Part of running a successful asphalt maintenance business is being proficient at resurfacing damaged driveways. Resurfacing is a repatching project, and you shouldn’t confuse it with the removal and replacement of asphalt—the latter project for when a client’s driveway has damage that’s beyond repair. Here’s a quick guide to properly preparing pavement for asphalt paving to ensure that your next resurface job goes off without a hitch.
Before beginning the asphalt laying process, it’s essential to install butt joints where the sidewalks, curbs, and garage floors meet the driveway. Additionally, you must install butt joints anywhere older asphalt meets the newer pavement. The purpose of these joints is to create a more uniform surface at the end of the project. These connections also provide better stability and reduce the chances of warping and disfigurement.
The next step of preparing pavement for a resurfacing job involves filling in damaged areas of the asphalt driveway. This includes both minor cracks and large-scale holes and fractures. In some instances, you might choose to skin patch areas missing asphalt—this process entails laying a thin skin of asphalt over damaged sports without altering the existing layer.
Once you install your butt joints and fill or skin patch each damaged section, it’s time to clean your pavement surface. Ensure that the surface is completely uniform and remove any debris, rocks, or other materials on the driveway. Once cleaned, apply a tack coat to the repaired layer—this helps bind the new asphalt pavement to the older layer.
After completing these steps for properly preparing pavement for asphalt paving, you’re ready to apply the last layer and fully resurface. The new asphalt surface should be two inches thick and completely smooth. To ensure this process is successful, get the right tools by ordering new asphalt maintenance equipment from us at NAC Supply.
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