We know asphalt is an investment and we feel it is important that our customers know exactly what process and materials we use at Reis Asphalt. There are three different types of asphalt paving services: brand new asphalt pavement, asphalt “reisurfacing” and patching. In this section we are going to focus on brand new asphalt pavement, the steps of proper installation and what you can expect throughout the process.
Establishing a Foundation
The most important step in creating a properly installed, durable asphalt driveway is what is beneath the surface. Creating a solid underlying base is critical for a driveway to endure our tough New England winters. We begin by preparing the area, removing any existing asphalt, large stones, clay and any other unsuitable material to prepare a proper sub-base before paving new asphalt.
We replace the excavated area with a thick layer of our own recycled Class-5 gravel to set a durable foundation that won’t shrink or swell during seasonal temperature fluctuations. We compact this base to maximum density with a heavy duty, high-performance vibratory roller to prevent future settling.
If the sub-base below the asphalt is not built correctly there will be problems in the future. It is the primary foundation of your new asphalt driveway. The sub-base has two primary functions which include providing a stable surface to support the asphalt pavement and creating a frost barrier to help reduce damage from freezing and thawing during the winter months.
Creating an Effective Drainage Plan
The number one enemy of an asphalt driveway is standing water, because it can lead to erosion and frost heaving. The key to building a quality driveway is to create enough slope to allow water to drain off and away from your new driveway.
Every driveway is different: some have a natural sloping that makes creating your new driveway simple and straight-forward. However, others have what is known as “negative drainage,” with a higher elevation at street level and a slope that leads down to the house.
A well-planned drainage system can overcome these natural obstacles to ensure proper water run-off and keep water from entering the house. This will not only protect your new driveway, but your garage, home and yard. No matter what your drainage issues are, we are experts in this area and will find a solution to create a proper water flow. We avoid installing drains because they are very costly and can fail in time. Our goal at Reis Asphalt is to provide customers with a solid driveway that is built to last them with no maintence.
If you are getting water in your basement, it may be the result of a poorly sloped driveway and landscape. The perimeter of the house should be regraded to enable the water to flow away from the house.
Asphalt 101: The Basics
When it comes to building an asphalt driveway or parking lot, the thickness and compaction of the pavement are one of the factors that define the overall quality and durability of the finished product.
The hot mix asphalt that is used for your driveway is made up of a proprietary mixture of aggregate material, which is an engineered mixture of sand and stones. The aggregate is heated and mixed in with a petroleum-based product known as liquid asphalt cement.
The mixture is heated to 300-degrees and is delivered still piping hot to your driveway to be applied on top of your prepared sub-base. A self-propelled paver machine is used to create an even and consistent thickness that will result in a very smooth finished surface. Reis Asphalt uses top-quality machinery to ensure that each job is completed to perfection.
We start by paving 1-1/2 inches of base asphalt, which is compacted to maximum density. Next we pave the top coat of 1-1/2 inches of top asphalt which is also compacted to maximum density using a high-performance vibratory roller.
The hot mix will harden rapidly and can, in most cases, be walked on within an hour. We recommend keeping vehicular traffic off the new driveway for about 24 hrs.
State of the Art Equipment and Expert Operators
We invest heavily into purchasing state of the art equipment and training our crew to become expert equipment operators to create a high-quality product. A properly compacted driveway will create a very dense, uniform driveway that will be resistant to settling and cracking.
Reis Asphalt, Inc. has been serving customers in Southcoast Massachusetts for over 28 years and our crew has over 100 years of combined experience. We are so confident in the services we provide that we guarantee our workmanship in writing.
For more information about brand new asphalt pavement installation, as well as repairs or resurfacing of existing asphalt driveways, contact Reis Asphalt at 508-996-0735. You can also use our online contact form to ask questions or set up an appointment for a free consultation and estimate.