Our Services & Solutions

Asphalt Paving - New Asphalt Construction

All quality Asphalt projects start with a strong foundation, or Sub base. At Espina Paving we use a crushed rock sub base sourced from a local quarry, we install the sub base and then compact it with our vibratory grade rollers.

Once the Sub base is complete we then install the asphalt base material. Asphalt base is thicker than the surface layer and consists of larger stones to provide strength and to provide a clean hard base for the surface course. The Asphalt is laid down using one of our Asphalt Paving Machines. The Asphalt Base is then compacted with a vibratory roller.

The Surface course is the finished Asphalt product and is manufactured with smaller aggregates so that when compacted, it will provide a smoother finished product for traffic. Once the surface Asphalt has cooled then traffic markings are applied.

At Espina Paving all phases are monitored by our experienced project management team to insure the highest quality possible to ensure years of service.

Asphalt Overlay

An "overlay" is the paving of a new layer of surface asphalt over existing asphalt. An overlay can be done when the existing asphalt is in overall good condition but may have some problem areas. Depending on the degree of deterioration, those areas can be cut out, patched and then the new layer can be paved.

An overlay should NEVER be done on a parking lot that is severely cracked, crumbling, wavy or has sinking, soft spots. The new layer of asphalt will follow the old asphalt cracks (reflective cracking) in a very short period of time. The proper installation of an overlay must include edge milling, a process that cuts a heal where the new asphalt meets the other surfaces such as garage floors or aprons, sidewalks, curbs and especially the street where no curb is present creating a smooth transition for traffic traveling on and off the overlayed area.

Many companies do not take this step, which rapidly leads to asphalt failure and the necessity to tear out all of the asphalt and start from scratch. Done properly, an overlay should look like a brand new product with all surfaces level and flush at walkways, garage aprons, etc., providing many years of service.

Asphalt Overlay w/Fabric

An "overlay" is the paving of a new layer of surface asphalt over existing asphalt. An overlay can be done when the existing asphalt is in overall good condition but may have some problem areas. Depending on the degree of deterioration, those areas can be cut out, patched and then the new layer can be paved. An overlay should NEVER be done on a parking lot that is severely cracked, crumbling, wavy or has sinking, soft spots. The new layer of asphalt will follow the old asphalt cracks (reflective cracking) in a very short period of time.

The proper installation of an overlay must include edge milling, a process that cuts a heal where the new asphalt meets the other surfaces such as garage floors or aprons, sidewalks, curbs and especially the street where no curb is present creating a smooth transition for traffic traveling on and off the overlayed area.

Many companies do not take this step, which rapidly leads to asphalt failure and the necessity to tear out all of the asphalt and start from scratch. Done properly, an overlay should look like a brand new product with all surfaces level and flush at walkways, garage aprons, etc., providing many years of service.

Once the existing asphalt has been milled, patched and cleaned, the fabric membrane is installed. We apply a coat of liquid asphalt cement and then apply the fabric directly to the pavement. The new layer of asphalt is then placed on top of the paving fabric.

This incredibly strong membrane stays bonded between the new and old layers of asphalt. It keeps cracks from migrating up to the surface of your new pavement and will add many years to the life of your parking lot.

Seal Coating (protect your investment)

Sealcoat is a liquid that is applied to asphalt to protect it from oxidation and the damage caused by winter cracking, as well as UV rays and traffic. In areas of the world that experience freezing and thawing, the reapplication timeline will likely be speed up.

Sealcoating is needed in cold climates, but is useful in warmer climates as well. Since asphalt is a petroleum product, other petroleum products will react with the surface. This includes vehicle oil and gasoline. The sealcoat will act as a barrier against those materials.

A sealcoat is not a crack filling agent; this must be done prior to applying the sealcoat. Properly applied, sealcoat can save an owner huge costs over the life of a hot mix asphalt pavement. The first step is to clean the existing asphalt of all dirt and debris. Then any cracks in the asphalt are filled with hot poured rubberized crack fill, and any oil spots from parked cars is treated to prevent the oil from bleeding through the new product.

Now the asphalt is ready to receive two coats of seal. This is applied using a hand held wand that sprays the seal coat over the area of the asphalt in a uniform fashion.

Concrete Sidewalk & Walkway Repairs

Whether you need a new sidewalk installed or damaged Sidewalk replaced Espina Paving is the right contractor for you. The first step will be to meet with one of our project managers to review your needs and come up with a plan that suits your project.

Today there are many more considerations involved with installing sidewalk either new or replacement. The local building codes have changed in the last 10 years so that if you are replacing “old Sidewalk” you may not be able to just put back what was there, you may have to add ADA compliant ramps, change the width, or you may want to add some aesthetic value using color, stamp patterns or stain to the surface. Espina Paving can advise you of all of your options.

New sidewalk will start with layout of where the sidewalk will go. Then we will excavate the area and install the required sub base. The forms will be placed to provide the shape of the sidewalk and to make sure that the slope allows water to freely drain in the proper direction.

Any reinforcing that is required is then set in place. Concrete is then placed in the forms and is leveled and floated to await the final finish. Control joints are cut into the sidewalk to control any cracking that may occur. The final step is to finish the concrete using floats and other finishing tools, then a broom finish is applied to prevent the sidewalk from being slippery when wet.

A professionally installed sidewalk can last for the life of your building, so at Espina Paving we make sure that our work is of the highest quality possible. In The case of replacement Sidewalk the process of work starts with the demolition of the existing sidewalk and removal of the old concrete to a recycling center.

