Asphalt Paving in Phoenix, AZ: A Brief Look at the Process and Time it Takes

September 1, 2018 Published by Leave your thoughts

Both business building owners and homeowners turn to asphalt paving in Phoenix, AZ for their driveways, parking lots and other surfaces. Asphalt, when installed properly, can withstand harsh elements and heavy foot and vehicle traffic, but only if it’s regularly maintained and repaired. Here’s a brief look at the paving process and the time it takes to pave a surface.

The time it takes to pave

If your asphalt surfaces are not smooth and crack-free, instead filled with potholes, stains and other damage, it’s time to fill and repave. Damaged pavement is unsafe for walking on and can harm vehicles.

Maybe you’re aware that unsightly asphalt can take away residential curb appeal or give a bad impression to customers, but you have reservations about possible downtime? Whether you are paving your home’s driveway or business’s parking lot, you want to be able to use your new surface as soon as possible. After all, at home, you either park in the driveway or drive over it to park in the garage; at your business, you need your paved surface (parking lot, driveway, walkway, sidewalks) usable to accommodate customers, vendors and deliveries.

  • How long does paving take? The amount of time the paving process will take depends on factors like the size of the area to be paved and the weather, as well as whether other construction needs exist—such as cable laying, piping and plumbing. On average—let’s say paving an average-sized parking lot—it can be as quick as one to two days.
  • What about sealcoating? Is it necessary? While you don’t have to sealcoat your asphalt surface, it’s recommended—especially since time, water, heat and regular use will accelerate wear and tear. Sealcoating offers extra protection and keeps it strong and long-lasting.

The paving process—commercial or residential

Depending on the type of paving project you have, the approach may differ slightly. Here’s a look at how it all comes together:

  • Remove old surface: For best results, the old driveway or parking lot materials should be removed and hauled away. This’ll take specialized, heavy machinery operated by professionals.
  • Grade the surface: To be sure the asphalt will adequately drain water, the surface needs to be graded. Grading helps water flow away from your home or building, helps limit water erosion that can lead to cracks, potholes and other types of water-related damage.
  • Add a binder layer: Asphalt material on its own looks durable and compact, but a binding layer needs to be added to the asphalt to ensure your driveway or parking lot remains strong. The binding layer, or supportive layer, is an aggregate and oil mix (also called the surface course) designed to withstand heavy traffic and changing weather. Once added, the new asphalt surface can be installed.
  • Smooth it out: The asphalt surface is in. It’s now time to incorporate it into your existing parking lot or driveway—or what’s left of it. The areas where they connect are known as butt joints, which need smoothing out to avoid unwanted characteristics like bumps and dips.

For more information about asphalt paving in Phoenix, AZ, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Sunstar Seal Coating, Inc.!

Categorised in:

This post was written by Writer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *