What is Hot Mix Asphalt?

Hot mix asphalt also known as plant mix or blacktop, is an engineered mixture of aggregate and sand, with liquid asphalt cement, (a petroleum product). Varying sizes of aggregates are heated, then mixed, in exact proportions, with asphalt cement that has been liquefied at about 300 – 325 degrees. While the mixture is still hot, it is delivered to your jobsite and installed on top of a base or subgrade that has already been prepared.

Homeowners like hot mix asphalt for the same reasons that road builders do. Asphalt provides an all-weather, smooth, sound-absorbing driving surface that’s easy to maintain and it lasts for years.

It’s attractive slate black appearance enhances curb appeal and property value.

Professionally installed asphalt can have a service life of 20 to 30 years or more if properly maintained. The key to that long life is professional installation. At Standard Paving, every step we take in the paving process is designed to give the customer the professional product they expect, and a service life beyond their expectations. We use our own dump trucks to bring the asphalt to the project so it gets delivered on time while it’s still hot. We install the asphalt using our state-of-the-art equipment including self-propelled, self-leveling pavers to ensure consistent thickness and uniform surface. Our vibrating rollers and plate compactors provide necessary compaction, and most importantly our own full time, well trained, experienced crews.

Your asphalt project should complement your property, but it also has to take into consideration terrain, drainage, landscaping and grade. A straight line is the shortest distance between two points but sometimes a curve or two is the better solution construction wise and aesthetically.  No two jobs are exactly alike. At Standard Paving, we design your asphalt surface for maximum durability, function, and appearance. We build our driveways from the ground up, because what’s underneath is just as important as what goes on top.

Asphalt Repaving:

When an asphalt or concrete surface has repairable damage like deep cracks, potholes, low spots, or unsightly stains, the fastest. most cost-effective method of repair is asphalt repaving or “recapping,”     We identify, cut out and remove any structurally failing material. Cracks and potholes are filled, and low spots are leveled up. The surface is air and broom swept clean, and then we install a new layer of hot-mix asphalt. After compacting the asphalt, the end result is a beautiful, slate black, long-lasting surface that looks (and is) brand new.

Remove and Replace (R&R):

When an asphalt or concrete driveway has reached the end of its service life or is so damaged it is beyond repair, the only answer is removal and replacement. Our excavation crew will rip up and remove the old surface. A careful inspection of the subbase is made to determine if there are drainage or other issues that could affect the base. The base is graded and compacted in preparation for a new layer of asphalt. A self-leveling paver, assisted by experienced hand crews, installs a new layer of hot-mix asphalt. A commercial grade roller compacts the surface, and after a sealant is applied, you have a drive that is good for 20 to 30 years.

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Here is a brief description of the most common types of asphalt paving jobs that we do.

Paving Gravel:

Outside the urban centers of Northern Virginia, it’s not uncommon for homeowners and businesses to use gravel for their driveways and parking lots.  Gravel is relatively inexpensive, but it comes with problems. During the rainy season gravel surfaces can become mud holes subject to washing out. It the summer, gravel roads become dust bowls. On the plus side, gravel makes an excellent subbase for hot-mix asphalt or tar and chip paving. Paving over gravel with asphalt eliminates the constant need to replenish gravel and repairing washouts. When we pave over gravel, we inspect the base and replenish and grade the gravel then install a layer of asphalt using a self-leveling paver and hand crews. Once installed, the asphalt is compacted with a roller creating a beautiful, smooth, slate black surface that will enhance the curb appeal and property value of your home or business.

Usually the only real difference between the various types of asphalt paving jobs is the prep work that’s required, and like the installation, it has to be done correctly. Shown below is an overview of how we typically prep and install our asphalt driveways.

Recap prep work:

Step 1

Paving

The asphalt is removed at garage floors and walkways, as needed  for a flush tie in of the new asphalt surface.

Step 2

Paving

Holes, failed areas, low  spots and uneven areas  are repaired and leveled up with hot mix asphalt.

Step 3

Road construction

The driveway is edged, then air and broom cleaned to remove loose dirst and debris from the surface.

