When you need asphalt installed you may have a lot of questions. Most people want to know how much it will cost or how long it will take to install new asphalt. Other people want to know the process and what to expect with asphalt installation. Where each asphalt road, parking lot or recreational site will vary in size, so will the cost. However, Andersen Asphalt & Striping would like to share the process of installing asphalt to provide better understanding on the time it takes to install asphalt and what to expect.
Cut Out & Remove Old Asphalt
If have a pre-existing asphalt surface that has deteriorated and needs to be replaced, the old asphalt surface will need to be removed first. Demolition and removal of the asphalt will involve heavy machinery such as bobcats, forklifts, and front loaders to be on site. Dump trucks will be coming in and out of the site to pick up the old asphalt waste and take the materials away. Other materials that are on the site may need to be removed or relocated until the new asphalt can be installed.
Grade a Slope
After demolition, if needed, the first step in installing new asphalt is the grading process. Grading is preparing the ground for the asphalt. The ground is leveled or flattened and the asphalt drainage system is put in place. Grading is a very important process. The asphalt is only as strong as it’s foundation. The drainage system must be properly staged as water damage is the leading cause of potholes, cracks and heaving.
Asphalt Sub Base
The sub base is the next stage in the development of the asphalt’s foundation. The sub base provides the stability for the asphalt. The sub base prevents damage from frost damage and water. The sub base is a rocky soil that is tightly compacted. Large tractors and rollers are used to construct the sub base. It is important that the contractor takes their time will the asphalt sub base to ensure the longevity of the asphalt.
Binder and Surface Course
Once all of the steps needed to prepare the sub base and the sub base has been laid, the soft areas must be identified and repaired. If there are any soft areas in the sub base, they are repaired using a binder. The binder helps strengthen the sub base. The binder is a layer of large aggregate that is mixed with oil. Once the binder has been applied over the sub base, the asphalt is ready to be installed.
Asphalt Installation
Once the binder process is done the asphalt is ready to be laid. The asphalt is a mixture of sand, aggregate, and oil which comes out as a dark black color. The asphalt is slowly dumped out and an attachment machine is spreading the asphalt evenly across the surface. As the asphalt is laid in sections, the joints need to be smoothed and integrated together. This is done by using a rolling truck that presses, compacts and smooths out the asphalt.
Parking Lot Striping & Markings
The last step is painting the asphalt. Whether the asphalt surface is a road, parking lot or a recreational park, the asphalt will need to be painted. Painting the designated markings for each area is known as striping. The asphalt will undergo striping. Once the striping has been completed and the paint is dry, the asphalt installation process is now finished!
Asphalt Parking Lot & Road Pavement Resurfacing, Replacement & More in Reno, Elko, Henderson, North LV, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Las Vegas, NV | State of Nevada
Installing asphalt requires the needed time to ensure quality and longevity of the asphalt. For quality asphalt services, contact Andersen Asphalt & Striping.
