Whether it’s time to replace an existing old pavement or you’re considering a new project, asphalt is an excellent material for a range of applications. Long driveways, car parks, industrial properties, and other large areas benefit from the durable and secure base that asphalt provides. For other advantages of an asphalt installation, see our previous article: Benefits of Asphalt for a Semi-Rural Driveway.
The installation of an asphalt surface may take anywhere between a day to over a week depending on the scope of the project.
The asphalt installation process involves:
- Planning and measuring
- Excavation and site preparation
- Laying the basecourse
- Laying asphalt
- Leaving to harden
This article breaks down these required processes for a typical asphalt installation project; however, every project varies in complexity so these steps may be altered as needed.
Planning and measuring
So, you’ve received your free quote and are ready to go ahead with the asphalt driveway, car park or other projects. During the on-site quote stage, you will have received an on-site consultation to ensure the full scope can be developed and quote can be accurately provided.
The initial consultation may include finalising decisions surrounding the current groundworks, as it’s possible to lay the asphalt solution over an existing, sturdy base. If the current base is insufficient, or non-existent, the lot will need to be cleared and prepared as per the next step.
Additional considerations will need to be made surrounding drainage solutions as there are laws and practicalities to consider in ensuring water run-off is contained. If significant drainage solutions are needed, more work may be needed before and during the project.
The quote also includes conducting measurements to obtain the quantities and work areas on site. Acquiring the measurements is necessary to give an accurate project timeline, quote and final cost for the materials, labour and equipment required.
It’s always best to have an agreed total cost before works commence on site, barring unforeseen events of course.
NK Asphalt preparing a sturdy foundation before laying hot mix asphalt.
Excavation and site preparation
Depending on the outcome of the initial consultation – demolition and/or removal of the existing driveway or site surface may be necessary and is the first step of the asphalt laying process.
If the land remained untouched, then it will need to be cleared and compacted to increase stability. This will involve the removal of any uneven elements such as rocks, debris and any trees or vegetation within the work area and surrounds.
Regardless of the pre-works required, the subgrade will need to be graded to achieve the optimal slope for water drainage and run-off.
If an existing surface is to remain, there will be less need for this site preparation and may only need some minor repairs, edge tie-ins and sweeping before surfacing.
Finally, depending on any existing drainage solutions, additional works to direct stormwater run-off may be put in place during this stage.
Laying the basecourse
Basecourse can be limestone, roadbase, gravel or recycled concrete base, depending on availability and region that the job is in.
Laying the basecourse is a critical component of any asphalt project. A quality basecourse needs levels to drain water well and must be compacted and waterbound to become solid and provide a stable foundation for the asphalt layer on top. A high-quality basecourse provides strong resistance to damage caused by heavy-usage, erosion, and weather conditions etc.
It is important that the basecourse be fully compacted and properly water-bound to the exact shape, line and level that is required of the finished asphalt surface.
Site preparation in progress for a new asphalt driveway project by NK Asphalt.
Asphalt installation
In Perth hot-mix asphalt is a combination of aggregate (sand, granite or gravel) and bitumen binder which is blended at a high temperature to dry the aggregate, improve viscosity and flexibility. These characteristics make the mixture pliable and therefore easier to lay, grade and level before the material cools and hardens. The high temperature of hot-mix asphalt makes it the perfect solution to fill tight gaps and to manoeuvre sharp bends in the driveway.
This process is easy to get wrong and could be dangerous if the proper specialised machinery is not available. Therefore, you should rely on experienced contractors like NK Asphalt.
Final hardening
If you desire an attractive and functional kerb around the edges, this can be laid on the basecourse prior to the asphalt laying process. Additional components such as pavers may be laid to paths and smaller areas adjoining the car park, usually before asphalt is laid to minimise possible surface damage to the new asphalt.
The oxidisation (hardening or ‘curing’) of a freshly laid asphalt surface takes time, however, in most cases the surface can be lightly used the next day. Thorough hardening of the asphalt occurs gradually over a long period, which is part of the reason asphalt pavements can last for decades.
Who are the experts in Perth for asphalt installation projects?
Over 3 decades since starting the business in 1989, has proven NK Asphalt is a leading asphalt company. Our high-quality service and attention to detail has given us a reputation as one of Perth’s very best.
As a family-owned and operated business, we take great pride in our workmanship and safety to ensure all expectations are met or exceeded.
Get an Asphalt Driveway Quote
We provide a free measure and quote to get your project underway as fast as possible, so if your project is at least 150m2 or up to much larger areas and located in or around Perth, get in touch with us!
