Paving is a substantial investment for any homeowner. It can boost the value of your home, make it more aesthetically pleasing, and provide a durable surface for years of enjoyment. If you’re paving a driveway, patio, or any other surface, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes. Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC will discuss some of the most common paving mistakes when installing asphalt pavement or pavers and how to avoid them.

Common Paving Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Preparing the Base

One of the most common paving errors is not preparing the base properly. The base is the material layer on which the pavement is laid; it needs to be level, firm, and free of debris. The pavement could eventually settle and shift if the base is not prepared correctly.

2. Poor Subgrade Preparation

One of the most common paving errors is poor subgrade preparation. The subgrade is the layer of soil beneath the pavement, and it must be compacted before paving can begin. If the subgrade is not packed correctly, it will settle over time and cause the pavement to crack and crumble.

3. Improper Paving Mix

Another typical error is using an improper paving mix. The paving mix combines aggregate (crushed stone, sand, and gravel) and asphalt to create pavement. The aggregate proportions of asphalt must be carefully calculated to create a strong, durable pavement.

When laying pavers, it is essential to use enough sand. Sand helps to fill gaps between the pavers and prevents them from shifting. If the pavers have insufficient sand in between, they could move around, causing an uneven surface.

4. Incorrect Asphalt Temperature

Asphalt must be heated to a specific temperature before it can be placed on the pavement. If the asphalt is too cold, it will not adhere properly to the pavement and will eventually crack and crumble. On the other hand, if the asphalt is too hot, it will soften and become challenging to work with.

5. Poor Compaction

After the asphalt has been placed on the pavement, it must be compacted using a roller. It is essential to tamp them down. It helps to ensure that the asphalt adheres properly to the pavement and that there are no voids or air pockets in the finished product.

6. Uneven Surface

Another standard paving error is an uneven surface. The pavement’s surface must be level and smooth for water to drain correctly. If there are bumps or dips in the surface, water will pool on the pavement and eventually cause it to crack and crumble.

7. Improper Drainage

Water must be able to drain off of the pavement surface quickly to prevent pooling and puddling. If water is allowed to pool on the surface, it will eventually seep into cracks and joints and cause the pavement to deteriorate from within. Additionally, standing water on the surface can freeze during cold weather and cause additional damage to the pavement.

8. Lack of Maintenance

Pavement requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. It includes sweeping debris, filling cracks and joints, and sealcoating every few years. Without proper care, pavements will quickly deteriorate and need to be replaced sooner than necessary.

Also, read our blog on regular pavement maintenance.

9. Laying Pavers in Too Much Sun

Another paving error is laying pavers in too much sun. Pavers are made of concrete or stone. If they are paved in direct sunlight, they can get very hot and cause burns. It is best to lay pavers in a shady area or the evening when the sun is not as intense.

10. Not Sealing the Pavement

Once the pavement is installed, it is essential to seal it. Sealing helps to protect the pavement from weathering and staining. It also makes it easier to clean.

11. Installing Pavement on a Slope

When laying pavement on a slope, it is crucial to ensure the water does not pool in the lower ground area.

12. Laying Pavers Too Close Together

Another mistake people make when laying paversis laying them too close together. It is essential to leave a small gap between each paver so that sand can fill any gaps and prevent them from shifting or moving around.

13. Not Cutting the Pavers Properly

When cutting pavers, it is vital to use a saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting concrete or stone. If you do not use the proper type of saw, you could damage the pavers or cause them to break apart when you try to cut them.

14. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself

After you have finished laying the pavers, cleaning up any debris or sand that may have been left behind is essential. If you do not clean up properly, the pavers could become stained or discolored over time.

15. Not Using the Right Equipment

Paving projects require various specialized equipment, such as rollers, pavers, and compactors. Using the wrong equipment can result in poor-quality pavement that is more likely to crack or sink.

16. Not Sealing the Joints

Joints are necessary for concrete pavements to control cracking. Joints should be sealed with a sealant compatible with the concrete mix to prevent water from entering and weakening the concrete. If joints are not sealed properly, they can allow water to enter and cause cracking and sinking.

17. Not Installing Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are necessary for concrete pavements to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. Expansion joints should be installed at regular intervals so that they can absorb movement without causing damage to the pavement. If expansion joints are not installed properly, they can allow too much movement and cause cracking and sinking.

18. Not Removing Obstacles

Obstacles such as utility poles, trees, and fire hydrants must be removed before paving can begin. These obstacles can interfere with construction equipment and cause damage to the pavement if they are not removed beforehand.

Related: 8 Common Asphalt Paving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.

Need Paving Services in Moorestown, NJ?

Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC is the company to call for all your paving needs in Moorestown, NJ. We provide free estimates so you can know how much the project will cost before deciding whether or not to move forward. Our experts will help with whatever paving project you have in mind, from driveways and parking lots to roads and sidewalks. So don’t wait any longer. Contact us today for a free estimate!