Asphalt Paving your Driveway

Installation of a New Driveway

Asphalt paving is getting to be the preferred choice when it comes to ones driveway material. This is because of the various properties of asphalt that make it excellent as a pavement material. Asphalt is the dark, almost black material also used on most new roads nowadays. What is known as Hot-mix asphalt paving is a combination of asphalt, stone and sand, all mixed up together and liquefied at a searing 300 degrees Fahrenheit to keep them fluid and easy to apply. Once it cools down, it actually hardens. That is why it sets more easily than concrete, which needs to dry before setting.

Asphalt is more affordable than concrete, and at the same time more flexible and durable, and therefore less prone to damage and cracking. It's especially suited to cooler climates, and isn't that much damaged by ice melt, as well as rock salt. Asphalt maintenance is also relatively easy and infrequent.

If you have been wanting to fix your old driveway and replace it with something new, then asphalt paving is probably the best bet for you. Read more on some tips to have asphalt paving installed on your driveway.

Determine the Foundation of your Asphalt Paving

Before you have asphalt paving installed, it is best to check your current driveway and see what you can work with from there. Is it in good condition? Are there any cracks on the surface? If you have such a driveway, then you have an option of pouring asphalt directly over this. It is definitely the easier solution and there is no dig to dig and prepare the foundation. However, you do need to consider if adding a 2-3 inches deep layer of asphalt to your existing driveway is going to be too high for your existing garage and everything else surrounding it. Most of the time, if you do choose this option, you will have to remove the fence and reinstall it after to adjust to the new height.

Most people prefer to remove the driveway, dig a bit into the soil, and apply an aggregate base of stones over the soil before applying the asphalt paving. Usually the aggregate base is 4-6 inches deep. This is used to provide a steadier, more stable surface for the asphalt. Rather than just adding asphalt to the soil, it also provides a base where run-off water can flow freely underneath the asphalt instead of running into it and over it.

Wait for the Right Conditions to Occur

Because the asphalt is very sensitive to the moisture as well as temperature, you need to wait for the right weather conditions before proceeding to lay it out on your driveway. If you want more time to apply and set the asphalt paving, then it's better to choose a day that is warmer, because the asphalt will not readily harden in warmer conditions. This gives you more time to plan and execute your paving. You can apply asphalt in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but for best results, days with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are optimal.

You don't want the day to be too humid as well. Moisture may seep into the asphalt and prevent it from setting easily, and may lead to delays and prolonged periods of waiting and setting. We not only need good weather the day the asphalt is installed but also for at least 1-2 days after as well, this will insure a perfect set.

Apply the Asphalt Paving

Now, once everything's all ready, it's time to lay the asphalt to the ground from the hot mixer. Now, since asphalt sets upon cooling down, it must actually be applied quickly before it even sets. You will have to stay on your feet and make sure everything is fine before it actually sets. Usually the asphalt layer is about 3 inches thick.

Asphalt maintenance is easy as long as you do it as a preventative measure your Asphalt will last long past its life expectancy. But if you don't maintain a seal-coat covering, make sure you do as soon as damage starts, to prevent the spread of damage over the rest of the asphalt. You can periodically apply a driveway sealant layer to the top of the asphalt. This will protect your beautiful new asphalt from the damaging UV rays and heat stress from our Sun. Also, check your driveway occasionally for cracking & as soon as you notice any cracks developing, get a sealer application at once to prevent it from getting larger.

Choosing Your Asphalt Contractor

The installation of asphalt pavement is a job reserved only for professional companies. However, you can't just go to any installer or asphalt contractor. It is important to know which companies are the right ones and which are the more dubious of contractors. One way, is to get multiple quotes for the paving job. This can give you a glimpse into the differences & nuances of the different companies. And it's not all about the cost!! If you have contractors asking how much the other companies quoted you, then they are clearly not using a formula to figure out cost & materials for the quoted price and just trying to compete. This can end badly!

