The Importance of Grading For Asphalt Companies in Austin, TX

Skilled Austin asphalt companies make constructing new surfaces look easy. However, there’s more complex engineering involved with every driveway, parking lot and roadway you drive on. While every step is crucial, grading is one piece of the puzzle that asphalt companies must do correctly.

Here’s what you need to know about grading and its importance in Austin paving.

What is Grading in Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt paving in Austin is a multi-step process that involves excavating a site before building it back up. Contrary to popular belief, asphalt paving can’t sit on bare soil. In most cases, asphalt contractors must amend the soil in some way when preparing the sub-base.

Like your home, asphalt pavement needs a sturdy foundation. Sub-base preparation and grading help give paving the structural integrity it needs to last.

Grading is a process that allows asphalt contractors to shape the work site. This task helps to level the area where your asphalt paving will sit. More importantly, it achieves the proper elevation with an appropriate slope to manage water runoff.

While most asphalt surfaces look perfectly level, they all have a subtle slope to direct water runoff. Grading is what makes all of that possible.

How Do Asphalt Companies Grade Work Sites?

Asphalt companies use many tools and heavy-duty equipment to complete every step of the paving process, including grading. Teams might use earthmoving machines like front-blade bulldozers. However, some asphalt companies employ laser-guided equipment with automatic motor-powered graders.

Whatever method contractors use, this step is crucial. Depending on the site’s conditions, it might be a time-intensive endeavor, but that’s what it takes to get high-quality pavement that lasts.

What Role Does Grading Play in Paving Drainage?

Grading plays a huge part in allowing asphalt paving in Austin to drain water efficiently. Drainage is one of the most critical factors to consider when constructing new paved surfaces. Water has to go somewhere!

During the grading stage, asphalt contractors create a subtle slope. A process known as “crowning” raises the center point of the pavement, allowing water to flow down and away. You might not see the asphalt crown, but it exists on all properly installed Austin paving.

Most paving projects will also connect to nearby drainage infrastructure, such as sewage systems, stormwater basins and reservoirs.

What Happens if Asphalt Companies Don’t Grade Surfaces Properly?

Poor drainage is the biggest issue when asphalt contractors neglect proper grading. Standing water is asphalt’s biggest enemy. It speeds up deterioration, eventually creating voids that allow water to seep into the deeper foundational layers. That can pave the way to erosion, creating huge headaches like buckling, potholes and more.

Proper drainage is paramount for pavement, and grading helps to make it all possible.

Don’t let a lack of proper grading and sub-base preparation set your pavement up for failure. When you need asphalt paving in Austin done right, turn to RDC Paving! We’re a full-service asphalt paving and maintenance company proudly serving property owners in Central Texas. You can turn to us for new paving, asphalt sealcoating, repairs, milling and reclamation, soil stabilization and more.

We know how important finer details like grading are to the long-term success of your pavement. That’s why we never cut corners! When you turn to RDC Paving, you can expect top-notch work from start to finish.

Call the RDC Paving team today at (737) 257-6945, email us at ryan@rdcpaving.com or submit your information through our online contact form to get your free quote.