3 Common Mistakes When Laying Asphalt and How To Avoid Them

August 18, 2022

3 Common Mistakes When Laying Asphalt and How To Avoid Them

Does your asphalt maintenance business struggle with simple mistakes? Don’t worry—the processes involved with paving driveways and parking lots are complex and require attention to detail, so mishaps are expected along the way. For your convenience, here are three common mistakes people make when laying asphalt and how you can avoid them during your own projects.

Poor Base Grading and Compacting

The base layer refers to the gravel below asphalt pavement, and ensuring that it is graded and compacted properly is essential. Grading involves smoothing out the gravel and matching any slopes in a way that promotes support and adequate drainage. When this isn’t done correctly or is done without care, it can lead to a plethora of other issues, including faster degradation.

Additionally, your sub-base should be compacted thoroughly to prevent warps, deformities, and ruts from forming in the asphalt over time. Simply taking the time and effort to ensure these tasks occur before laying asphalt can help you avoid these mistakes.

Insufficient Surface Prep

As we’ve mentioned many times, you must thoroughly prep a surface before laying any form of pavement. A clean surface ensures far better results, including better longevity and durability. Failing to do so can lower your effectiveness and business reputation. Remove any and all debris, trash, leaves, branches, water, oil, and other liquids before beginning the paving process. We recommend using a dry-cleaning method to maintain better efficiency, as it takes a few hours for surfaces to completely dry.

Working Carelessly

Ultimately, the easiest mistake you could possibly make is working carelessly, as this almost always invites more challenges, setbacks, and accidents. We highly recommend making a comprehensive plan before beginning a project, as this can help you avoid controllable mistakes before they occur. When laying asphalt, go at a slow, controlled, and steady pace. Rushing this process can lead to inaccuracies that result in the deformation of the pavement in the future. Overall, it’s important to spend the necessary time and care required to lay asphalt each and every time you undertake a project.

Understanding how to avoid common mistakes when laying asphalt ensures the best possible results for you and your clients. If you require additional support in your asphalt business’s endeavors, consider the selection of quality blacktop repair products and other maintenance products at NAC Supply.




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