Topwest Asphalt provides asphalt paving services in Vancouver, British Columbia. To learn more, call 604-755-0300 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
What is Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt is the black paving material you see on many public roads and highways, also widely used for parking lots and residential driveways. It is made up of crushed rock, gravel, and sand held together by a binding material called bitumen. Together this mixture creates a hard, durable surface that is ideal for driving and parking vehicles.
Benefits of Asphalt Paving
Asphalt is used for a variety of paving projects because of its many benefits:
- Strength. Asphalt is poured in a semi-liquid state, but once it hardens it provides an extremely strong surface.
- Durability. Asphalt is resistant to damage, even more so with regular maintenance.
- Smooth surface. When properly laid, it provides a smooth driving surface without bumps, grooves, or seams.
- Aesthetics. The solid black color of asphalt and its ability to be precisely shaped provides an aesthetically pleasing product.
- Flexibility. Asphalt is capable of expanding and contracting with changing temperatures, which can reduce cracking.
- Affordable. On average, asphalt costs less than concrete per square foot.
Services Offered
We provide the following asphalt paving services:
- New pavement. We can lay asphalt for a new driveway, parking lot, or other surface. We can install asphalt pavement on ground that is completely natural and undeveloped. Our services include preparing the foundation and laying the various layers of asphalt that are required to achieve a solid, lasting product.
- Crack sealing. Asphalt cracking generally happens when the top layer begins to oxidize, growing dry and brittle. Due to temperature fluctuations and stress, this can occur in any type of paving. Vancouver weather can raise the risk for cracking due to temperature extremes and frequent precipitation.
Once a crack has begun, rainwater and other moisture can seep inside, causing further erosion and worsening the problem. Over time, it can even destabilize the subgrade under the asphalt, causing additional cracks and leading to potholes. Sealing the cracks will extend the life of the pavement by preventing water from entering.
We begin with a process known as crack routing, in which we expand the crack into a V-shaped groove with neat edges and thoroughly clean it out. Then we apply a hot rubber crack sealant that retains flexibility when it dries. This allows it to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, minimizing the chances for further cracking.
- Pavement repair. If your asphalt is too badly damaged for crack sealing, we have other methods of repairing your asphalt pavement. Vancouver weather dictates the techniques we choose. For potholes, we normally clean out the hole and then patch it with a hot asphalt mix that forms a tight seal as it cools. During cold winter weather, however, we do emergency pothole repairs with a cold mix patching product. This keeps the problem from worsening, but does not correct the underlying defects. We will tell you if, in our professional opinion, we will need to return to the site after the weather warms up to perform a hot mix repair.
If your issue is larger than a simple pothole, we can provide two different solutions. Surface patching, or mill patching, is a great choice for asphalt that has not completely failed down through the base materials. We will mill the pavement surface to a depth of a few inches and thoroughly clean out the hole. Then we will pour in new asphalt, compact it tightly, and level it off to ensure a tight fit.
Asphalt dig out patching is the best choice for asphalt that has failed entirely. It is the most complex, but also the longest lasting, form of asphalt repair. We will remove the failed section down to the base and then create a new section from the bottom up.
Is Asphalt Paving Right for My Property?
Asphalt pavement adds value to any property. If you’re in need of a new driveway or parking lot, asphalt is an affordable choice when compared to concrete. Because of its flexibility, it is ideal for climates with varying temperatures as well as cooler climates. Asphalt is ideal for both commercial and residential uses. We would be happy to discuss your paving project with you and make a recommendation on whether or not asphalt would be the best choice for your needs.
Why Choose Topwest Asphalt?
Located in Abbotsford and serving all of the Vancouver area, Topwest Asphalt has been in business for more than 20 years. We have developed a reputation among our loyal customers for our expertise and innovative, customized solutions. From major municipal projects to individual home driveways, we treat every job and every customer with the same respect.
We pride ourselves on our ability to think outside the box and develop the best solutions to meet both your needs and your budget. Our knowledgeable assessment and sales team will analyze your project and provide you with a detailed proposal that includes informational literature on our suggested solutions. We stand behind our work, and we are happy to provide a list of references upon request.
At Topwest Asphalt, no paving job is too small or too large. We work with individual homeowners to design and create beautiful, long lasting driveways. We work with small businesses and large commercial enterprises on parking lots and other paved surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does asphalt require maintenance?
There is minimal maintenance required to keep your asphalt pavement in good condition. Periodic sealing helps keep the surface smooth and undamaged. If your pavement develops cracks, we provide crack sealing services to restore your asphalt.
Is all asphalt pavement the same?
Asphalt varies based on the materials it is made up of. At Topwest asphalt we use the highest quality materials in our asphalt to ensure that your driveway or parking lot will last over time, staying smooth and solid for the long term.
If asphalt develops cracks does it need to be repaved?
Just because there are some cracks in an asphalt surface doesn’t mean it needs to be completely repaved. Cracks can be filled with a flexible material that allows the asphalt to expand and contract with changes in temperature and prevents moisture from getting underneath.
What can I do to keep my asphalt looking new?
Avoiding damage to your asphalt can keep it looking new for longer. Clear leaves and debris off of your driveway whenever possible. Drive gently on your asphalt surface, avoiding hard breaking or cornering. Have your driveway professionally sealed periodically to keep the surface smooth and unblemished.
Call 604-755-0300, or contact us today to learn more or request a free estimate.