Professional asphalt contractors need more than skill and knowhow to repair roads, driveways, and parking lots. Paving roads and repairing driveways takes many tools, and any contractor will tell you that having the right tool for the job is essential. Asphalt repair tools come in all shapes and sizes. Some are high-tech and some are low-tech, but they all serve a purpose on the job.
This simple tool is still the best. Technology can advance forever, but the low-tech shovel is still required to work with asphalt. It doesn’t matter the job’s size or scope, there’s still a need for shovels. Use round nosed shovels to fill in holes and cracks that massive pavers can’t get to. A square nosed shovel will spread asphalt and dirt evenly to areas heavy machinery can’t reach. A #2 Scoop is a must for every crew, the best way to move more asphalt.
Blowers are the first tool on the job. They blow dust and debris off the pavement, so it’s clean before the job starts. Smaller blowers look like a backpack similar to a leaf blower that a landscaping company might use. Larger, industrial size blowers can clear parking lots, and they’re better for larger projects because they can clear an area faster.
Squeegees and brushes are essential asphalt sealcoating equipment. They can apply an even sealcoat layer to protect driveways and parking lots. Rough-edged, stiff brushes clean off oil spots and remove debris that can prevent the sealcoating from sticking properly.
Asphalt paving and repair is an exact profession. Roads and parking lots need to be put in the right place according to the plans. A long, quality tape measure and marking paint are necessary to map out the job area. Precise measurements make sure that everyone on the job knows where they need to lay striping and asphalt. Measuring the square footage before sealcoating will keep costs down, as well. When the contractor knows how much coating is needed to cover an area, they won’t waste materials unnecessarily.
A tamper compacts the grade before paving. The earth and stone need to be compacted, so the footing is solid and keeps the new pavement from settling any more than necessary. Excessive settling in the pavement will lead to weak spots and cracks. Tampers can be manual or gas-powered machines that look like a jackhammer with a flat plate on the end.
Crack and crevice cleaners are inexpensive and can save a contractor money in the long run. These machines look like a compact push lawnmower, and they blow out any debris or water lingering in a crack or hole. If water is left to sit underneath asphalt, it will lead to more cracks as it freezes and expands.
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