A step-by-step guide on asphalt pavement installation for parking lots.
Installing new asphalt pavement is a great way to boost the curb appeal and value of your property. A fresh asphalt surface is also much safer compared to a parking lot with numerous cracks or potholes. Scheduling an appointment with a company offering professional parking lot services is always a smart choice to ensure the job is done right and you are more than satisfied with the results.
Here is a brief overview of the asphalt pavement installation process.
1) Demolition and Removal Process
One of the first steps in installing asphalt is to remove the existing surface by using heavy machinery. A few of the most common types of heavy machinery using for this process include forklifts, small bobcats, and dump trucks. Using this equipment makes it easy to remove the top layer of existing driveways or parking lots. All of the debris is then removed from the area, as old concrete and asphalt can easily be recycled, which makes it a great eco-friendly solution.
2) Grading and Sloping Process
The next stage is to prepare the parking lot with proper drainage to ensure water runs off the asphalt to prevent long-term damage. On the other hand, a lack of proper drainage can cause water puddles to from across your pavement and significantly alter the lifespan of your parking lot. An asphalt paving company will use automatic motor graders to ensure proper water drainage by compacting the asphalt.
3) Preparing the Sub-Base
The sub-base is one of the most important aspects of an asphalt parking lot. One of the main reasons why the sub-base is important is due to it providing a stable surface for supporting the new layer of asphalt. The sub-base also plays a vital role in minimizing damage due to cold weather. A paving services company will use the right base thickness, stability, and compaction to ensure it will offer many years of strength and durability.
4) Proof Roll and Undercutting Process
The next step in asphalt pavement installation is to proof roll the pavement to ensure the underlying surface can support the new asphalt. A quad-axle dump truck is fully loaded and driven across the entire surface of the parking lot to identify any soft areas within the pavement. The base isn’t properly supported if the gravel flexes greater than an inch under the weight of the dump truck. The asphalt company will make any necessary repairs to ensure the sub-base is durable.
5) Binder Layer and New Asphalt Installation
The binder layer needs to be added once the sub-base is properly installed. One of the strongest parts of the parking lot is the binder layer, as it’s a mixture of oil and large aggregate to create a highly durable substance.
Afterward, a layer of asphalt is poured on top of the base of the parking lot. This asphalt for the surface consists of sand, oil, and small aggregate. Combining all of these materials creates a jet-black appearance that’s smooth and has a great appearance.
6) Transitional Areas of Parking Lot
Asphalt paving is often used in areas with the existing pavement. Butt joints are known as places where the old concrete or asphalt joins the new pavement. Installing butt joints is important in properly draining water while also making it easy for pedestrians and drivers to transition to the old or new pavement without noticing any difference. A roller truck is used to compact and smooth the surface once all of the butt joints are installed.
Contact PLS to Learn More About Asphalt Pavement Installation
Parking Lot Services (PLS) offers asphalt pavement installation services for commercial property and business owners. We also provide asphalt repair in Tampa, as meeting the needs of each customer is always our top priority.
Our team at PLS has many years of experience in the asphalt industry, whether you need sealcoating, maintenance, parking lot striping, or ADA compliance services. We are also happy to answer any paving or asphalt repair questions. Give PLS a call today, or send us a message to learn more about using our asphalt pavement installation in Tampa and to schedule a free consultation.