Whether or not an asphalt parking lot or driveway will last depends on two things: proper installation and maintenance. In this blog post, we will be focusing on how proper compaction during installation prevents your asphalt pavement from needing premature replacement. A licensed Big Rapids asphalt contractor will always make sure to use proper asphalt compaction methods so you can enjoy your new paved surface for as long as possible.

An experienced asphalt paving contractor will make sure that the base soil, asphalt, and other paving materials are compacted. Compaction gets rid of spaces between particles where air is trapped. Compaction also gives your pavement greater strength for bearing the weight of traffic and parked cars.

Improves Capacity to Withstand Heavy Loads

Your asphalt pavement must be strong enough to not break down under the weight of heavy vehicles. In order to prevent distressed pavement, you’ll need to hire an asphalt installation contractor who has the experience to properly compact the base soil, asphalt, and other materials used during the paving process. Dense materials are strong because the particles within are packed tightly together. Compaction gets rid of the air pockets between particles, so you can enjoy a long-lasting durable paved surface.

Reduces Settlement

If an asphalt paved surface isn’t properly compacted, it will start to show signs of settling. This means that the foundation is unstable and has shifted underneath the surface. When the foundation starts to shift, it can create asphalt cracks and potholes. Another common sign of structural failure is when depressions form on the surface. Structural damage to paved surfaces is a big deal because it could cause larger problems in the future.

Resists Water Infiltration

Proper installation is your first defense against water damage. When your asphalt driveway or parking lot has been properly compacted, you won’t have to worry about water seeping into pavement to cause serious damage. What compaction does is pack down asphalt paving materials so that there are no air pockets left to create vulnerabilities in the paved surface.

Prevents Ruts in Asphalt

Over time, as traffic drives over your asphalt surface, you may notice indentations on the surface that follow wheel paths. These ruts in the asphalt can happen when an asphalt parking lot or driveway is improperly installed. When the base hasn’t been properly compacted, the weight of traffic can cause the top layers to compress into ruts that follow the flow of traffic.

The best way to prevent asphalt potholes, cracks, and other pavement damage is to hire an asphalt contractor with the necessary experience to handle your asphalt paving job. They will make sure that the materials are properly compacted, so you won’t be left paying for repairs or even premature replacement.

B&E Coating Services, LLC is a Big Rapids asphalt paving company dedicated to helping customers maintain the appearance and function of asphalt pavement. If you are interested in our asphalt paving service, be sure to give us a call at 1 (800) SEAL-817.