You can judge a paving job before the asphalt even shows up by merely looking at the dirt. The real work, the work that determines the longevity of your pavement, occurs below the surface. This would be known as the excavation and grading stage, where a truly great asphalt paving job actually begins.
Starting From the Ground Up
Underneath a new asphalt surface is a battle with the forces of nature: shifting soils, water intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy traffic loads. If you start with a weak foundation, all the quality in top-layer materials will only delay the failure as opposed to preventing it. We emphasize proper excavation, removal of bad subgrade, and exacting grading to give the pavement the most solid base.
Our crews remove all unstable material until we reach firm ground, then rebuild with the right aggregate mix for the site conditions. Once the new base is in, it’s compacted in layers to create the strength that keeps pavement from flexing and cracking later. Every lift, every pass of the roller, is part of building that foundation.
Grading: Shaping for Performance
Grading defines how the finished pavement will perform once the base is in. We shape the lot or driveway to match the design elevations and establish the subtle slopes that carry water where it needs to go. The surface should shed water instead of holding it.
That process involves constant checking – the lasers, levels, and experience, to make sure the grade is consistent and the transitions are clean. A good grade is what keeps water from pooling, curbs from collecting debris, and edges from crumbling.
Compaction: Locking in the Foundation
After the grading is complete, the base is then compacted until it’s firm and unyielding. Every pass of the roller adds density and strength. The finished base should feel solid underfoot and capable of handling weight without movement. Density is what allows the asphalt layer to remain stable and fight against rutting and cracking as time goes by.
We take our time here because this stage drives how well the paving will go. When the base is level, dense, and dry, the asphalt will spread evenly and bond properly.
The Foundation for Long-Term Results
What you observe when looking at a freshly paved surface is really the culmination of everything that transpired beforehand. Excavation, grading, and compaction are the silent steps that ensure long pavement life. They dictate how the lot drains after a rain, how it handles a loaded truck in summer heat, how well it stands up to another tough winter.
The Asphalt Maintenance & Paving has built our reputation on doing that groundwork right. Each phase, starting from the first excavation cut to the final strip of asphalt, works in sequence to produce the strongest and longest-lasting pavement we can build.
Are you planning a paving project? Contact us to schedule a site visit. We’ll evaluate your base and build a foundation that’s ready for the long haul.