If you are an honest contractor you won't care what the other companies quoted, because you know exactly how much it costs you per square foot to do the work, even with the variables in each property, this can easily be calculated with measurements. When your margins are slim, you're giving the customer the best price all the time, no matter what. You don't give discounts or have room to haggle. These are all ethical values we hold dear at True Paving Inc. Rochester is our home, so all of our customers are in our neighborhoods. Plus, you get what you pay for in most instances and you can be sure that True Paving always uses the finest possible grade of newly run hot-mix asphalt, mixed right here in Rochester, NY. The freshest possible mix will allow us to set it and grade it perfectly for your new driveway. We offer a 2-Year warranty to make sure there are no defects in the mix or install. Just another way we make sure our customers are happy!!

The New Driveway Process

Types of Asphalt Driveways

Your driveway is like a welcome mat for your friends and visitors. Most driveways are perpendicular to the street and on the same level but others may be curved and have a steep grade to them. It's the raised type of driveways that are the most noticeable and can look like a Yellow brick Road to your home. On the flip side, faded and broken concrete, bricks or paving stones can make the rest of your home look-tired no matter how new the building looks.

When looking for a new driveway surface asphalt pavement is a great way to go on many levels. First, it is less costly than concrete and paving stones. Even with the high price of oil asphalt paving is a cheaper option and, as well, the job is done quicker and without forms and hours of costly labor. Paving contractors are specialized for roads and driveways and are able to create a perfect pad for your driveway quickly.

The Asphalt Process

In basic terms, asphalt paving is also termed asphalt concrete because, like concrete, it is an aggregate held together by a binding agent. In the concrete process it is Portland cement that is the adhesive and in paving it is bitumen, or asphalt cement, that glues everything together.

Hot mix asphalt pavement is a mixture of gravel, crushed rock and sand mixed with liquid asphalt, a heavy by-product of the petroleum refining process. The oil is heated, mixed with the aggregate stones and then sold by the ton by the asphalt plant.

It is then purchased & delivered by truck to the work site and dumped into a spreader that actually puts the asphalt down in a wide, continuous strip or dumped onto the area & raked/brushed out by hand. Then a mechanized roller compacts the pavement, pressing it into the base of crushed rock.

The Base

As with any building process there has to be a firm foundation beneath an asphalt surface. For a driveway paving contractors will dig down approx. 4"-6" to remove clays, soils, old pavement and concrete. In some cases the old surface can make a good base for a resurface, but that is another article, most times it should be removed. Then a crushed rock base is put down (depth is depending on the use of the driveway/road/parking lot). A good base will also prevent the surface from cracking or sinking in spots.

The Pavement

Like concrete, Asphalt is premixed at an Asphalt plant. Asphalt plants will offer 3 different weights of Hot Mix Asphalt. By weight we are referring to the density or pounds per Cubic Foot. The Heaviest is called the BASE, this is the thickest hot Asphalt mix as it has the larger rocks in the mix & is the heavy-duty layer of the 3. Then the most widely used is the BINDER Asphalt, middle of the road mix of rocks that are diverse in sizes. Finally, we have the FINE TOP Asphalt, this has the smallest rocks and less sand, to give you the smoothest surface.

Many people like a smooth surface and will elect to go for the FINE TOP, this is a great choice for residential driveways & sport courts. However, as nice as this looks it does not stand up well to heavy traffic and large vehicles. This is why the paving contractor will put down two layers in the event that the driveway, road or parking lot will host heavy traffic or large vehicles.

What Causes Asphalt Cracking?

Prevention & Maintenance

Three Main Causes

Cracking is most often the fault of one of these three common culprits:

Moisture - powerful and persistent, water begins to break down a paved driveway almost immediately. Moisture washes away the gravel and sand base of an asphalt drive, causing the surface layer to shift and break, resulting in cracks of varying sizes. Water also attacks from the top, finding its way into crevices, creases and dents and exerting pressure from above. The weight and movement of rain water and snow will wear at the paved surface over time.

