Common Asphalt Processes Property Owners Should Know About

Just like many roads around the globe, the history of asphalt is long and winding. Dating back to the 1870s, asphalt has been used to pave roadways and other structures for many generations. Naturally, asphalt processes and the ingredients used to make the aggregates have evolved since the early days, but the basic concepts and applications remain largely the same. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

With that in mind, here we talk about three of the most common asphalt maintenance and repair processes that are still used in the industry today.

Which Asphalt Processes Are Used to Repair and Maintain Pavement?

Asphalt pavement and aggregates are a staple in countless building and road infrastructures around the world. Considered to be one of the most durable and versatile paving materials, there’s not much asphalt can’t do. And it’s environmentally friendly to boot!

Of course, as resilient a material as it is, asphalt still requires routine maintenance and repairs from time to time. The following is a list of some of the most common asphalt processes that commercial and residential property owners should know about:

Asphalt Milling

Asphalt milling is the process of removing the surface layer of asphalt using a large piece of machinery called a cold planer. The cold planer drives across the asphalt pavement followed by a spiked drumhead. The drumhead digs shallow holes into the asphalt and rips out the top layer, saving it to create a new aggregate with it.

Sometimes, several layers of asphalt are ripped out if the pavement has become too elevated due to multiple repaving projects over the years. The reserved asphalt is granulated at an offsite processing plant and then integrated into the new aggregate.

The point of asphalt milling is to provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to repair damaged or unleveled pavement. Throughout the whole asphalt milling process, the sub-base is usually left completely undisturbed unless it also requires repairs. The new aggregate is poured over the existing sub-base and left to cure for approximately 24-48 hours.

Asphalt Pulverization

Similar to milling, pulverization involves using heavy machinery to strip away the top layer of the asphalt and crush it into fine bits, so that it can be integrated into a new, more stable mixture.

The main difference between the two is that pulverization skips the step of taking the granulated asphalt bits to a processing plant. Instead, several layers of the granulated asphalt are placed in the affected area where repairs are needed.

Asphalt Stabilization

Pulverization is part one of a two-step asphalt repair process. Stabilization is the second part. After the granulated asphalt is placed in the affected areas, waterproof binding agents and mixtures are laid on top. The binding agents mix in with the layer of granulated asphalt. Allow approximately 24-48 hours to allow the mixture to harden or stabilize.

If you’re looking for an affordable and effective asphalt maintenance or repair process for your commercial property, then contact the experts at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. For over 25 years, we’ve been one of the leading asphalt paving companies in Toronto and the GTA.