Commercial Asphalt 101: What Property Managers Need to Know

As a property manager, you know that the condition of your commercial asphalt surfaces can significantly impact your business. From driveways to parking lots, properly installed and maintained asphalt can make all the difference in terms of the visual appeal, safety, and surface longevity.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the important aspects of the commercial asphalt paving process so that you can make informed decisions about your property’s needs.

Preparation

Preparation is a critical component of the commercial asphalt paving process. It lays the foundation for a successful project, ensuring the finished surface is strong, durable, and long-lasting. In addition to improving the performance and longevity of the surface, proper preparation also enhances safety, ensuring that the finished product is safe and functional for businesses and their customers.

Planning

The planning phase involves thoroughly assessing the site to identify potential issues affecting the paving process. This includes assessing the existing surface, drainage, and subgrade, as well as determining the required thickness of the asphalt layer. The appropriate materials and equipment to use are also considered. Proper planning can help avoid delays, reduce costs, and ensure the finished product meets your expectations.

Surface Preparation

Once the planning phase is completed, the existing surface is cleared of debris or old pavement before laying the asphalt. Surface preparation involves removing existing pavement or debris, filling large cracks or potholes, grading the site for proper drainage, and compacting the soil to create a stable base for the asphalt. Grading the site and creating a stable base for the asphalt layer provides adequate drainage, prevents standing water, and reduces the risk of cracks and other surface irregularities. Proper surface preparation also creates a smooth surface essential for safety and aesthetics.

Choosing a Contractor

Commercial asphalt paving is a major investment that requires careful planning and execution. It’s critical to ask your contractor some important questions to make sure that you will be able to get the best results from your paving project. Here are some questions you can ask:

What are your qualifications and experience with commercial asphalt paving projects? Can you provide references or examples of similar projects you have completed?
What is the scope and timeline of the project? What are the project’s expected outcomes, and how long will it take to complete the project?
What possible concerns or challenges will delay the completion of the project, and how will you handle them?
What type of asphalt materials and equipment will you use and why?
How will you ensure quality control during and after the paving process, such as testing, inspection, and warranty?
How much will the project cost, including labor, materials, and overhead? What are the payment terms for the project, and how much will be required upfront?

When choosing your contractor, you have to consider their assessment and design process, their project experience and credibility, their team communication and reliability, and the project planning and disruption plan. E. Meier can cover all these for you. Our team will prepare a detailed project plan complete with cost and a time estimate, ensuring that your commercial asphalt paving project is completed on time, on budget, and with a quality outcome.

Materials

After preparing and planning, your contractor can begin prepping the needed materials. This may involve choosing the mixing asphalt, setting up equipment, and measuring the dimensions of the area to be paved. Selecting the right type of material for your project requires considering factors such as the expected use of the pavement, local climate conditions, and the available budget.

The main material components in asphalt paving include aggregates, binders, and fillers. Aggregates are a mixture of sand, gravel, crushed stone, and other materials used to create the base layer of an asphalt pavement. The size and type of aggregate used can impact the performance and durability of the pavement.

A binder is a glue-like material that holds the aggregate together and creates a smooth pavement surface. Bitumen, a highly dense, black, and sticky material extracted from crude oil, is often used as a binder. Fillers are materials that are added to the asphalt binder to improve its performance and durability. Combining these materials gives asphalt its unique properties, such as being highly durable and water resistant.

There are 3 major types of asphalt mixes that can be used in your paving project:

Hot mix asphalt. This mix is known for its durability and resistance to heavy traffic, making it ideal for high-traffic roads. However, it is also the most expensive type of asphalt due to the high energy requirements and production and transportation costs. This is ideal for paving in warmer months, and it cools down quickly for fast asphalt installation and melts snow and ice faster.

Warm mix asphalt. This type of asphalt is mixed and laid at lower temperatures than hot asphalt. It can be used for paving in any season and is less expensive than hot asphalt. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among contractors; however, it may not provide the same level of durability as hot asphalt.

Cold mix asphalt. This is the least expensive type of asphalt mix. It is easy to use and can be applied without special equipment, making it a popular choice for quick repairs and patching. However, it is less durable than hot or warm asphalt and may require more frequent repairs. It is best for surfaces that receive little wear and tear.

Some paving projects may require adding other materials, such as mineral fibers, to provide extra strength and longevity. Don’t hesitate to talk with your contractor about the materials for your paving project. A contractor like E. Meier can work with you to determine how the surface of your commercial property will be used, such as vehicle size and traffic volume, and guide you in choosing a suitable material for your project.