Sun - another powerful force of nature, the sun beats down on asphalt, creating heat and breaking down the substances contained in this aggregate material. Sunshine dries up the surface, and although too much moisture causes asphalt to wear down and crack, not enough moisture creates similar results. As the components of asphalt break apart under the heat of the sun, cracking results from normal conditions, such as a parked car, basketball net or even foot traffic.

Ground Movements - the ground constantly shifts due to seasonal conditions such as frost and thaw. Disasters like earthquakes and major storms also cause the earth to shift, but it is the annual ground movements that have a greater effect overall. Asphalt driveways are installed on a bed of gravel spread across graded earth. When that earth moves, the gravel naturally moves and puts force on the asphalt, often resulting in cracks and/or potholes.

The Age Factor

Cracks most often occur on older asphalt driveways. This can be attributed to the causes mentioned above & more exposure to the sun, greater amounts of moisture and consistent ground movements will take a toll. But aged asphalt is also less able to withstand the pressures of gravity, and it's difficult to protect your paved driveway against that factor.

New asphalt dries hard, but retains a certain amount of flexibility. As the material ages, that flexibility decreases and asphalt becomes more rigid. Gravity then takes a toll, exerting pressure on the entire surface and resulting in cracking.

Maintenance Tips

Asphalt driveways tend to have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years, depending on your climate, the quality of the hot mix and installation. Maintenance is also a factor. Paved driveways tend to be low maintenance, but with a few simple tasks and a keen eye for problems, your paved drive can last long past the life expectancy of the average driveway.

Tend to cracks as soon as possible. Crack sealants work well for small cracking, and those tiny fissures can soon lead to large gaps when left unattended. Driveway sealants will help to protect your paved drive from the effects of sun and rain. They add a protective layer to the top of the Asphalt surface and are recommended for any new asphalt installed.

Step-by-Step Asphalt Removal Guide

Hire us or Do It Yourself

How to Remove Asphalt Yourself in 3 Steps

If hiring an asphalt removal company is out of your budget, you may be able to remove the asphalt yourself for a lower price. Even if you don’t own the right equipment, you can rent your equipment for a daily fee that may cost less than a hired hand. If you choose to carry out the project yourself, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to remove asphalt yourself using the most common methods.

Step 1: Determine What Equipment You Need

Asphalt removal can be accomplished in various ways. In this first step, take the time to evaluate the project and determine what method you will use to carry out the project and the tools and equipment you will need.

Key takeaway: Taking the time to survey your project and determine the right method for asphalt removal will save you time and money. As a rule of thumb, the larger the project, the larger the machinery you should use.

• Removing the asphalt with hand tools. If the asphalt is contained to a small area, or if you’re simply removing a small portion of the asphalt, you may be able to remove the asphalt with handheld tools. If you prefer a non-powered tool, you can use a pickaxe. With the right amount of force, you can break up the asphalt and pry it up from the ground. You can also use a circular saw fitted with a concrete or masonry blade to break up and cut the asphalt into smaller pieces.
• Remove asphalt with a jackhammer. A jackhammer is a larger piece of machinery that would also work in the asphalt removal process. A jackhammer combines the forces of an electric hammer and a chisel to break slabs of material into smaller pieces. It’s an excellent tool for a project requiring more work than one can accomplish using the previous method.
• Remove asphalt with an excavator. If you’re working on a large project where you’ll be removing a large surface area of asphalt, like an asphalt driveway, you may consider using an excavator. With the right type of excavator, your project can move along quickly and efficiently. Using the excavator, you will use the teeth on the bucket to break apart and pry up the layer of asphalt. Just note that the use of an excavator may require specialized training

Pro Tip: No matter the method, you should always wear the right safety and protection gear. When on the worksite, always wear work boots, a hard hat, work gloves, eye protection and ear protection.

Step 2: Break and Remove the Asphalt

Once you’ve determined the right method to remove the asphalt, you can use the tool to break up the asphalt. The asphalt top sits on a bed of aggregate, usually crushed stones. As the asphalt surface breaks apart, it will also lift from the ground below it, making it easy to lift and remove from the surface once broken up.

