About Hot Mix Asphalt
Why Asphalt?
The Choice of Millions Worldwide Hot mix asphalt is attractive and it creates an inviting driveway.
Asphalt is easy to maintain and looks great. Home owners like hot mix asphalt for the same reasons that road builders do; It combines a smooth, sound-absorbing driving surface with an attractive appearance.
In the winter, it absorbs heat to help melt snow and ice quickly. In the summer, it provides the most durable driveway.
What is Asphalt?
Hot Mix Asphalt Hot mix asphalt is an engineered mixture of aggregate, or stones and sand, with liquid asphalt cement, a petroleum product. Varying sizes of aggregates are heated, then mixed in exact proportions with asphalt cement that has been liquified at about 300 degrees. While the mixture is still hot, it is delivered to your driveway and paved on top of a base or subgrade that has already been prepared.
The installation process...
It begins with a Base layer of crushed rock and sand mixed in the proper amount. The thickness of the gravel base should be from two to eight inches thick. This thickness will vary depending upon the soil conditions. The saying "An asphalt driveway is only as good as the base beneath it" is so true it cannot be emphasized enough.
Next comes Soil Stabilization Fabrics Geotextile fabrics which helps provide cost-effective stabilization of permanent pavements, especially those constructed on weak, moisture-sensitive subsoil.
Installation The hot asphalt is now applied with a paving machine. This machine operates on very much the same principle as those used on freeways. It lays a mat of uniform consistency. The mat is then rolled while hot.
Our Minnesota Weather is punishing...
In Minnesota, the frost penetrates the ground as deep as four to six feet. The ground will heave when frozen this deep. No matter how strong the asphalt pavement is constructed, cracking is unavoidable. There are some steps that you can take to reduce the damage. Having your driveway Sealcoated and Crack fill every two years is one way to keep your investment long lasting.
Asphalt Enemies...
Gas, oil and all petroleum products will harm asphalt when excess amounts are spilled on the surface. Bicycle kick stands, ladders, or any other sharp objects will indent asphalt. Salt will not harm asphalt in any way. Radial tires, especially front wheel drive vehicles, may leave tire marks on new asphalt because of heat generated by the flexing of steel and rubber.
About Sealcoating...
Asphalt material oxidizes, dries out and the fine sand particles begin to wear off. The method of using commercial asphalt base sealer with a hardener and install by hand is the most cost effective way to seal your driveway. Sealers containing coal-tar compounds are not recommended, and we do not use these. Filling any major cracks with a special crack sealer is applied before doing any sealcoating.
This is a process of applying a mixture of commercial grade base sealer with a tarmax hardener, water and silica sand. This mixture is applied by hand using a squeegee or brush. Once applied, the water evaporates, the material hardens and the surface is waterproof. This process does not increase the structural strength of the pavement nor is it appropriate for repairing structural problems such as alligator cracking.