Getting ready for a new Asphalt Paving surface on your property is a significant undertaking. Whether you are tired of staring at a crumbling mess or building fresh, you want Asphalt Paving done right. Here around Lakewood, WA, our wet winters and transitional spring rains mean you cannot just slap down some hot mix and hope for the best. You have got to understand the process from start to finish.
Before the Paving Crew Arrives
Proper preparation makes or breaks your Asphalt Paving project. You can actually knock out a few preliminary steps on your own to save time and money.
- Clear out vehicles, trailers, and stored gear from the work zone.
- Mark any underground sprinkler lines or hidden dog-fencing so heavy equipment does not crush them.
- Trim back low-hanging tree branches that might block dump trucks or paving machines.
What you should not try to DIY is the subgrade engineering. Our local soils around Lakewood can be finicky, often needing professional grading and deep compaction with heavy vibratory rollers to prevent future settling. If the foundation is not stable, the best Asphalt Paving in the world will not last 5 years.
During the Paving Process
When paving day rolls around, it is time for the professional crew to get to work. Apex Asphalt Solutions brings in heavy machinery, hot liquid asphalt, and a full crew to get everything laid down properly.
Your job during this phase is to stay clear and keep kids and pets indoors. Asphalt Paving goes fast, but it requires absolute focus from the crew. You will watch them lay down crushed aggregate base rock, roll it flat, and then apply the hot mix asphalt at temperatures well over 250 degrees.
Do not try to rake or smooth hot asphalt yourself. That material cools fast and takes specialized lute techniques and heavy steel-wheel rollers to compact properly. Leave the Asphalt Paving to the experienced operators.
After the Paving is Done
Once we roll out of your driveway, your Asphalt Paving project enters the curing phase. This is where you take over the management of your new pavement.
Keep foot traffic off for the first day, and do not park your car on fresh asphalt for at least 48 to 72 hours. Hot weather in Lakewood can keep asphalt soft longer than you would expect, so avoid sharp steering turns while your tires are parked in one spot.
Long-term maintenance is where you save cash. You can handle minor weed control along the edges and keep the surface clean by blowing off leaves and debris. When hairline cracks eventually show up after a couple of seasons, grab a rubberized crack filler and seal them up before winter rain gets inside. For major sealcoating or structural repairs down the road, Apex Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Paving services for homes and businesses in Lakewood.