For an asphalt resurfacing project you’d only remove part of the asphalt, this is necessary anywhere there is a connection to a garage floor or walkway. If you laid the asphalt on top of the entire area it would cause a height difference at those connections & subsequently a lip or hazard. So, we cut out approximately 1ft of asphalt along those edges so we can make a new, flat, smooth connection. For this you can use the circular saw or jackhammer method to break through it. Next, you can lift and dispose of broken asphalt and then refill and repair the surface.

If you’re working on a larger project and using an excavator, you should start in places where the asphalt is already compromised. Starting here will make it easier for the excavator to break through the asphalt and begin the excavation and removal process.

Using the teeth of the excavator bucket, begin breaking up the asphalt by digging them into the surface. Then, using sweeping motions toward the excavator cabin, lift the asphalt from the ground. As you work, use the excavator bucket to scoop up and move the pieces of asphalt out of your way & into the vehicle or container you will be using to remove them from the property.

Pro Tip: Anytime you are digging around residential or commercial areas you must contact the 811-dig group in your area, this is necessary when you are doing any digging of any kind, not just asphalt. The utility companies will come out & mark any areas where there are buried lines, cables or pipes with spray paint & flags.

Step 3: Properly Dispose of the Removed Asphalt

As with any construction project, proper disposal of materials is essential. City waste management services often won’t take discarded construction materials, so it’s your responsibility to deal with the waste.

Many construction sites rent a dumpster and haul it to the local dumpsite at the end of the project. However, asphalt can be easily recycled and repurposed. So instead of simply dropping off the old asphalt at the landfill, do a quick internet search to find asphalt recycling centers near you. Some services may even offer pickup for the construction site, saving you a trip.

Pro tip: You can use Recycle Nation’s tool to find a recycling location near you. Quickly type in your collection method, location and the material you wish to recycle to find businesses and recycling centers near you.

Average Cost of Removing Asphalt

Most companies charge for asphalt paving work by the square foot, ranging from Three to Seven dollars per square foot. This difference is because companies set their rate based on various factors, many of which we’ll discuss in the next section.

Cost Factors of Asphalt Removal

When hiring a contractor for a pavement removal project, there are various factors involved in how much they’ll charge you. For example, if a project proves more difficult than the average project due to limited workspace or other hardships, it may cost you more than expected. These are the most common factors that will affect the cost of your project:

• Square footage. Most companies charge by the square foot, so the larger the surface area, the higher the cost.
• Ease of access. Many pavement removal companies use heavy machinery to remove asphalt. If there is a lack of space to work or the company has to spend more time and money arriving at your worksite, they may charge you more.
• Difficulty of removal. Some projects may prove to be more difficult than others for several reasons. While businesses charge by square footage removed, they can charge a heightened rate if the job takes longer than expected.
• Living costs in your area. If you live in an area where living expenses are higher than average, you’ll likely pay more than if your project were located elsewhere due to inflated rates.

Asphalt Removal FAQ

When working with asphalt, you may have a few follow-up questions. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about asphalt removal. Why Should I Remove Asphalt? Asphalt wears down over time and becomes affected by the elements, like rain and sunlight. As the asphalt’s composition deteriorates, it can become unsightly and, more importantly, unsafe. If you notice any of the following issues with your asphalt, you should consider repairing it or removing and replacing it entirely. Deep cracks in the surface or large areas of lots of small spider web cracks Unevenness (humps or bumps) Areas that are sunken-in or protruding up Potholes or large missing sections

When working with asphalt, you may have a few follow-up questions. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about asphalt removal.

Why Should I Remove Asphalt?

Asphalt wears down over time and becomes affected by the elements, like rain and sunlight. As the asphalt’s composition deteriorates, it can become unsightly and, more importantly, unsafe. If you notice any of the following issues with your asphalt, you should consider repairing it or removing and replacing it entirely:

• Deep cracks in the surface or large areas of lots of small spider web cracks
• Unevenness (humps or bumps)
• Areas that are sunken-in or protruding up
• Potholes or large missing sections

What is the Best Way to Remove Asphalt?

