ASPHALT PAVING SERVICES
Our better builders provide top quality application for commercial and residential asphalt paving projects.
ASPHALT PAVING SERVICES
Our better builders provide a top quality paving application and asphalt products for commercial and residential paving projects across British Columbia. Because of the many benefits of choosing asphalt installations, our clients rely solely on Valroc for their paving installation because of our experience, resources, and top of the line paving equipment. We tackle projects ranging from asphalt patches, minor paving repairs to large scale asphalt paving installation from Vancouver and all over the Lower Mainland.
Asphalt Paving Services
Asphalt is low maintenance, dries quickly, costs about half as much as concrete per square foot, and is very good for the environment. Over 73 million tons of asphalt are recycled each year. For these reasons, asphalt is the number one choice for large-scale pavement projects like roads or parking lots and plays a large role in society’s mobility. Asphalt is a popular alternative to concrete for smaller projects like driveways, playgrounds, and pathways as well because of its ability to dry quickly and absorb and remove stains with a simple wash.
Compaction essentially dictates the density of the asphalt. The more dense it is, the stronger the surface will be. This is also true for it’s base materials, sub-base materials, and hot mix. Proper compaction eliminates air voids from the materials and forces them together, which is why heavy equipment is required for a well compacted surface. Increasing the density supports potentially much heavier loads, better weather resistance and protection from wear and tear.
A pneumatic roller (rubber tire roller) is essential in the compaction phase of the paving job. If it is not used, the asphalt will not conform to the surface being paved. Initially steel drum rollers do an adequate job, but they bridge some areas of the asphalt. Contrarily, the pneumatic roller kneads the hot asphalt surface into the mat. This ensures a more dense compaction and drives the bigger aggregate in the mix towards the bottom and the fine aggregate to the top to create a structured seal. This helps protect the asphalt from moisture damage and eliminate voids. For long term durability and maximum cost benefit, it is essential to use a rubber tire roller on every asphalt job.
Hot asphalt mix cannot be surfaced if the existing surface is wet or frozen. The temperature must be taken at the site, away from artificial light, to make sure the minimum temperature requirements are met. Because cold winds will cool the asphalt during it’s application, they must also be factored into the decision to place the asphalt.
Here in Vancouver, the typical months for sealcoating run from April to the beginning of September when the temperature is consistent. UV rays are critical for drying and curing the sealer properly, so ideally the end of summer / spring is best.
Asphalt has the potential for great long term durability when properly maintained. Within six months, a sealcoat should be applied, then another every two to three years. Patch low areas to prevent damage, and regularly check the asphalts most vulnerable areas for cracks, as the damage will be minimal if caught and sealed early. Because of BC’s heavy stormwater, drainage systems are essential in protecting the asphalt from moisture damage. Most of all, develop and go over your asphalt maintenance plan with your contractor that preserves the long term value of the asphalt.
- Asphalt is the more budget conscious alternative to other paving methods. For this reason, asphalt is the number one choice for large scale projects such as roads or parking.
- Asphalt surfaces can be constructed more efficiently than other pavements, and dries very quickly.
- If you want the smoothest pavement available, choose asphalt.
- Driving on an asphalt surface produces less noise than any other pavement.
- It’s black colour holds up well to oil and weather stains. Also, when lines are painted on, they show up with opacity and maximum contrast making asphalt the safest alternative for parking lots and roads.
- When professionally constructed and maintained, asphalt pavements last longer than other pavement materials.
- Asphalt is 100% recyclable.
Asphalt is used for surfacing roads, flooring and roofing. It consists of aggregate such as stone, sand, or gravel, and uses ‘liquid asphalt’ to bind it together. Liquid asphalt is not tar – it is a natural sticky substance that is able to stretch and flex with extreme durability; it does not break. The binder is made from oil refining and essentially glues the aggregate materials to one another, creating a moldable mixture. It is then mixed with recycled asphalt material, and then heated.
The asphalt edge is the most susceptible area to crack after repeatedly being driven over. If it is not structured with a beveled edge and a 45° angle, chances are that the surface will crack. Adding quality seeded topsoil in alignment with the asphalt will also increase stability.
Resurfacing refers to a structural repair that will lengthen your asphalt surface’s life. In a resurfacing job, patching damages that may have occurred such as potholes or cracks is common. These repairs create inconsistencies in color and texture, so a new overlay of hot asphalt covers the entire surface for a brand new look. Sealcoating is not a structural repair but strictly a surface one. It protects the asphalt from future damage but does not fix previous wear and tear. Because of this, sealcoating is less expensive than resurfacing your asphalt.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABLE,
DURABLE.
VALROC Development LTD
is a general and independent contractor focused on construction, development, and renovations. We handle a large variety of residential, commercial and industrial projects of almost any scale. Give us a call and let’s move forward on your project.