Step 1: Demolition and Removal
The first step in the asphalt installation process is to remove the existing surface, whether it is asphalt, concrete or pavers.
Demolition and removal is completed using heavy machinery, including small bobcats and forklifts and when necessary, front loaders and large dump trucks.
Debris is removed and in most instances, Wolf Paving recycles the old asphalt and concrete in our asphalt plants, turning deteriorating waste into strong, usable new asphalt.
Step 2: Grading and Sloping
Using laser guided transits and automatic motor graders, the Wolf Paving team grades the surface to be paved to ensure that water will run-off appropriately.
Proper water drainage is vital to your asphalt, because water is a major cause of damage, including potholes, cracks and heaving.
Step 3: Prepare the Sub Base
You’d never guess that the most important part of your new asphalt surface is actually the sub base.
The sub base provides a stable surface to support new pavement.
The sub base is a frost barrier to help reduce winter damage due to freezing and thawing.
During the installation, base thickness, base stability and compaction are important steps. If the sub base is not appropriately compacted, the asphalt surface on top will not provide years of durability.
Step 4: Proof Roll, Undercutting and Sub Base Repair
Once the sub base is fully graded and compacted, ensure the underlying surface is strong and ready to support new asphalt.
If the gravel flexes more than an inch under the weight of the truck, it means that the base is not properly supported.
Undercutting can be used to repair soft spots. This process involves digging down below the surface 2 or 3 feet and replacing the underlying soft clay or soil with stronger aggregate material.
Step 5: Binder and Surface Course
Once the sub base is laid and any soft areas are identified and repaired, it is time to add the binder.
The binder layer is large aggregate mixed with oil, making it very strong and durable.
The binder layer can be thought of as the strength of any new asphalt surface.
Step 6: Install New Asphalt Surface
Once the supportive structures of a new asphalt surface are installed, the top layer of fresh asphalt is added to provide a clean, smooth ride.
Surface asphalt is made up of small aggregate, sand and oil.
This combination of materials creates jet-black asphalt that when installed appropriately, provides a smooth ride and a shiny, attractive finished surface.
Step 7: Butt Joints and Transitions
It is very rare to install an asphalt surface that does not connect to existing driveways, roadways or parking lots. As such, asphalt-paving contractors must find a way to smooth the transition from old surface to new.
Butt joints are areas were old asphalt or concrete meets new asphalt pavement.
These transitional areas require special attention to ensure that the grading and water run-off is appropriate.
Butt joints are important to ensure drivers and pedestrians don’t notice a difference in the surfaces.
To Complete the Project: Final Roll
Once the asphalt and butt joints have been laid, the entire surface is smoothed and compacted.
Using a roller truck, the new asphalt pavement surface is compacted and smoothed.
This process step ensures that no small bumps of aggregate or stone are left poking through the smooth new surface.
Your asphalt paving contractor should follow these installation steps to make sure your new asphalt surface will provide years of durability and functionally for your home, business, city or town.