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 is an engineered mixture of aggregate, or stones and sand, with liquid asphalt cement, a petroleum product. Varying sizes of aggregates are heated, and then mixed in exact proportions with asphalt cement that has been liquefied 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 the removal of the old asphalt and inspection of the subsoil. Soil Stabilization Fabrics should be used especially on weak, moisture-sensitive subsoil. Next comes the Base layer of crushed rock and sand mixed in the proper amount. The gravel Base should be from four 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.
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 Filled 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. 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. Salt, however, will not harm asphalt in any way.
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 installing it by hand is the most cost-effective way to seal your driveway. Sealers containing coal tar-based sealers have been replaced by asphalt-based products which are what we use. Filling any major cracks should be done prior to sealcoating by using a cold-pour product or hot rubber depending on the width of the cracks.
Sealcoating is a process of cleaning the blacktop surface and applying a mixture of asphalt sealer, hardener, and silica sand. We recommend using a brush or squeegee. This process does not affect the structural make up of the pavement, but it does beautify the surface and protects it from spills.