THE PAVING PROCESS
ASPHALT PAVING - DRIVEWAYS, PARKING LOTS AND ROADWAYS
Whether you need to remove the entire area, or recap the existing material, All County Paving can provide you with the expertise to make the process as easy as possible.
SUB-BASE
Always remember that your underlying surface is the most critical part of the paving process. If your base
is soft or spongy, the amount of asphalt you top it with will not matter. Our job is to create a strong, solid
sub-base by adding the proper amount of gravel and compacting the area with a double drum vibratory roller.
If after this, the area remains soft, the driveway will need to remain exposed in order for it to harden in
preparation for paving.
DRAINAGE
Water can do some major damage if not funneled properly in the paving process. When grading a project,it is vital that the area be pitched to divert any flowing water, away from the asphalt. In some cases, weinstall special drain systems which may be required to ensure water run off.
PAVING
Once the area is fully prepped, the asphalt can be laid. Residential driveways usually required 2 1/2" - 3" of compacted depth hot mix asphalt. For commercial areas, which utilize more traffic, it can take anywherefrom 3" - 6" of material, depending on plan specifications.
EDGES
We take pride in our detail to edging. Even a new driveway can lose its appeal if the edge work looks messy.
Also, the edges are the weakest part of your driveway due to the lack of side support. Avoid driving over the
edges since they will crack and crumble over time. We suggest building up the sides with topsoil to allow
room for sod growth and water drainage. This will support the edges and enhance the appearance after the
grass is grown.
SEAL COATING
Using a quality seal coat will increase the life and appearance of your driveway. Seal coating your driveway
will lock in the existing oils to keep the asphalt flexible, which reduces cracking. It is very important that
you use only quality seal coat. We recommend that you seal coat your driveway no sooner than 4-6 months
after the initial installation but no longer than after the first year. After that, every other year is sufficient.
At this time, we are only sealing driveways that we paved.
WEEDS & GRASS GROWTH THROUGH PAVEMENT
Vegetation, such as weeds and grass are sometimes able to push through asphalt. In most cases, you can
use a spot killer to remedy the situation.
CARING FOR YOUR NEWLY PAVED AREA
The first 14 days of your new driveway are the most critical because it is a time when the driveway is most
vulnerable. Do not drive on your driveway for 3-5 days or until the owner recommends you do so. If at all
possible, wait up to 14 days before parking on your new driveway, and when you do, only park on it during
the cool part of the day.
Asphalt has a 90-120 day curing process. Special consideration must be used during this period and during
the entire first season. Do not park on asphalt during the hot part of the day. Do not turn steering wheel
when the car is stopped. Keep motorcycle, bike stands, boat jacks and other sharp objects off the surface.
Plywood can be used under tires for campers and boats that are parked their for long periods. This helps
dispense the weight of the tires. Although, if at all possible, try not to park heavy objects on the driveway
for long periods of time during the first season.
