The life span of your asphalt road, parking lot, or driveway depends heavily on the support structure beneath the surface. Similar to the human body, if you don’t take care of the inside, the outside will eventually show it. The same is true for asphalt pavement. A strong foundation ensures your asphalt trail and curbing will hold up over time.
Why a Quality Base Matters for Asphalt Trail and Curbing
There are two key factors that determine the difference between a long-lasting asphalt project and one that fails quickly. The first is the quality of your aggregate base material, commonly called “roadbase.” Roadbase is a blend of different-sized aggregate designed to support asphalt pavement. It’s easy to compact and doesn’t contain clay or organic matter.
Clay expands and contracts during winter’s freeze-thaw cycle, causing asphalt to crack. Organic matter breaks down over time, creating air pockets that lead to settling. Worse, it can even sprout weeds that damage the surface. Choosing the wrong material to save money often leads to costly repairs later. Using anything other than roadbase is like throwing your investment away.
How Drainage Affects Pavement Durability
The second factor is drainage. How well water drains from the surface of your asphalt trail and curbing will determine how long your pavement lasts. Poor drainage causes water to penetrate the surface and oversaturate the base. In this condition, the base turns to mud and can no longer support the asphalt above.
As vehicles drive over these weakened areas, the pavement starts to crack and continues to deteriorate. During winter, the freeze-thaw cycle worsens the damage. However, proper grading from the start ensures water drains effectively and prevents these issues.
Build It Right the First Time
At Eckles Paving, we believe in doing things right from the beginning. A well-prepared base and effective drainage plan are essential for any successful asphalt trail and curbing project. Taking these steps now saves thousands in future repairs and asphalt maintenance.
Whether you’re building a new trail, driveway, or parking lot, trust our team to deliver quality that lasts. Request a free quote or contact us today to get started.
