Asphalt New
Construction

At Paving Charleston, we work closely with many new home builders to create spectacular driveways and roads. Whether it is a commercial building, municipality, or home, we can handle any size or scope of new construction asphalt building. There are many revolving pieces that go into a new construction asphalt project. It is our experience, expertise, and professionalism that sets us apart from our competitors. Many steps go into building your new road or driveway, and if the prep work is not done correctly upfront, it can lead to poor aesthetics and diminished longevity.

Demolish and Remove

The first step in the asphalt installation process is removing whatever material is currently in the way of paving. First, we demolish and remove any materials to leave a fresh path. Next, we move the debris off-site and do all that we can to recycle concrete, asphalt, or any other material that we remove. We believe in being as environmentally friendly as possible and keeping Charleston eco-pristine!

Sloping and Grading

Water drainage is a critical issue for the longevity and durability of your asphalt driveway or road. We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that the surface is appropriately prepared for effective water drainage. Our automatic motor graders and laser-guided transits ensure that we achieve the right slope and grade for effective water movement. Since water issues are typically responsible for potholes, heaving, and cracks, we pay close attention to ensuring that the original step of sloping and grading is done correctly.

Preparing the Sub-Base

One of the most critical parts of your new asphalt installation is the sub-base. The sub-base is responsible for providing stability for your new pavement. It is also a frost barrier, which we don’t always need in the South, but it does work to prevent damage due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Both compaction and base stability are necessary and required steps. If not done correctly, it will severely impact the pavement’s durability and longevity.

Undercutting, Proof Roll, and Sub-Base Repair

After the sub-base is compacted and graded, we complete an extra step in our process called a proof roll. The proof roll is meant to ensure that the surface is durable enough to support a new asphalt installation. We first drive over the entire surface from end to end. If we find that the gravel moves more than an inch under the weight of the vehicles we use, that means that it is not enforced correctly and we go back to the drawing board. If we find soft spots, we use undercutting to repair them. Undercutting is a process where we dig down about two or three feet and replace the underlayment soil or soft clay with stronger material. We also offer things like geo-grid instead of using undercutting. Geo-grid involves digging about 16” below the surface and then laying down a grid to bridge materials together. That strengthens them to accommodate the asphalt material. We also offer plowing, which involves undercutting, but we don’t remove the soft soil and clay; we mix in the aggregate to help the compromised area.

Surface and Binder Course

After the sub-base is laid and any soft areas are identified and rectified, we add a binder layer for strength and durability. The layer is like the backbone of the new asphalt material.

Install New Asphalt Layer

Once all of the prep work has been completed, we move into the new asphalt installation process. A fresh layer of asphalt is added for a smooth and finished appearance. The surface asphalt is made from oil, sand, and aggregate. It is the combination of the three that provides the dark and rich black color. We also ensure that it is smooth, shiny, and done perfectly!

Transitions and Butt Joints

Asphalt driveways and roads almost always have to connect to something that is existing, like a roadway or parking lot. It is important that you pay close attention to the transition from the old surface to the new. Butt joints are areas where concrete meets new asphalt pavement. Handling transitional areas properly is critical for things like water drainage and runoff. They are also essential so that passersby and motorists don’t notice the transition from one to the other.

The Finished Project

Once the transitions have been addressed and the asphalt is laid, we use a roller truck to compact and smooth everything. We have perfected our process to ensure that the new surface is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and lasting.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to begin your new construction asphalt project, contact us to
get started today!

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