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Things About Asphalt Paving Projects You Should Know Or Review

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Paving your sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways can be an essential task if you are to ensure that your property is easily traversed. Unfortunately, people that need to have paving done will frequently be poorly prepared or equipped to make informed decisions when it concerns this particular property upgrade.

Can You Pour Your Own Asphalt?

Individuals that are handy with tools and enjoy completing their own improvement projects may want to attempt to pour their own asphalt. However, asphalt must be extremely hot when it is poured, and this will require specialized equipment. Additionally, it can put you at a higher risk of suffering a serious injury. For these reasons, you are always advised to leave this complicated work to a professional paving contractor.

What Type Of Prep Work Is Needed For An Asphalt Paving Project?

Prior to pouring the asphalt, it will be necessary to prepare the ground. For those that are replacing a concrete surface with asphalt, it will be necessary to remove all of the existing pavement before the new layer of asphalt is poured. Otherwise, the asphalt will be uneven and less stable. If you are having an area paved for the first time, it will need to have some excavation work done to it. This is necessary, as the ground will need to be as level as possible to keep the asphalt evenly distributed.

Is It Normal For The Asphalt To Soften On Hot Days?

It can be common for individuals to notice that asphalt seems to be somewhat softer on days when it is particularly hot. This is normal as the asphalt will slightly soften in response to these temperatures, but this should not be enough to cause serious problems for the surface. In fact, this can help to protect the asphalt against thermal cracking, as it will become more malleable, which can help to reduce the stress and strain that it experiences due to thermal expansion.

Why Should You Have Your Asphalt Surface Primed And Sealed?

After your asphalt has been poured, you should allow it to thoroughly cure before you prime it and coat it with a sealant. Priming the surface of the asphalt is necessary, as it will help the sealant to fully bond to the surface. The sealant itself is also necessary because it will help to prevent the asphalt from being damaged by water or suffering damages from oil and other fluids.

For more information and tips on asphalt paving, contact a professional company in your area. 


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