What is Compaction in Asphalt Paving?

Every asphalt installation project depends upon compaction to create the strength and density that is necessary for the pavement to stand up to the traffic load. Making sure that proper compaction occurs during an asphalt paving project requires an expert’s touch to ensure that not a single aspect of the procedure gets overlooked. Understanding what compaction involves and why it is important helps you know what to look for in a Treasure Coast paving company.

What Does Compaction Do to Asphalt Paving?

During an asphalt resurfacing or installation project, compaction serves the purpose of removing pockets of air that occur in the asphalt mixture. As the asphalt contractor makes sure the air is removed, the aggregates, or small particulates of sand or rock, get pressed together with the asphalt cement.

Helping the asphalt components form a tight bond is critical for creating the smoothest surface possible and preventing problems, such as raveling that ruins the structural integrity of the pavement.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Proper Compaction?

Paving lot contractors can often spot the signs of poor compaction from previous companies when they conduct a parking lot inspection. Poorly done compaction leads to problems such as rutting that occurs when heavy traffic presses the air out of the pavement that wasn’t released during the original paving services.

Moisture damage is also common when the components of the pavement aren’t fully bonded. Even tiny cracks that aren’t visible to the naked eye are capable of allowing water to seep into the pavement where it will weaken the bonds even more.

How Does Proper Technique Improve the Outcome of Asphalt Paving Projects?

Choosing an established asphalt paving company is important for making sure that compaction is done right the first time. Parking lot paving contractors can take steps to prevent damaging the pavement during the compactor process, such as making sure that the drum has a water film on the surface that stops it from picking up the still-sticky materials. Adding special release agents to the tires is also important for avoiding pick-up that leads to problems.

The speed and number of passes that a contractor uses for compaction also plays an important role in preventing premature wear and tear. Although there are general guidelines for performing compaction, a large degree of the success comes down to the contractor’s experience and ability to properly use their equipment.

Compaction is a critical step that our team at Asphalt Care Services knows is important for preventing some of the most common asphalt pavement challenges that people encounter. During our asphalt paving services, including asphalt crack repairs, you can expect us to take our time with this important process of packing down the pavement materials.

Asphalt Care Services is a local Treasure Coast paving company.  We are also proud to provide all of your parking lot maintenance needs that include speed bump installation, adding concrete bumpers and traffic signage to the space. Additionally, you can get our help with parking lot striping, including thermoplastic striping and sealcoating. When you have a pressing pavement maintenance issue, give us a call at 772-888-2840 or an email at [email protected]. We also respond quickly to customer questions that you can submit through our online form.