A successful asphalt paving project requires contractors and their crews to take a step-by-step approach that will result in an attractive, safe, durable pavement. Skipping even a single step, or executing a step incorrectly, can have disastrous consequences, including costly repairs, an unsightly appearance, a rough surface, or the premature failure of the pavement. Two steps that you do not want your contractor to skip or botch are the binder and topcoat installations. Constructing asphalt pavements can help explain their importance.
How Does a Long Island Paving Company Construct an Asphalt Pavement?
Normally, a paving contractor in Nassau or Suffolk County begins by determining the traffic that the new pavement will need to support. Parking lot paving companies with experience know that a parking lot designated for passenger vehicles will not experience the same demands as one required to support the weight of fully loaded tractor-trailers. Paving contractors can design a pavement that optimizes performance, durability, and economy by recognizing the stresses it will be subjected to. Once the design specifications are established, the paving contractor takes the following steps:
1. Prepare the soil. If the soil cannot be adequately compacted, the contractor may amend it
2. Construct and compact an aggregate base.
3. Install and compact multiple layers of asphalt. Two of these layers will be the binder and topcoat.
What Does an Asphalt Paving Contractor Mean When Speaking of the Binder Course?
An asphalt layer, applied on top as the binder, covers the aggregate base. This layer is the base coat. The purpose of the binder is to make the base stronger and more stable. The asphalt mix for the base coat normally incorporates crushed rocks that are approximately 3/4 of an inch in size.
What Does an Asphalt Paving Contractor Mean When Speaking of the Topcoat?
The topcoat serves as the surface layer, also known as the driving course or finish course. To ensure a smooth and attractive surface, we incorporate smaller aggregate in the asphalt mix for the topcoat, rather than using larger aggregates as in the base coat. For topcoats, most commercial paving contractors use aggregates that are less than a half-inch in size.
When Overlaying Asphalt Pavements, Do Contractors Install Binders and Topcoats?
To install overlays, a stable pavement foundation is necessary to avoid using binders. When the contractor removes sections of the existing pavement to repair or strengthen the base, they install a binder on the repaired or renovated surface. The contractor will install a topcoat, however.
Why Are Binders and Topcoats Important for Asphalt Pavements?
Properly installed binders can help reduce the need for costly repairs or the premature failure of the pavement. When combined with professional paving maintenance, topcoats help ensure that the pavement has a surface that delivers a quiet, smooth ride. Sealcoating Long Island pavements can help protect the topcoat from damage so that the driving course remains safe, smooth, and attractive.
When You Need a Reputable Paving Contractor in Nassau or Suffolk County, Contact Royal Pavement Solutions
We are a Long Island paving company with an impeccable reputation for craftsmanship, service, and integrity. We offer a wide variety of services, including sealcoating, asphalt overlaying and paving, site work, lot striping, asphalt repair, sweeping and portering, asphalt crack sealing, building maintenance, and concrete work. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, you can call 844-777-7924, or you can fill out our online request form.
