Step-by-Step Parking Lot Installation - Hicks Asphalt, Paving, and Concrete

If you have ever driven by a new commercial property construction site, you have likely seen part of the process of paving a new parking lot. Read on to learn all about parking lot installation, step-by-step.

Step One: Preparation and Marking

To start with the process begins with preparing the are where the pavement will be installed. This includes choosing the right contractor for your job, getting all the necessary permits in place, and having the appropriate utility companies come out to mark where their lines are buried. This ensures that it is safe when the next phase begins.

Step Two: Surface Milling

In order to provide a solid surface for the new pavement, any existing asphalt must first be removed down to the subgrade layer. If it is not, then any old cracks and blemishes will shortly start to show through in the newly laid asphalt, sometimes in as little as three months. This subgrade layer is then inspected for any flaws. If it is determined to be unstable, the subgrade layer will be milled out and replaced by new surface aggregate.

Step Three: Grading and Base Layer

Much like building a house on a poor foundation, so it is to pour asphalt on a subpar sub-base layer. This is where it is important that you have chosen the right contractor. There are no second chances in getting your sub-base layer correct. It must be constantly monitored and analyzed to be sure that it is compacted properly. It also needs to be evaluated for pitch throughout to ensure proper runoff of rainwater.

Step Four: Asphalt Pouring

Now we are ready to begin pouring the asphalt itself. Hot asphalt mix is brought in by dump truck to the sight and put into an asphalt paving machine. The machine then installs the asphalt in passes that range from 8 foot to 20 foot wide. Again, this is monitored for even pouring throughout installation and for drainage slope.

Step Five: Compaction

Now the surface of the new pavement is compacted using a mix of different sized asphalt vibratory rollers that range from 3 tons all the way up to 10 tons. Compacting the asphalt is the last step in the paving process.

Step Six: Pavement Marking

After all paving is complete, it is time to add any markings to your pavement. For instance, for parking lots this is when the parking space lines will be measured out and painted. This is one of the first things that people will notice about your business, so ensure clean, bright, evenly spaced parking stripes is a great way to make a good first impression.