Asphalt paving is one of the most common materials used for roads, driveways, and parking lots. Asphalt requires relatively little maintenance and is highly durable, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial projects. This blog post will discuss the basics of asphalt paving and why it’s a great option for many applications.
The Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Asphalt Paving Summerville SC offers a variety of benefits over other materials, such as concrete. It is usually less expensive than concrete, which makes it an attractive option for those working on a tight budget. Additionally, asphalt can be laid quickly compared to concrete so that projects can be completed faster. The material also requires less maintenance than concrete; while cracks and potholes may need to be filled in concrete every couple of years, asphalt can last up to 20 years with minimal care. Finally, asphalt absorbs sound better than concrete, making it an ideal choice in areas that experience significant noise pollution from traffic or other sources.
How Asphalt Paving Works
Asphalt paving is one of the most widely used pavement methods for roads and highways. Asphalt paving increases safety and adds aesthetic beauty to your driveway or street. The process begins by preparing the surface, often digging to a stable base and applying a primer binder to keep it together. Next, layers of hot asphalt mix are added and compressed to form a solid foundation that can support heavy vehicles. An embedding stone layer is spread over the top to provide a smoother ride, followed by a wearing course with added stones if it will receive excessive traffic or wear. Finally, the freshly paved asphalt is rolled with heavy machinery to ensure optimal density before any traffic is allowed.
What To Look For in an Asphalt Paving Contractor
When selecting an asphalt paving contractor for your project, you want to choose someone with experience with your type of project and who uses high-quality materials for their work. Ask questions about their process to ensure they use proper techniques when laying down the pavement mix and compaction equipment. Ensure they also have good customer service—you don’t want them taking shortcuts to save time or money! Finally, always get multiple quotes before making your final decision so that you can compare prices among different contractors.
The Cost of Asphalt Paving
Depending on the job’s complexity, asphalt paving typically costs between $2–$5 per square foot. This includes labor and materials, such as asphalt mix, base course, compaction equipment, and other supplies. Some contractors may offer discounts for larger projects. Be sure to review all quotes in detail before selecting a contractor. It’s also important to factor in additional costs, such as parking lot striping, seal coating, and maintenance services.
Factors Affecting Asphalt Paving Cost
In addition to the size of the job, several other factors can affect the cost of asphalt paving. These include:
- Slope – Areas with a steep grade may require extra work to install the asphalt properly. This can add to the cost of the job.
- Ground Conditions – Uneven ground or poor soil conditions can increase the complexity of an asphalt paving job and add to its cost.
- Site Preparation – If the paved area needs to be cleared, leveled, or graded before installation, it will add to the cost.
- Drainage – If the surface does not have adequate drainage and allows water to pool on top of the asphalt can damage it over time. Installing proper drainage channels can help prevent this problem and keep your paving job looking better for longer.
Whether you are looking to pave a driveway or parking lot or build a road or highway, asphalt paving can provide an affordable yet durable solution that won’t require constant maintenance. When choosing an asphalt paving contractor—ask questions about their process and get multiple quotes before deciding on one contractor for your project! With the right contractor on board, you should have no trouble getting your asphalt project off the ground quickly!
