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What Is The Process Of Laying Down Asphalt?

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The decision to have an asphalt driveway installed at your home is a financial investment. This financial investment should provide the highest quality of work and materials from the best Youngtown asphalt contractor. There is a process of laying down asphalt and a qualified asphalt contractor should follow this process so the homeowner gets the proper asphalt needed for their driveway.

The steps that are involved in laying down asphalt include:

The ground needs to be strong for the asphalt to be structurally sound. The foundation may need to have stones added to the ground so it can provide a sturdy foundation. If the foundation has a soft grounding material or stumps and roots, then this all must be removed first, then stones can be added to the area.
The foundation is one of the most important features of the asphalt. Gravel is added to the foundation to create the sub-base. The gravel will allow for drainage of water from the asphalt, along with providing support for the asphalt. The sub-base is rolled with a vibrating roller that will compact the sub-base. The compaction should be around two to three inches of sub-base thickness. The sub-base can’t be soft or unleveled, as this will affect the asphalt completely.
The hot asphalt is now ready to be laid. The hot asphalt is laid on top of the sub-base, and then rolled evenly. The surface has a paver and roller go over the asphalt so the asphalt is distributed evenly and compacted at the same time. The edges are hand tamped at a 45 degree angle so it provides the support needed for the asphalt.
The asphalt is laid and the crew will block off the asphalt so that nothing and no one is able to drive or walk on the asphalt.

The process of laying asphalt sounds pretty easy, but there is a lot of detail and hard work that goes into laying an asphalt driveway. Being an asphalt worker requires determination, craftsmanship, and dedication, as this is a hard and tedious profession, but the rewards are unlimited.

An asphalt contractor can do a regular sized driveway in two days. One day is used for getting the foundation and area ready for the asphalt and the second day is the actual laying of the asphalt. You will be able to walk on the asphalt 24 hours after the asphalt is completed. You can park and drive on the asphalt three days later. The process for asphalt is not quick, but the wait is worth it in the long run.

How Can I Tell If A Quality Job Was Performed On My Asphalt Project?

The factors that can determine quality work relates to the experience that you have had with the contractor and the crew, the equipment used to perform the project, the skill set of the contractor and the crew, and the value each and every worker sees in each project they complete.

A Phoenix asphalt contractor will want to have a good working relationship with the owner from the time that the contractor meets the homeowner to go over the asphalt project, until the time the contractor is cleaning up the area and presenting the final bill to the homeowner.

The contractor and the crew will provide quality materials that are being used for the asphalt project. There will be no short cuts on quality materials for the customers. The contractor and crew will work hard and provide quality asphalt for you. The crew and contractor should go that extra mile to make sure that you are pleased with the asphalt project they are completing for you.

The crew will be able to use heavy equipment that has been maintained and been properly taken care of. They will all be qualified and skilled in the asphalt industry. The contractor will make sure that the asphalt project is installed with precise, high quality work and effort. When the asphalt project is complete, the crew will clean up the area and make sure the property looks great. There should be no mess left for the homeowner to clean. The asphalt project will be roped off so nobody will walk or drive on the newly laid asphalt.

The contractor will have the homeowner inspect the finished asphalt project. The contractor will show you all the details of your asphalt project. The contractor will allow the homeowner to ask any questions. Lastly, the homeowner will pay the contractor for a quality job well done.

When the asphalt contractor has an open line of communication with the homeowner and provides quality work, then the homeowner will know for certain that the asphalt project has been performed with the highest quality a contractor can supply. The homeowner will be happy that they received a high quality asphalt project that can last them up to 30 years, along with an honest asphalt contractor that they can depend on for future projects.

When Can I Drive or Park on Asphalt?

The most common question that a homeowner wants to know when they are having AZ asphalt installed is when they will be able to drive or park on the asphalt. The importance of staying off the asphalt is vital for the asphalt. The asphalt goes through a curing process, and every day that the asphalt is going through this process, the asphalt grows in strength and durability.

Generally, in most cases a homeowner can park or drive on their asphalt within three days. The conditions that effect when the homeowner can drive or park on the asphalt include the weather conditions, type of asphalt, and when the asphalt contractor recommends this. The heat associated with weather can add a day or two to the time to wait before using the asphalt. If the amount of time to wait changes, the contractor will let the homeowner know.

Newly laid asphalt can be fragile. The purpose of allowing the asphalt to cure is so the asphalt will gain strength. The strength added to the asphalt will allow the homeowner to add weight to the asphalt without worrying if the asphalt will buckle.

These helpful tips will allow the asphalt to cure and gain strength:

Limit heavy trucks on the asphalt.
The open edges of the asphalt should have backfill added for support.
Try to park the vehicle in different spots on the asphalt.
Motorcycle kickstands shouldn’t be put on the asphalt.
Watch acceleration while on the asphalt.
Folding chairs should be eliminated from the asphalt.
No sharp pointed objects to be on the asphalt.
Don’t drive on the edges of the asphalt.

These tips will keep the asphalt safe and allow the curing process to continue. Asphalt will continue to get stronger and stronger. The more attention to detail and carefulness that a homeowner does for the asphalt, then the better the asphalt will be. After a year, the asphalt will have reached the full curing process. At this point, the asphalt will be totally cured and as strong as it can be. It is just that first few days and up to a year that a homeowner wants to give special care and attention to the asphalt.

What Determines The Price Of My Asphalt Project?

The price of an asphalt project will start off by determining the square foot of the project. The square foot of the project is the area where the asphalt will be added. Other factors that determine the price of an asphalt project include:
* existing sub grade
* permits
* culvert placement
* materials
* time
* equipment
* labor

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The existing sub grade is the area where the asphalt will be installed. The sub grade area should be free of any roots, debris, and should be completely clean. The area will be cleared, cleaned and ready for new asphalt to be applied.

