An asphalt surface can last for decades, as long as there is a strong base and properly drained soil underneath. Many business owners tend to opt for asphalt because it's a popular paving material for commercial roads and driveways. Review the following guide to learn more about asphalt paving if you're about to begin a project.

What Are Some Useful Facts About Asphalt Paving?

1. Different Types Suit Different Purposes

Each asphalt option has its own attributes. For example, the tiny holes in porous varieties clean stormwater and filter it back to the ground. On the other hand, cold-mix asphalt is suitable during the cooler months because it remains soft and flexible in frigid weather. As a result, it won't contract rapidly and lead to cracking like other asphalt varieties. 

Hot-mix varieties are categorized by aggregate grading and poured at temperatures between 300 and 350 degrees. Dense, fine varieties, for example, add stability to highways and other busy areas. Coarse asphalt adds strength to fine mixes so that paved parking lots won't buckle under the weight of heavy trucks or cars.

2. Wait a Few Days Before Using the Pavement 

Wait at least three days before walking on a newly paved surface and opening it to vehicle traffic. This patience will prevent holes, divots, and other impressions from forming that could diminish your investment and make it vulnerable to the elements. It takes six to 12 months for the material to harden, or cure, fully. During this time, avoid parking cars in the same spots regularly, and always wash down the material to remove any corrosive chemicals.

3. Cracks Have Different Causes

By knowing what causes different types of cracks, you can take measures to prevent or manage them. For example, cracks along the outer edge of the asphalt are due to heavy vegetation. Roots can crack the pavement, so be mindful of where you place plants. Longitudinal cracks are parallel to the surface's centerline and are caused by poor joints. In the case of minor cracking, a contractor can seal the fissure to stop moisture from seeping into the subgrade. A professional can remove the affected area and replace it with an overlay to repair severe cracks.

The licensed, insured paving contractors at Beausoleil & Sons Construction Inc. in Cranston, RI, will ensure your asphalt road, parking lot, or driveway is installed correctly. For over 50 years, these professionals have been the main source of commercial paving services for construction projects throughout Rhode Island, northern Massachusetts, and southern Connecticut. Call (401) 632-0203 to request an estimate.