Whenever you’re laying down asphalt you need to make sure that you compact it. “What is asphalt compaction?” you may be asking, well it’s quite simple! Compaction is putting pressure on your asphalt mix to make sure that you get rid of any excess air located in your mix. This is done to get the material as dense and durable as possible. Doing this also prevents unevenness from forming in your pavement. With that being said, here’s everything you need to know about asphalt compaction.
What Happens if You Don’t Compact Asphalt?
If you don’t smooth over and compact your asphalt then things such as air bubbles and warps will form on the surface. This may seem like a minor inconvenience, however, this issue is more than an aesthetic one. Having warps on your pavement can lead to an uncomfortable time driving on it, it can also lead to cracks. This ultimately results in buying costly repairs that you could have avoided had you done it right the first time. Don’t skim over the compaction process, it’s imperative that you take your time and make sure that the asphalt is devoid of any air pockets.
Asphalt Compaction Variables
There is a large selection of different mixes for your asphalt, some of which are designed to boost your asphalt density. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the thicker the mix is the easier it is to roll it out and compact it. The reason it works this way is due to the heat that it traps. Because the mix is thicker the heat has a harder time getting out, this means that you’ll have more time to roll it out and make sure you are densifying it as much as possible.
How to Properly Compact Asphalt?
The most common way to compact asphalt is to roll it. Much like painting a wall, a machine is used to roll over the solidifying surface. The large amount of pressure that is put upon it will make it as dense as possible. As mentioned before, you only have a limited amount of time to do this so make sure that when you pour your asphalt the machine is on standby. If it’s your first time laying asphalt down and you don’t have access to one of these machines then it’s in your best interest to contact a professional company. Doing this, especially if you’re laying down a lot of mix, gives you your best chance of being happy with the final product.
Have More Questions?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and seal coating asphalt. We are located in Osceola IN and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart IN. If you have any further questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to contact us today.
