It feels like everyone has an opinion on what to do when it comes to the correct way to install asphalt.

 

It’s certainly not a task for a novice DIY enthusiast to install or replace asphalt yourself. It’s a lot of work and you’re going to need access to an important piece of equipment.

 

So, we’ve developed this easy to follow guide on the best way to pave an asphalt driveway to help you lay a perfect pavement or create your new asphalt driveway that looks great for years to come.

 

 

DEMOLISH ANY OLD PAVEMENT AND CLEAR DEBRIS

When [UPDATED] installing new asphalt, the first thing you want to take care of is the removal of the old, damaged surface. Start stripping it all away, whether it is asphalt or concrete, so you can start with a fresh canvas.

 

To help you remove the old paving, you’ll probably need heavy machinery (think bobcats and forklifts). If you don’t have this type of machinery, don’t worry, most equipment rental companies can help out here.

 

Remove all the debris and before continuing, make sure your surface is completely clean and clear.

 

 

GRADE THE SLOPE IN order to ensure proper drainage

It is time to prepare the surface so that it has adequate water drainage, now that you have a clean slate.

 

Effective drainage will help prevent the premature collapse of your pavement. To allow any water to run off to the sides and puddle, the surface needs to be graded.

 

Proper drainage is necessary for any asphalt pavement, as major damage, including cracks, crumbling and poor pothole repairs, can occur without it.

 

Call in an asphalt surfaces paving projects contractor to help if you’re not sure how to grade the slope yourself.

 

 

MAKE YOUR SUB-BASE PREPARE

The sub-base provides a stable foundation for your pavement and is the main support, so it’s pretty significant!

 

The sub-base serves as a frost barrier in winter that decreases damage from repeated freezing and thawing.

 

It needs to be correctly compacted when you install your sub-base, if the surface of your asphalt is not going to suffer. It will most probably not last for many seasons, and you will see cracking and weathering much faster than usual.

 

 

IN THE ROLL IS THE PROOF!

It’s time to test the roll as soon as the sub-base is fully graded and compacted. Rolling proof ensures that the underlying matrix is strong enough to support the asphalt and the loads on it.

 

If the base flexes an inch or more under the roller’s weight, then the pavement will probably not be properly supported.

 

You can repair any soft spots in the base using undercutting. Undercutting involves digging about 2 or 3 feet below the surface and a stronger material replacing the soil. This will provide the additional support it needs for your base.

 

 

ADD YOUR BINDER LAYER

It’s time to add your binder layer once you have the sub-base laid down and the soft areas of the base repaired.

 

A mixture of aggregate and oil makes up the binder layer to help support the asphalt and create a stronger, more durable pavement.

 

 

INSTALL THE NEW ASPHALT

It is finally time, after all that, for you to install asphalt!

 

You can start applying the top layer of fresh surface asphalt as soon as you have all the support structures of your driveway in position.

 

Sand, oil, and small aggregates are composed of surface asphalt. The combination of these three materials creates a jet-black asphalt appearance and provides a smooth, shiny and attractive finish when properly installed.

 

Take a step back once it is down, and enjoy the view.

 

 

LINK OLD SURFACES TO NEW SURFACES

Finishing touches are the final step.

 

Your new asphalt is likely to connect to driveways, roadways, and even parking lots. You’ll need to create a smooth transition between the two structures because of this.

 

The official name for the areas where old asphalt meets new asphalt is Butt Joints.

 

Butt joints need to be correctly graded more than aesthetically pleasing, this will ensure water runs off at every butt joint and you do not end up with damaged patches.

 

For drivers and pedestrians, keeping butt joints smooth and comfortable to use is also important. When driving or walking through it, they will not notice a difference between the old and the new asphalt if the butt joints are smooth.

 

You should have a smooth, good-looking driveway paved with those 7 steps completed!

 

 

BONUS STEP: SEALCOAT……but still not!

For extending the useful life of your driveway, sealcoating (or asphalt sealing) is very critical. However, before applying any asphalt sealing product, it is important to allow the asphalt to heal completely. This means waiting until sealcoating is done for at least 3 months and maybe up to a year.

 

A LOT OF HARD WORK ON SOUND? Get the employees to do it for you.

At SmartLiving, through our partnering network, we provide residential, commercial, municipal and industrial customers with high-quality asphalt paving, asphalt repair, and asphalt maintenance. Get in touch today if you need some help paving your new asphalt driveway.

 

For a free quote, get in touch with us today. We can help you find pre vetted paving contractors in your area.