company you want to hire only uses an inch of asphalt, it’s time to look further for a new contractor.

The Asphalt Surface Transitions

Surface transitions are important to how a newly covered driveway looks, and how smooth the transition is between the driveway and the road. There shouldn’t be any bumps in between the driveway, sidewalk, or road when you hire a quality asphalt contractor. When it comes to quality work, a smooth, seamless driveway without noticeable transition areas is a job well done.

The Drainage Protocol

It is important that water drains well off of your asphalt paving, as water can break down the surface of your asphalt if it is left to pool. A good drainage protocol will ensure that any water that lands on your asphalt surface runs off and away from the asphalt that has been laid down. Without a good drainage protocol, you will notice puddles on the asphalt, or water accumulating at the end of your driveway that will cause damage to the asphalt.

The Application of Primer

Primer is used to help new asphalt adhere to any old asphalt that is already in place. If you are paving over a surface, primer is used to prevent the new asphalt from breaking down quickly once it is laid on top of an old surface. If the application of primer is ignored, the asphalt contractor is missing a critical step in the process of good asphalt paving.

If you are looking for an asphalt paving contractor, it is important to ask questions. Learn what type of primer is used in the process of laying down an asphalt surface, and ask how thick the initial asphalt is. Understand that the industry standard is two inches of asphalt, and anything less is going to result in a surface that is prone to cracks. A good drainage plan is necessary, and you will want to know how well the asphalt contractor is able to handle transitions. Take the time to do your research, and understand what it takes to do a paving job well.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

What’s the Difference Between Summer Asphalt and Winter Asphalt?

There are many reasons why so many homeowners choose asphalt to pave their driveways, patios, and other outdoor hard surfaces. Not only is it cost-effective, but asphalt is durable, flexible, easy to repair, and is low maintenance. An asphalt driveway can easily last 30 years before needing replacement.

But, how long an asphalt surface lasts depends on the asphalt company you choose and the asphalt mix (or aggregate) the contractor uses – summer asphalt or winter asphalt.

When is the best time to install asphalt?

The optimum temperature for an asphalt installation is when the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which asphalt cures the fastest.  But, a good asphalt company can install an asphalt driveway at any time of the year, if they use the right asphalt mix.

Still, timing is important. During the winter, the asphalt company will want to avoid freeze/thaw cycles (for obvious reasons). And, during the summer, asphalt is rarely laid fresh during the portion of the day when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

But when it comes to temperature, asphalt manufacturers have developed different formulations to suit each season. There is a summer asphalt (hot mix aggregate) that works better during the higher temperatures of this season. And, winter asphalt (or cold mix aggregate), is designed to be installed during the low temperature months of December through March.

Best Uses for summer asphalt

From spring to the end of fall, summer asphalt is heated to temperatures between 275-325 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is important that the hot asphalt stays within that temperature range as it is being quickly applied. If it cools too much, it should be reheated. Also, the ground surface needs to be warm and dry for an ideal summer asphalt application.

This aggregate is not only best to be applied during warm months, summer asphalt is also better suited for long driveways, commercial parking lots, and public roads.

Winter asphalt applications

Winter asphalt is best for wet and/or cold weather applications. This formulation does not need to be heated constantly in order for the asphalt to adhere well to the subsurface. But, because winter asphalt is poured when the surface is cold, it will take longer to cure.

Still, you can mix and use a batch of winter asphalt and save the remainder for driveway or repairing cracks in your driveway or street patch jobs at any time. While winter asphalt is not ideal for large asphalt installations, it is an easy and economical way to keep your driveway looking pristine when repairs are needed.

For smaller jobs and when you simply want to even out your existing driveway surface for a safer, smoother driveway, then winter asphalt is the go-to choice.

When you partner with a professional asphalt company, they will know exactly the right type of aggregate mix to use, what time of day is best, and in what weather conditions will provide for the best driveway installation. Most driveways in America are paved with asphalt because it creates a skid-resistant surface, which makes your driveway safer to walk and run on. Also, an asphalt surface is smoother and more uniform than other materials.