Planning for Asphalt Maintenance
November 9, 2019Common Asphalt Problems and How to Fix Them
April 8, 2020There are six basic steps to the life cycle of pavement. At Asphalt Services of Ohio, we aim to educate and inform our customers about our practices and processes so that you can always get the most out of your pavement.
Step 1: Prep the Surface
In this step, we will first start with excavating whatever surface material is already there. This may be grass, dirt, gravel, or even old pavement. We will then grade the area and install the aggregate (which is the first layer of pavement – stone). Our teams are extremely meticulous on every step of this process, but particularly on this first step. Remember: pavement is only as good as the foundation it is built on.
Step 2: Lay the Asphalt
The asphalt is installed in two different layers: base course and surface course. Each layer is compacted to achieve proper density with our pavers and vibratory rollers.
Step 3: Finishing Steps
The most common finishing step is striping the pavement. Not only does striping look great, it also helps your customers, tenants, and visitors easily identify parking spaces and other directions.
Step 4: Maintain
This step is extremely important for the longevity of your pavement. We recommend two coats of sealcoat six months to one year after your surface is paved and then one coat every 3-5 years thereafter to provide adequate pavement protection as well as attractive curb appeal for your commercial property or home.
Reapplying striping as it fades and each time you sealcoat your pavement is also recommended.
Step 5: Repair
As with any product, over some time, your asphalt will need repairs to extend the lifetime of the pavement.
Crack Sealing
Crack sealing prevents harmful elements from penetrating your asphalt surface. Cracks wider than 1/4” need to be filled as soon as possible to prevent moisture from getting under the pavement.
Pothole Repair & Patching
When potholes show up on your parking lot or roadway, they increase the risk of injuries and vehicle damage. Having potholes patched as soon as possible will help address safety concerns, and keep your asphalt surface looking its best.
Overlays & Resurfacing
An asphalt overlay, also commonly referred to as asphalt resurfacing, is like putting a ‘cap’ on your existing asphalt. Though not always possible, using an asphalt overlay is often a major cost saving alternative to removing and replacing existing asphalt.
Mill & Pave
Depending on the condition and thickness of the existing asphalt, we may be able to repair your pavement by milling (grinding) off a layer of the existing asphalt to prepare the surface for an asphalt overlay.
Step 6: Replace
With proper maintenance and installation, new asphalt will last between 10 and 20 years depending on weather conditions, maintenance and traffic. The key to long lasting asphalt pavement is proper compaction of all material beginning with the aggregate base. Heavy rollers are used to achieve the right density. Once the base is properly compacted and graded, we install asphalt in two lifts (layers) using a commercial asphalt paver. Each lift is also compacted to achieve optimal density.
Without the proper foundation it’s impossible to build a long lasting pavement surface – so that’s why we start here. We get the job done right to protect your investment.