How to Work With Asphalt Paving

Paving with asphalt can be a tricky job, especially if you don’t have all the correct tools to perform the work. Contractors do asphalt paving on a large scale; however, you can pave something on a smaller scale, such as a driveway or a small parking lot. Asphalt is usually laid in warmer weather, since the heat helps set the asphalt, making it more stable.

Paper
Pen
Tape measure
String
Lathes
Tacks
Rake
Drum roller
Rock tamper
Asphalt mixture
Concrete mixer
Wheelbarrow
Trowel
Gravel – 3 inch
Gravel – 1 inch
Asphalt Sealer
Bucket – 5 gallon
Wooden stick

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the area you want to pave with a tape measure.
- 2
  Draw a sketch of the project area. Be sure to include all of the details of your project, including the area and depth of asphalt.
- 3
  Place string line around the perimeter of your paving project. Attach the string to lathes using tacks. Make sure the string is tight.
- 4
  Spread three inches of gravel over the entire area of your paving project. Use a rake to spread the gravel first, then use a drum roller to spread the rock evenly throughout the project. Lower the roller, starting at the edge of the gravel, and keep the drum rolling on the roller over the entire project. Go back and forth with the roller activated until the gravel is even.
- 5
  Compact the rock with a hand-operated rock tamper. Go over the rock three or four times with the tamper to ensure you have leveled the rock.
- 6
  Follow the package directions to mix the asphalt mixture in a concrete mixer. The mixer's motor should be running while you prepare the asphalt mixture.
- 7
  Dump the asphalt mixture into a wheelbarrow. Unload the asphalt on top of the rock base. The entire asphalt layer needs to be at least two inches thick.
- 8
  Spread the asphalt over the entire project by using a trowel. Run the trowel over the asphalt twice to make sure the mixture is even.
- 9
  Spread a 1-inch deep layer of gravel over the asphalt mixture. Use a drum roller to make sure the rock is spread out evenly over the entire project. Lower the roller, starting at the edge of the gravel, and keep the drum rolling on the roller over the entire project. Go back and forth with the roller activated until the gravel is even.
- 10
  Allow the driveway or parking lot to dry for at least 24 hours.
- 11
  Mix the asphalt sealer in a 5-gallon bucket according to the package directions. Use a wooden stick to stir the mixture.
- 12
  Pour the sealer out of the bucket onto the driveway or parking lot. Use the drum roller to spread the mixture out evenly.
- 13
  Allow the driveway or parking lot to dry for at least 24 hours before driving on it.

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