If the layout needs to be changed or other obstructions need attention I.E. Tree roots, broken pipes, sink holes, will be addressed and then grading of the sub base or new sub base can be installed. Then the steps are the same process as in new sidewalk installation.

Concrete Curb & Gutter Repairs

Concrete Curb and Gutter is often the most damaged area in parking lots and roads, they are hit by trucks, damaged by snow plows, cracked by tree roots, and many other things. The Curb and Gutter is very important for the stability of the rest of the structures in parking lots and roads.

Their main function is to direct the flow of water in the proper direction and to create a barricade for vehicles. Damaged Curbs and gutters can cause many problems that can shorten the life of the Asphalt Paving and the sidewalks that are around them.

Espina Paving has the knowledge and ability to repair and or replace any damaged curb and gutter. Instillation of new Curb and Gutter begins with Layout of the Curb and Gutter to insure proper drainage and slope. Then the area is graded and if sub base is needed it is installed. The forms are then placed and set to grade.

Concrete is placed and while the concrete is setting the front of the form face is removed so that the exposed surface and be floated and finished. Once the curb is finished it is then cured and sealed. Then any backfill is done. In the case of replacing curb and cutter the old curb and gutter is removed and hauled to a recycling facility. And then the process is the same as installing new.

Full Depth Asphalt Repairs

When Asphalt fails and is cracking, pumping, and or creating potholes, full depth replacement may be the only solution. Espina Paving has all the equipment and experience necessary to do the job. After a site survey is completed, the first step is to remove the existing pavement.

Milling machines would remove the failing asphalt completely then it is hauled to an asphalt plant to be recycled. If the existing sub base is determined to be unusable then it would be removed and hauled to the proper landfill if it can’t be reused. The existing subgrade will then be tested for compaction and any problem areas would be removed and replaced with appropriate materials, then compacted until providing the proper foundation.

Once the subgrade is compacted then the stone sub base will be installed and compacted to the necessary strength. Once the stone sub base is complete the Base layer of Asphalt will be placed with our paving machines then compacted with a vibratory roller to remove any voids that may compromise the integrity of the asphalt in the future.

The surface layer of asphalt will be placed to create the smooth finished surface and compacted twice with a vibratory roller, once to remove voids and the second time to ensure a smooth finished product for future traffic. Once the asphalt has been placed then any striping and signs will be painted and the job is complete.

Asphalt Patching

Asphalt Patching is used when pot holes or major cracks have created an asphalt failure. An Espina Paving Project manager will determine the areas that need full depth patches and mark them accordingly. The patch areas will be cut up to 8 inches outside the perimeter along the edges with either jack hammers or saw to provide uniform edges.

The Asphalt is then removed down to the sub base and disposed of at the proper recycle facility. Once the old sub base is exposed it will be re-compacted with vibratory roller. A tack coat will then be applied to the vertical surface of the existing asphalt to insure proper adhesion when the new asphalt is installed. Once the tack coat has been applied, Espina Paving will install the new asphalt.

This process is done in two phases. First the base asphalt is installed and compacted, and then the surface is installed and compacted flush with the edge of the existing pavement. After the surface course is complete then crack fill is applied around the perimeter to minimize water penetration. After the patch is complete then any paint or stripes will be replaced to match existing markings.

Infrared Asphalt Repair

If you encounter an asphalt failure that does not warrant a replacement of the existing asphalt, Espina Paving has the perfect solution for you. Infrared restoration has proven to be one of the finest methods available for repairing the majority of asphalt defects. It provides a seamless repair of the existing asphalt preventing water from infiltrating the new patched asphalt.

Infrared restoration is also far less expensive than mill and overlay, or removal and replacement of asphalt. An infrared crew consists of 2-3 men, and one truck; drastically lowering the overhead cost and time it takes to complete the repair. When using infrared for repairing asphalt there are two important concerns that must be addressed:

FIRST: The existing asphalt pavement that will be recycled has aged over time. Exposure to the sun and the elements over time oxidized the light oils component in asphalt.

SECOND: During the infrared heating process, as the temperature of the asphalt is increased to above approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit, the oxidation of light oils are accelerated. It is also important to know that at around the 500 degree mark, asphalt will burn rendering it useless for recycling.

Once the asphalt has reached the appropriate temperature, the infrared heater is removed from the problem area. The asphalt is now soft enough to be reworked with hand tools. Sometimes new asphalt will need to be introduced to bring the finished level of the repair flush with the existing surface. The repair areas is then compacted and your problem is fixed.

Dumpster Pad Construction and Repairs

Whether you have a damaged existing Dumpster Pad or need a new one installed Espina Paving can help you design and install Dumpster pads of all sizes. If you have an existing dumpster pad that may have a broken edge or is completely failing the repairs are usually the same.

The damaged area will be marked by an Espina Paving project manager then will be saw cut to leave the undamaged areas intact. The old concrete will be removed by jack hammer or a hoe-ram attachment for a skid steer loader. The old concrete will be hauled to a recycling center.

Once the old concrete is removed the sub base is then recompacted or new sub base is added and then compacted. The existing concrete will be drilled for the installation of dowels to connect the new concrete. The dowels are then installed and either welded wire reinforcement or rebar will be installed to add strength to the pad.

The Concrete is then placed and finished to match the existing pad. If you are installing new dumpster pads then the process will begin with laying out the site and excavating the area for the new pad to be installed. The sub base will then be installed and tamped.

Forms will be set to provide the shape and the grade of the pad and reinforcement will be added. The concrete will be poured and finished and the forms will be removed. Curing compound will be applied and the pad will have to set for a week until the dumpster can be set upon it.

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Commercial and Municipal Paving Contractor Serving VA, MD, DC Since 1976