Once you’ve done the prep work for paving in Vancouver, the real work can begin on your site. Getting the ground surface ready for paving to be installed is a key part of the process. Imagine the uneven lumps and bumps, the potential drainage hazards, and the trouble down the road if you threw down fresh paving with no surface preparation whatsoever!
In this post, we start you off with the first 3 steps to paving Vancouver home or business properties, from leveling and removal of old surfaces, to laying out the subbase for your paving.
This is a pretty noisy party of the operation, because to get to the hard base underneath, your paving company must first tear up what’s on top, by using heavy machinery, such as trucks and forklifts.
The good news is that if the old stuff being removed is asphalt, you can be safe in the knowledge that it doesn’t go to waste, and will be recycled for later use. This is one of the many interesting benefits of asphalt.
Grading and Sloping of the driveway is essential for drainage, because it ensures that no standing water will cause the paving to deteriorate prematurely. This is an especially relevant point when paving in Vancouver, due to winter rainfall levels.
Contractors should always make sure that there is a slope of at least 2%, and that water runs away from the building, so as to avoid any drainage issues that might arise. If a slope toward the building can’t be helped, pavers will most likely consider creating a discreet moat, which will drain running water away.
Believe it or not, the part that sits underneath your paving is what can make or break a job well done. The subbase is the compact layer that is installed to protect against pressure on the surface, and even freeze-thaw action in the winter.
When executed properly, the laying of this 4-6 inch layer of finely ground aggregate material will have the stability and flexibility to ensure that your Vancouver paving stays well-maintained for years to come.
Rounding up
These 3 steps are the important first preparations for paving, which will help promote smoothness and longevity over time, especially in the colder months. Read more on our blog about how paving can help in the winter.