Asphalt Paving Tips

Soil Base

• Be sure to remove any debris before paving. Depending on your base soil quality, you may want to remove some of the base soil and replace it with a more suitable mixture. If paving with sub-grade soil, it must be compacted before paving. Soil with a high clay content or shale is particularly unstable. Earthy soil mixed with gravel makes a good stable base for paving.

Drainage

• Compress the base soil using a roller, but be sure to allow for a crown in the center of the area to be paved. The crown is where the area rises slightly to allow water to drain off and down the sides, instead of pooling on the road. This will allow for a safer driving area during precipitation as well as slow the process of erosion.

Grade of Asphalt

• Different grades of asphalt are good for different purposes. Asphalt is graded according to amount of other substances mixed with the asphalt bitumen. These substances include minerals and rock as well as recycled materials such as roof shingles. HL3 asphalt is coarser and more durable. This kind of asphalt is more suited to roads and highways. HL3A asphalt is smoother, and is more suitable for driveways. Choose the grade that is best for your job by consulting a professional.