R&R prep work:

Step 1

Roller at work

The existing asphalt driveway is broken into little pieces, torn out and removed down to the gravel base.

Step 2

Roller at work

The broken pieces of asphalt are loaded into one of our dump trucks, then hauled off and disposed of.

Step 3

Paving

Thr gravel base is graded and compacted with a vibrating roller to form level and solid foundation.

Gravel prep work:

Step 1

Paving

If the existing gravel base has worn thin in places, we dress it up, as needed with new crushed gravel base.

Step 2

Roller at work

The gravel base is graded and leveled out with a skidsteer, then fine tuned with hand tools.

Step 3

Roller at work

The gravel base is compacted with an industrial vibrating roller, to form a rock solid foundation.

Asphalt Installation:

Step 1

Paving

Our own full time experienced crew installs the asphalt with a heated self propelled paver and hand tools.

Step 2

Roller at work

The hot asphalt is compacted with an industrial, steel drum, vibrating roller, to form a hard surface.

Step 3

road construstion

The vertical edges are hand finished and compacted for maximum durability and neat appearance.

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Asphalt Paving FAQs

Q: How long should an asphalt driveway last?

Ans: When done right, an asphalt driveway should last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. The average age of a properly maintained asphalt driveway is 25 years. Make sure to get the service from reputed asphalt paving contractors for the best results and longest-lasting driveways.

Q: My asphalt pavement is developing cracks and potholes. What should I do?

Ans: Cracks and potholes are never good signs for asphalt pavements, including driveways and parking lots. If you see cracks or potholes, call professional paving companies to properly survey and repair the pavement. When left unchecked, cracks and potholes will destroy the surface.

Q: What maintenance is required for asphalt driveways and pavements?

Ans: Regular seal coating is required every year or every couple of years to maintain your asphalt driveway. Other than that, prompt repairs for cracks, potholes, and other signs of damage are recommended. Local paving companies are well aware of the maintenance of driveways and pavements.

Q: My asphalt pavement is looking dull and colorless. What can I do to make it look fresh again?

Ans: Loss of color and shine often occurs after a few years of use. Seal coating is a good way to restore any asphalt pavement’s color and aesthetic appeal. A fresh seal coat every year or every couple of years from professional asphalt paving companies should keep your driveways and pavements bright.

Q: How can I stop cracks and potholes from forming on my asphalt pavement?

Ans: The best way to stop cracks and potholes from forming on your asphalt pavement is to maintain the driveway or pavement properly. Regular cleaning, seal coating, and other preemptive measures like keeping the water runoffs unclogged are necessary for this.

Q: How often should I seal coat my asphalt pavement in Northern Virginia?

Ans: Professional Northern Virginia asphalt paving contractors recommend a fresh seal coat every 2-3 years. However, depending on the use, this recommended timeframe can also change. Look for loss of color, debris, rocks coming off the surface, and other signs. Seal coating restores the color of the asphalt pavement while binding the surface up as well.

Q: Why should I choose asphalt pavements for my commercial property?

Ans: The state of your parking lot or driveway communicates a message to your customers. A well-maintained, smooth driving surface that is free from cracks and potholes indicates that you care about appearances. It also demonstrates that you prioritize customer safety and want to ensure their vehicles are protected from any damage when they visit your business. So, choose the right asphalt paving contractors for your pavement project.

Q: Can my asphalt pavement repairs be done during the winter?

Ans: Asphalt repair work can be done in winter by using cold-mix asphalt for temporary repairs, with proper repair done in prime weather conditions. Professional paving companies recommend repairing or replacing your blacktop before winter arrives for better results.

Q: Should I get my asphalt pavement repaired or a full repaving?

Ans: In order to prolong the lifespan of your parking lot, it’s important to address small issues, such as potholes and cracks, in a timely manner by filling them and seal coating the surface. However, certain types of visible damage, such as alligator cracking, indicate underlying problems that require the attention of professional asphalt paving contractors and may necessitate full repaving. It’s better to have an expert examine your parking lot before attempting to remedy the problem on your own, as it’s likely to reoccur and even worsen over time. If you’re uncertain about the condition of your lot, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

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