Driveway installation requires a variety of steps. These steps include the subbase, Binder course, butt joints, and cost. Before tackling the project, it is essential to understand the proper procedures and materials. After all, you’ll need a smooth, durable driveway to last for years.
Table of Contents
Subbase
When preparing for Driveway Paving Charleston SC, it is essential to prepare a sub-base properly. The sub-base must be compacted and graded to ensure that it is solid enough to support the asphalt. The sub-base will also be proof-rolled to prevent soft spots. After the sub-base has been prepared, the contractor will apply a binder. This binder consists of aggregate and oil, which makes the surface durable and robust.
The thickness of the sub-base will vary depending on the area’s soil type. A thicker sub-base will withstand more weight. A thicker sub-base will also provide a capillary break, preventing groundwater seepage.
Binder Course
The Binder course in asphalt paving is the layer of hot mix asphalt beneath the surface course. It typically contains larger aggregates and less asphalt than the surface. It is composed of blast-furnace slag, produced concurrently with iron in a blast furnace. It provides the road with strength and a durable surface.
The Binder course should be smooth and uniform, with a minimum of 10 feet of surface area. The width can be reduced for the infill edge strips. While spreading, control the speed of the paver machine and monitor for deviations or irregularities. This will ensure that the pavement course is reasonably conformance with the Contract Documents.
The Binder course provides stability and skid resistance, especially when wet. The right amount of asphalt content in the mix is essential. This is the primary contributor to skid resistance. The surface aggregate is also necessary. The total has a rough texture that resists polishing and is resistant to slipping. Slippage cracks occur when traffic causes intense shear stresses and horizontal forces on the pavement surface. A lack of bond between the surface layer and the base course can lead to this condition.
Butt Joints
A butt joint is a vertical drop between two layers of asphalt paving. During the paving process, glue is applied between the layers to ensure proper adhesion. When the joints are not built properly, they can develop “tapering” at the edges and walkways instead of butt joints. This can cause the pavement to deteriorate quickly. To prevent this from happening, consider using an overlay.
Surface asphalt is made up of small aggregate, sand, and oil. When properly laid, this jet-black substance provides a smooth, shiny finish. Because asphalt surfaces are usually connected to existing characters, asphalt paving contractors must take great care to make the transition from one to another seamless. This is particularly important for butt joints, where the old pavement meets the new pavement. Paving Companies Charleston SC must pay extra attention to the butt joints to make this transition smooth.
Cost
The price of asphalt paving can be determined by several factors, including the location of the asphalt supplier, the type of asphalt used, and the amount of labor involved. The cost of asphalt paving varies depending on the type of asphalt used. For example, some asphalt suppliers make their asphalt while others buy raw materials from different locations. Choosing a supplier that makes asphalt on-site can help reduce costs while ensuring the highest quality product.
Asphalt is a perishable material that can quickly lose its quality if improperly maintained. It requires regular maintenance, such as crack sealing and seal-coating. This is essential in extending the life of the pavement structure. In addition, the asphalt mix must be adequately maintained to prevent cracks from developing. For this reason, a contractor should monitor the mixture’s temperature to achieve a dense and long-lasting surface.
Planning
Planning your asphalt driveway installation is essential in ensuring the project is completed correctly. This process needs to consider several aspects to ensure quality and safety. If you don’t plan your project accurately, it can lead to expensive expenses in the future. To avoid these costly issues, you should hire a professional asphalt contractor.
The first thing to consider is the size of the asphalt driveway. If it’s too small, your tires will slip off the edges and cause damage to the asphalt. If you plan on parking two cars on the asphalt driveway, consider the width of the driveway and the space for turning.
