Asphalt Paving Austin Texas – Why Is Timing Critical When Installing Pavement?
Asphalt paving in Austin Texas is a more complex process than most realize. Outside all the site preparation work and engineering, many moving parts come into play when constructing a long-lasting surface that can meet your needs. One critical piece of the puzzle is timing. Asphalt paving companies must be mindful of timing, weather conditions and more to avoid complications during your project. Here’s what you need to know.
When Is the Best Time to Invest in Asphalt Paving in Austin TX?
First, let’s start with why you must schedule your asphalt paving project at the right time of the year. Austinites are lucky. We have mild winters and don’t have to worry too much about the ill effects of cold weather when planning for parking lot or driveway paving projects. However, asphalt paving companies are still cautious about inclement weather conditions that could interfere with the process.
Cold temperatures, high humidity levels and precipitation can ruin fresh asphalt, preventing it from curing properly. For that reason, Austin asphalt companies typically recommend scheduling new paving projects in the spring or summer season. It’s possible to complete projects successfully outside that window, but the warmer months offer more stable conditions.
How Does Temperature and Timing Impact Commercial and Residential Paving?
Asphalt companies must work swiftly to avoid problems regardless of the season. Asphalt paving is a dance of temperature and timing, and contractors must pay close attention to how fast they work while keeping an eye on ground, ambient and asphalt temperatures.
When it arrives at the job site, the hot asphalt mix used for commercial and residential paving is between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Insulated tanker trucks help maintain the heat, keeping the mix at the right temperature during transport. However, once Austin asphalt companies begin working with the material, ambient and ground temperatures will cool things down.
Contractors must work quickly before temperatures drop too much to ensure the material is still workable as they lay, roll and compact it.
What Are the Ideal Conditions for Parking Lot and Driveway Paving?
As you can imagine, the cooler temperatures of winter give Austin asphalt companies less wiggle room to work with. Colder conditions rapidly cool the asphalt mixture. That’s why asphalt paving companies care so much about ambient and ground temperatures. Experienced contractors pay close attention to the forecast, scheduling projects when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cooler months, you may even see contractors using infrared thermometers to check the ground temperatures as they complete your commercial or residential paving project.
What If Contractors Allow the Material to Cool Too Much When Doing Asphalt Paving in Austin TX?
Asphalt companies must start the initial roll when the material is between 220 and 290 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler it gets, the tougher it is to work with. Teams must roll and compact the asphalt before its temperature reaches 185 degrees. The material is too stiff to compact properly at that point, and the final product could suffer. Attempting to compact stiff asphalt will weaken the finished surface, resulting in future damage, structural failure and other complications.
At A-Town Paving, we understand that timing is vital to asphalt paving. We work quickly, but we never cut corners or skimp on quality. Our team is well-trained, hard-working and committed to providing the highest quality results. We’ve served clients in the Austin area since 1989, completing countless parking lot and driveway paving projects throughout the region to great success. Let us add you to the list and show you why we’re among the best asphalt companies money can buy. We offer many services to meet your needs, including new asphalt paving, resurfacing, repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping, pavement markings, maintenance and more.
Call A-Town Paving today at (512)998-0668, email atownpavingtx@gmail.com or use our online contact form below to reach out and get your free quote.