Permits may be needed for asphalt projects that involve adding a culvert to the project. The culvert will allow the water to flow from the asphalt properly. The materials needed for an asphalt project will depend on how thick you want the asphalt to be. Some homeowners prefer having a thicker asphalt, just remember that the added inches will increase the price of the asphalt.

The equipment that needed is essential. Gone are the days when just a wheel barrel and shovel handles an asphalt project. There is a minimum of at least two large dump trucks needed for an asphalt project. Two trucks will keep the asphalt dumping at all times, which is important for the success of the project, as hot asphalt cannot sit in a truck; it needs to be dispensed immediately. Workers will be ready for the hot asphalt. When one truck leaves to get another load of hot asphalt, a truck will be ready to dump fresh hot asphalt.

The amount of time the new asphalt takes to be installed is also factored into the price, along with the labor of the employees performing the work. The number of employees needed for the project will be determined by the contractor. If the project is a large project, then there will be more employees needed, but the more employees needed, the faster the asphalt project will be completed. Insurance will be considered for the project, as the asphalt contractor will have to make sure that adequate insurance is obtained for the project. This is important for both you and your contractor.

The price of an asphalt project has many factors. Don’t let the price of asphalt determine who you hire for your project. An experienced and qualified asphalt contractor knows the importance of each factor for an asphalt project and will want to deliver the best results possible for you throughout the process.

For more information on Arizona’s top trusted commercial asphalt contractor, click here!

What Is An Overlay And When Is It The Best Option?

Overlay is a process that involves adding a new layer of asphalt to the current layer of asphalt or concrete. Overlay will boost safety along with curb appeal for a home or business owner. The overlay allows for a new asphalt without paying the big costs of new asphalt.

When can a homeowner or business have the option of doing an overlay to their current concrete or asphalt? A homeowner or business can do an overlay when the current concrete or asphalt is free from any drainage problems or a faulty surface.

Water drainage can be a factor to consider in an overlay process. The current asphalt and concrete must be able to drain the water. If the water drains right, then overlay can be applied to the current asphalt.

If there is a water drainage problem with the current asphalt, then this will need to be repaired before an overlay can be done. An asphalt contractor can take a look at the current concrete or asphalt and determine immediately if it is a good option for the overlay. If the water drainage issue is not repaired, the overlay will have no chance for success.

The current concrete or asphalt will have to be thoroughly cleaned and prepped for the overlay. This may involve filling any cracks. The cracks will need to be filled to prevent damage to the new overlay. The current asphalt will have a coat applied that will create a bond between the new and current asphalt. This application is vital for the overlay to be successful. A paving of asphalt will be added after the bonding has been applied, then paving will continue until the surface is smooth.

Overlay is an excellent option for homeowners and businesses. This allows for an inexpensive layer to be applied to improve your current asphalt. The appearance of the overlay will be fresh and new, adding years of life to the current asphalt. Many homeowners and businesses use the overlay process for cost efficient asphalt updates.

Click here for more information on Arizona’s top asphalt contractor!

How Long Should My Asphalt Last?

When you are asking an asphalt contractor questions about the installation process, one of the questions that should be asked is “how long should my asphalt last?” Asphalt is a big decision for you as a homeowner, and we understand that you want to make sure the asphalt will last for many years, because asphalt, although affordable, isn’t something you want to replace every few years.

Should an asphalt contractor tell a homeowner a certain amount of years that the asphalt should last them? What if the asphalt doesn’t last half the length of time? Will the homeowner blame the contractor for a short life asphalt?

The only time an asphalt contractor can be blamed for asphalt only lasting a few years is if the asphalt project was installed with low quality standards. Most homeowners can expect to get close to twenty years of life out of their asphalt before new work is necessary. If the asphalt only last a homeowner several years, then this is a definite indicator of a poor installation process, along with poor maintenance by the homeowner.

When the asphalt project is complete, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the asphalt. The homeowner must keep the asphalt free from cracks and holes. To do this, a seal coating should be applied every two to three years.

After the asphalt is properly installed, the homeowner must complete routine checks and repairs. This will keep the asphalt in good working order and free from any water buildup or damage. The draining of the water is also essential for a good asphalt. If the homeowner notices that water stands on the surface of the asphalt, the homeowner needs to contact the asphalt contractor to check this problem.

Other than small repairs and fixes, the homeowner doesn’t have to do much to the asphalt. The asphalt can last twenty years or more for a well installed asphalt that has been properly taken care of. If you are unsure about what should be done to the asphalt, give your contractor a call as soon as possible!

For more information on Arizona’s #1 trusted commercial asphalt contractor, click here!

What Our Clients Are Saying

Epayed the balance due on the job today and it’s scheduled for delivery on March 16. We are very please with the job, Chris, the crew, and the foreman were excellent… Read More

Anne and Al Cleveland

I had a great experience having YSC Paving pave my driveway. First, let me give you some background regarding my perspective. In the past, I’ve had some bad experiences with… Read More

Eric L.

A note of appreciation to you and your crews for the superb repaving job at Smoketree. 1. Your bidding analysis was the most professional and complete among the six bidders… Read More

Jock Wulffson President, Smoketree HOA

Susan, I’m dropping a check in the mail to you today. Your crew did a GREAT job!! It was a pleasure to watch them work – such teamwork and professionalism. … Read More

Larry Phoenix, AZ

Great Work! Thanks to all at YSC. You guys were straight shooters, easy to work with and my parking lot looks great. Highest recommendation! Read More

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