Are you new to the asphalt maintenance industry and eager to understand the key processes involved in asphalt paving? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro looking for a quick refresher? Either way, this guide will help you get up to speed on asphalt repair and paving essentials.
Why Choose Asphalt Pavement?
Asphalt is one of the most popular materials for paving driveways, parking lots, and roads, and for good reason. Here are a few benefits that make asphalt the go-to choice for paving projects:
- Eco-friendly: Asphalt is 100% recyclable, which helps minimize its environmental impact.
- Durability: Asphalt is more reliable and resilient than alternatives like brick, offering long-lasting performance.
- Cost-effective: Asphalt paving is more affordable and quicker to install compared to concrete and masonry.
- Noise reduction: Asphalt’s soft composition absorbs noise, creating a quieter, more pleasant environment.
Different Asphalt Paving Processes
There are several asphalt paving processes used to repair, maintain, or install new asphalt surfaces. Each process serves a different purpose, and knowing when to use them can help extend the life of your parking lot or driveway.
- Crack Filling: This involves filling in cracks with an adhesive compound to prevent them from growing and causing further damage.
- Sealcoating: Sealcoating is a protective layer applied over the asphalt to prevent damage from UV rays, water, and oil. It doesn’t use asphalt but rather a sealant to protect and preserve the existing surface.
- Patching: Patching fills in damaged areas like potholes to restore the surface’s integrity.
- Overlaying: For larger-scale repairs, overlaying involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface. This helps slow down further damage but does not completely solve underlying issues.
- New Installations: A full installation involves demolishing the existing surface, grading, preparing the sublayer, and applying a fresh layer of asphalt. This is a comprehensive, long-term solution for heavily damaged areas.
Essential Equipment for Asphalt Paving
To work with asphalt effectively, you’ll need the right tools and equipment to ensure a smooth, level finish. Common equipment used in asphalt paving includes:
- Lutes and Rakes: Used to spread and level hot-mixed asphalt.
- Tampers: Help compact the asphalt for a smooth finish.
- Scoop Shovels: Useful for moving hot asphalt.
- Squeegees: Ensure an even distribution of sealcoating or crack filling material.
For specific tasks like crack filling and sealcoating, additional equipment is necessary:
- Crack Fillers and Spray Systems: Essential for applying crack-filling compounds and sealcoating materials evenly.
- Pour Pots: Used to apply crack-filling material to narrow cracks efficiently.
Your One-Stop Shop for Asphalt Repair Equipment
At Asphalt Sealcoating Supply Inc, we offer a wide range of high-quality asphalt paving products and equipment to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to perform crack filling, sealcoating, or full paving installations, our expert team is here to help you find the right tools and supplies for the job.