You’ve decided on asphalt for your new driveway, sidewalk or parking lot. You’ve made the call to Epic Paving to schedule an installation. Everything’s all set – but now what happens? Just what’s actually involved in installing asphalt? Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can expect as your new asphalt is being laid down.
Demolition
The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the existing surface! If it’s old asphalt, it can often be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Otherwise, the asphalt, concrete or old interlocking pavers are torn up with heavy machinery.
Grading
Water drainage is key to ensuring a long-lasting asphalt surface. With that in mind, your contractor will grade and slope the surface to ensure that water runs off properly, using motor graders to get the perfect slope.
Subbase
The subbase provides a stable support for your new asphalt, and protects it from dangerous freeze-and-thaw cycles in Toronto’s harsh winter weather. This is installed after grading, with the contractor making sure that it’s properly compacted to provide years of durability.
Binder
The binder layer is coarser grade of asphalt, with larger stones. This is added to increase the strength and durability of your new asphalt. Without it, your asphalt top would likely crack or break under the constant pressure of cars and other heavy machinery. The binder layer helps fight against breaking and cracking, keeping your asphalt strong for years to come.
Top Layer
Finally, the top layer is added. This is the finer layer that provides a great aesthetic quality and ensures a smoother, more comfortable surface to your new asphalt installation. It’s made up of smaller aggregate than the binder layer, as well as sand and oil. It also produces that deep black color that gives new asphalt its trademark shiny finished surface.
Transitions
After the asphalt has been laid down, the transition from the new asphalt to preexisting driveways, roadways or parking lots need to be smoothed – otherwise, you get large, uncomfortable bumps. It takes special attention to make sure the water run-off is appropriate in these areas; if not done properly, they can be common trouble points for water pooling.
Final Roll
When everything is laid down, from the subbase to the very top layer, it’s time for the final smoothing and compacting. A roller truck is used to compact and smooth the surface, making sure that no bumps of aggregate or stone remain in your new surface.
When you trust Epic Paving with your asphalt installation, you can rest assured that you’re getting a surface that will provide years of durability and functionality.
