Asphalt pavement is versatile and durable, whether highway, roadway, or parking lot. It’s also a quiet pavement choice that absorbs road noise rather than reflecting it.
Great asphalt paving starts with quality material. Aggregate components are weighed and then preheated to maintain consistency. They are then dried and sifted.
Keep It Clean
The asphalt milling process uses a large machine with a drum fitted with carbide cutters that grind up the old asphalt and underlying stone gravel. This material is collected into a dump truck and hauled away to a facility where it’s screened to remove debris.
The quality of the road milling job is critical to the success of the asphalt overlay. If there are dips and holes in the surface, the new asphalt can’t adhere to it, and the project will require additional materials and time to fix those areas.
Smooth pavement reduces vehicle wear and tear, which lowers operating costs for cars, trucks, and other vehicles that use the road. It also helps with drainage and redirects water to natural channels to be filtered back into the ground. The dark color of asphalt also helps to melt snow and ice, reducing slippery conditions that can lead to crashes and injuries. The smoothness of the asphalt also lowers maintenance costs by reducing labor and equipment expenses associated with maintaining bumpy, unlevel roadways.
Seal Coat Regularly
Asphalt is an expensive material to install, and you want it to last as long as possible. By protecting it with regular seal coatings, you can slow down the deterioration of the surface and avoid small cracks from becoming large potholes that are unsightly and dangerous for motorists.
Before applying a seal coat, ensure the pavement is clean and dry by blowing or sweeping away debris. Also, remove oil stains with an oil stain primer. Applying two thin coats of the sealer rather than one thick coat is important. This will provide better color and consistency.
When it is time to seal the asphalt, it’s a good idea to close the parking lot and notify residents, landscapers, trash pickers, and newspaper delivery people to stay off the pavement until dry. A well-maintained parking lot adds curb appeal to your property and can help attract and retain tenants for your commercial business.
Lighten The Load
Asphalt pavement is designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but even the best quality will not last forever. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your parking lot or driveway and keep it looking great for years to come.
Try simultaneously limiting the number of large vehicles like garbage trucks, forklifts, and delivery trucks on your pavement. These vehicles are heavy and can damage your pavement with each pass.
Make sure to inspect your pavement for signs of water damage regularly and have these issues addressed right away. Ignored problems can wear down the integrity of your asphalt and lead to costly repairs later on.
Repair Cracks
Asphalt is resilient to a certain degree, but the longevity of your driveway or parking lot will depend on how you handle problems. If you ignore small cracks, they can expand to potholes, causing serious damage to your surface.
Weeds can also sprout through cracks and spread under your pavement, causing further damage. Filling cracks and killing weeds can help delay further deterioration.
The climate can also impact your asphalt’s lifespan. Dry, hot temperatures can cause it to become brittle, while humid, wet areas can lead to moisture accumulating beneath the surface. Standing water can weaken the asphalt surface, causing it to oxidize and break down prematurely. Providing proper drainage and avoiding excessive weight are other ways to extend the life of your asphalt. Ultimately, asphalt can last over 20 years on new surfaces, but catching and repairing any issues before they cause severe damage is important.
