Quality Asphalt Paving Process

Is your driveway looking worse for wear?

Give it a fresh start and pave your way to a better driveway with our professional paving service from Parkdale. Our experienced team can provide you with a driveway that is both aesthetically pleasing, easy to maintain and durable. Plus, our expert team can ensure the job is done right, giving you a driveway, you can rely on for years to come. Get started on your new driveway today with Parkdale’s professional paving service.

What We Do

Existing Asphalt Removal and Excavation

The first step in the paving process is the removal of any existing asphalt and excavation of the underlying material. This involves breaking up the existing asphalt and hauling it away. This includes the use of heavy machinery such as skid steers, to remove the existing asphalt and create a smooth and level surface. The excavated area is then inspected to make sure it is level and free of debris.

Base Preparation and Grading for Positive Water Flow

Once the existing asphalt has been removed, the base must be prepared for paving. Base preparation and grading are very important steps in the paving process. The base of the pavement must be prepared properly to ensure proper drainage of water away from the paved surface and provide a stable foundation for the asphalt. This includes removing any existing vegetation, debris, and soil, and grading and adding the proper amount of crushed limestone or equivalent material to form a solid base. Grading the area for positive water flow ensures that any water that falls on the surface will be directed away from the pavement and not pool on the surface, which can lead to erosion and eventual failure of the paving material.

For gravel driveways, it is important to prepare and grade the existing gravel base. On older gravel driveways this often requires as much time and effort as removal of asphalt. First, any existing vegetation should be removed, and then the surface should be graded to ensure proper drainage. Any large rocks should also be removed. The grading helps create a stable and even surface for the paving material to be laid on. Any low spots should be filled in with gravel and compacted. Additional gravel may be added where required to form a solid base.

Finally, the entire surface should be leveled and compacted with a 5-ton vibrating roller and edges should be smoothed to a 45-degree angle. Parkdale Paving always take great care to ensure the proper base preparation and grading because they are essential for a long-lasting and durable pavement that will provide years of use.

Compaction to 98% Proctor Standard

Compaction to 98% Proctor Standard is an essential step in the paving process. This step is necessary to ensure that the pavement is strong and durable enough to withstand traffic. This step involves the use of heavy machinery, a vibratory 5-ton roller and/or plate compactor to apply pressure to the soil or aggregate material that is being paved. This pressure helps to consolidate the material, eliminating any air pockets and creating a denser, stronger, more durable surface. Parkdale monitors the compaction process to ensure that the material is being compacted to the desired 98% Proctor Standard. This standard ensures that the pavement will be able to withstand the pressure of everyday traffic and other environmental factors.

Hot Mix Asphalt Application

Once the base is properly prepared and compacted, hot mix asphalt is applied at a depth of at least 3 inches, and then compacted to a depth of at least 2 inches or more. Many companies promise to apply this thickness but often may not. If you see driveways with spider cracks, this is usually caused by asphalt being too thin. Parkdale’s quality reputation ensures accurate application of at least 2 inches compacted asphalt on every driveway.

Rolling to a Smooth Finish

Rolling the freshly laid asphalt is an essential step in the paving process. Doing so helps to create a smoother surface and helps to ensure a more even distribution of the asphalt material. During the rolling process, usually two rollers are used a 2-ton and a finishing 1-ton roller is used to compress the asphalt, allowing it to settle and form a solid bond with the underlying material. A plate compactor is used for the edges and areas where the rollers may be unable to access. The rollers and compactor are moved over the entire surface until it is even and smoothly finished.

Hand Tamping Edges to 45 Degrees

Once the rolling process has been completed, the edges of the asphalt must be tamped to a 45-degree angle. This helps to create a strong bond between the asphalt and the underlying material, as well as forming a neat, uniform edge that will provide better stability and longevity. Hand tamping is a labor-intensive process, but it is necessary to ensure that the edges of the surface are properly secured.

The rolling and tamping ensure that the asphalt is properly compacted and provides a smooth and even surface for vehicles to drive on. This helps to ensure that water will run off the pavement and prevent pooling.

Curing

The newly paved surface must then cure for a set period initially 3-5 days before driving on the it. During the first 12 months the driveway will be tender until the asphalt fully cures and hardens creating a strong and durable surface for years to come.

Longevity

With proper maintenance, a Parkdale Paving driveway can last for decades, providing long-lasting benefits and reducing the need for frequent repairs.

Long Lasting Pavement for Many Years

When it comes to asphalt paving, you want a company that knows the job and can do it right. Parkdale Paving has been in the asphalt paving business since 1978 and has established a reputation for quality work and exemplary customer service. Our experienced staff can handle any size job with ease. Plus, we offer competitive pricing, warranty and a satisfaction guarantee. So, if you're looking for an experienced, reliable asphalt paving company, give us a call. With Parkdale Paving, you can rest easy knowing that your paving project is in the right hands.