The best way to remove asphalt depends on the size of the project and the tools you are most comfortable using. For projects that require removing a large surface area, the most efficient way to remove the asphalt is through an excavator. The use of an excavator may require special training, so if you’re unfamiliar with how to operate an excavator, perhaps another method would be more suitable.

Smaller projects are possible with the use of a jackhammer or a circular saw with masonry or concrete blade. With these tools, you can either break or cut through the asphalt to create smaller pieces of asphalt, then lift and remove it from the surface below.

The last way to remove asphalt is through the use of hand tools, like a pickaxe, to break down the asphalt. This method is only recommended for small projects since it can be fairly inefficient when compared to using power tools or an excavator.

When is the Best Time to Remove Asphalt?

Cracks, potholes and other unsafe asphalt problems can only worsen if left unaddressed since elements like rain and snow can get under the asphalt and change the surface beneath it, leading to further damage.

When cracks and potholes are one to two inches deep, asphalt removal is necessary to ensure safety for those driving or walking. If the asphalt breaks apart to create an uneven surface, remove and replace it as soon as possible.

How Many Years Does an Asphalt Driveway Last Before Needing to Be Replaced?

Most asphalt driveways last between 20 and 30 years before needing to be replaced. But the longevity of asphalt depends on various factors like geography, upkeep/maintenance and climate. The pavement may become brittle in dry climates, while in humid areas, moisture can build up beneath the asphalt, causing it to weaken & crack. The dramatic changes in seasons can cause the asphalt to expand & contract with the changing temperatures.

Maintenance is another important factor when it comes to the longevity of asphalt. Make sure you add the liquid sealant coating within the 1^st year of getting new asphalt installed. Then try to reapply the sealant coating to the asphalt every 3 to 5 years and, in extreme weather environments, or places with 4 seasons, every two to three years. You can’t really do it too much, and it’s really the only preventative measure we have for asphalt. Frequent resealing protects the asphalt from the Sun’s harmful UV rays, heat and keeps the elements from damaging it during the other seasons. Other important maintenance, like filling and sealing cracks and potholes, will also help mitigate any damage that has already started & help to get your asphalt driveway through its long-life span. 

Parking lot Striping

Pavement markings

The final step in any successful parking lot project is painting the parking stall lines and markings. Lines and stencils can be painted in a variety of colors.
Here are some of the pavement marking services we can provide.

• Parking Stalls Stencils
• Parking Stall Lines
• Fire lanes & no parking zones
• Arrows and STOP stencils
• Game Courts-Hopscotch-Basketball Courts-Volleyball Courts
• Fire Lane Lines and Stencils
• Red, Yellow, Blue Painted Curbs
• Speedbumps
• ADA/Handicap Parking Stalls

Asphalt Plants

Making Hot-mix Asphalt

AsphaltProduction

Hot-mix asphalt is produced in an asphalt plant where the required types and sizes of aggregate are heated to mixing temperature and blended with asphalt cement in the correct proportions. 

Asphalt plants generally fall into two categories: batch plants and drum plants. Batch plants make asphalt one batch (truckload) at a time while drum plants can make asphalt continuously and store it until it is needed.

Batch Plant

Produces asphalt one batch at a time Relatively low production capacities Easy to change to a new mix as needed

Drum Plant

  Regardless of the type of plant, the material flow is basically the same. Aggregate from the stockpiles in the yard is loaded into cold feed bins by front-end loaders. From there the cold aggregate is metered out onto a conveyor belt that transports it to a rotating drum equipped with a powerful burner where it is dried of all moisture and heated to the proper mixing temperature. Then the correct amount of liquid (hot) asphalt cement is mixed in and the resulting asphalt concrete is ready to go to the job site or to a storage silo for later use.