When looking at a cracked, sunken driveway in Lakewood, WA, homeowners often consider a weekend do-it-yourself project. Renting a plate compactor and using cold patch material feels like a straightforward Saturday job. However, when completing a full Asphalt Paving job around Lakewood, especially with wet Pacific Northwest winters and heavy clay soils, there is a distinct difference between what a homeowner can handle and when professional Asphalt Paving equipment is required.
Before the First Truck Rolls Up
Proper preparation determines the success of Asphalt Paving. Homeowners looking to save some money can handle the initial preparation work. Vegetation bordering the driveway must be cleared out, low-hanging cedar branches trimmed back, and utility lines marked. Calling 811 before digging into any sub-base work is required. Measuring the slope is also necessary. Water pooling near the foundation is a major problem during a Lakewood downpour, meaning the Asphalt Paving area requires a proper pitch.
However, grading that sub-base and bringing in crushed rock should be left to the professionals. Apex Asphalt Solutions uses lasers and heavy rollers to ensure the foundation will not shift when heavy rains arrive. If the sub-grade is spongy, no amount of top asphalt will save the surface.
During the Paving Process
On the day of Asphalt Paving, the work proceeds quickly. Hot mix asphalt arrives at high temperatures, usually around 300 degrees, and cools rapidly. This stage is strictly professional territory. Hot mix cannot be laid with a backyard rake to achieve a smooth surface that lasts.
Property owners should follow these guidelines while the crew is working:
- Keep kids and pets safely indoors away from the heavy equipment.
- Move all vehicles out to the street well before the asphalt trucks arrive.
- Stay out of the work zone so the crew can focus on getting the joints tight and the edges clean.
The rolling technique determines the quality of the pavement. A proper breakdown pass followed by a pneumatic rubber-tire roller and a finish steel-wheel roller creates a dense, tight mat. If steps are skipped during Asphalt Paving, rutting will appear by the following winter.
Apex Asphalt Solutions provides Asphalt Paving services for homes and businesses in Lakewood.
After the Paving is Done
Once the crew packs up, the new driveway looks dark, smooth, and clean. The next phase requires patience and waiting. Fresh asphalt needs time to harden. Foot traffic is acceptable after one day, but vehicles must stay off the surface for at least a week or two depending on the summer heat. Parking a heavy vehicle on warm, fresh asphalt too soon will leave permanent tire depressions that trap water.
After the Asphalt Paving material fully cures, routine maintenance begins. Keeping the surface clean, washing away oil spills immediately, and sealcoating after the first year or two locks out moisture. Proper maintenance ensures that Asphalt Paving in Lakewood will last for 15 to 20 years or more.