Paving FAQ
What time of year can paving be performed?
We perform paving projects year-round in the Puget Sound area, but we lose many more days to poor weather November through February than the rest of the year. The size of the project can determine the required weather conditions. Moisture, temperature and wind all contribute to how quickly the asphalt cools. We need to be able to get the material placed and properly compacted before it cools below 180-200 degrees.
Each has its purposes and advantages. An overlay is certainly a cheaper alternative, but often will not last as long. When asphalt fails, it is usually the base below the asphalt that has failed first. If the asphalt is not removed, we don't have the opportunity to correct the base failure problem. Overlays are often susceptible to so-called reflection cracking, where the cracks in the underlying pavement will "reflect" through and begin to show in the top layer.
(1) A sturdy and well-compacted sub-base (2) A pavement thickness and mix design that is appropriate for the weight-load that will be using the pavement (3) Proper compaction to 92-95% density (4) Diligent maintenance in the years after it is placed, including filling cracks immediately and periodic seal coating.
We purchase asphalt from various asphalt manufacturing plants around Puget Sound including Cemex (formerly Rinker), Lakeside Industries, Tucci and Sons, Woodworth and ICON.
Typically, newly laid asphalt can be driven on within several hours. The colder the weather, the sooner it is traffic ready. We usually employ a "touch test." If the surface is cool to the touch, it is ready to be driven on. However, asphalt will take several weeks to cure to its ultimate hardness and exposure to heavy trucks or equipment should be avoided if possible shortly after completion.