Paving Process

Once the site is prepared, and the asphalt mix design is determined, the paving process can begin. The asphalt mixture is spread evenly over the prepared surface using specialized equipment to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. The asphalt paving process consists of several stages in order to properly prepare and pave a commercial property.

Milling. The existing surface needs to be milled so that the pavement has a smooth, even base to build upon. Moreover, proper drainage is also considered in grading and leveling the surface.
Applying the Binder. Once the surface has been prepared, the binder is applied to the surface using a spray tanker or distributor truck. The binder must be applied evenly and at the appropriate temperature to ensure proper adhesion to the surface.
Applying the Aggregates. The aggregates are then spread over the surface using a paver. The aggregates are distributed evenly at an appropriate thickness to ensure a smooth, leveled surface. The paver is also adjusted to attain the proper slopes.
Compaction. Now that aggregates are spread, it’s time to compact the surface. This gives its strength and durability. A roller is typically used, adjusted to apply the right amount of pressure, and operated at the proper speed for good compaction.
Finishing. The edges of the pavement are trimmed and any necessary markings or striping are added.
Cooling. The newly paved surface is allowed to cool and harden before it can be used. This can take several hours to a few days depending on the weather conditions and the thickness of the pavement.

It’s worth noting that the exact process of asphalt paving can vary depending on factors such as the type of asphalt being used, the size and shape of the area to be paved, and the specific requirements of the project. Attention to detail is crucial in commercial asphalt paving, ensuring proper slope and drainage to prevent standing water, maintaining proper thickness to prevent cracking, and ensuring proper compaction to prevent settling.

The team at E. Meier has decades of experience and understands the importance of considering these crucial steps when paving a commercial space. If your project involves new construction, we will handle grading, subgrade installation with rock services, and asphalt overlay. In cases where we are not constructing something new, our primary focus will be on performing asphalt mill and overlay.

Maintenance

It’s also important to keep in mind that while asphalt surfaces may appear to be relatively maintenance-free, they do require regular maintenance and inspection to maintain their condition and lifespan. In general, asphalt surfaces should be inspected at least once a year to identify potential problems that may need attention. Regular inspections will help to ensure that the asphalt remains in good condition for many years.

Here are some tips for maintaining your commercial asphalt surface:

Regular Inspections: This is one of the most important steps in maintaining a commercial asphalt surface. You have to check the surface for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, potholes, and unevenness. By catching these issues early on, they can be repaired before they become more serious and require more extensive repairs.

Sealcoating: Sealcoating is a process of applying a protective coating to the surface of the asphalt. It helps prevent water, oil, and other substances from penetrating the surface, which can cause damage over time. Sealcoating should be done every 2-3 years to ensure maximum protection.

Crack Sealing: If cracks appear on the surface of the asphalt, they should be filled and sealed as soon as possible. This will prevent water and other substances from penetrating the surface and causing further damage.

Patching: When potholes or other serious damage appears, these need to be cut out and replaced with new asphalt.

Proper drainage: Standing water on the pavement can cause damage. This can be addressed by making sure that drainage systems are functioning properly and that any standing water is promptly removed.

Following these maintenance tips can help keep your asphalt surfaces in good condition for years to come. It is crucial to work with a reputable asphalt contractor to guarantee that any repairs or maintenance works are done properly and to the highest standards.

E. Meier has extensive experience in asphalt maintenance, and we can provide all of the maintenance services and more. Our skilled professionals can inspect your asphalt surface, identify any issues, and recommend the best course of action to keep your surface in top condition. Whether working on mill and pave or surface patching, as well as repairing and replacing drains, you can rest easy knowing periodic inspections and repairs will keep small problems from becoming huge issues.

Paving a Smooth Road Ahead

Paving a commercial property can be an entirely different process than paving a residential property. There are many factors to consider before choosing paving material, like how to estimate costs or whether the project will require permits. If you’re thinking about using asphalt paving for your next commercial project, these are the things you need to know in advance: the preparation and planning required, the materials needed, the paving process, and the maintenance for the long run.

One key consideration property managers should keep in mind when planning for their asphalt paving is selecting the right paving contractor that can assist you in your paving needs and provide you with services to help you maintain your asphalt over time.

E. Meier Contracting can be your reliable partner in paving your commercial property.

We can take on any kind of project, from pathways and recreational courts to roads and parking lots. No matter what your needs are, we can make sure your project is done on time and within your budget.
Connect with an expert at E. Meier for your next asphalt paving project!