22 Paving Terms You May Not Know

If you do not have experience in the paving industry, plenty of terms may sound foreign to you. Our experts on asphalt paving and sealcoating in Lodi, CA, are here to help with this list of words and explanations so you can be more familiar with the paving industry.

Sub-grade

A sub-grade is the prepared soil that supports a new pavement structure.

Sealcoating

Sealcoating is a protective layer applied to an existing asphalt surface to prevent damage from harmful elements like UV rays, vehicle fluid leaks, water intrusion, and more. It is a preventative maintenance measure that can extend the life of your pavement and keep it looking new.

Screeding

This process is used to level sand bedding with metal or wood tools.

Primer

This coating seals base and sub-grade materials to enhance asphalt’s binding to the base layer.

Paver splitter

This equipment breaks up old paving. It can be hydraulically assisted, machine operated, or hand-operated, depending on the project's scope.

Pavers

Paving pieces are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Some standard pavers are stone, rubber, brick, and concrete.

Patching

This process involves removing damaged, old pavement and installing new paving materials in its place.

Laydown

This process is when hot asphalt is applied to a structure with paving machinery.

Joint sand stabilizer

This liquid is added to joint sand for stabilization to prevent moss or weed growth, loosening, and water intrusion.

Frost heave

This term describes the effects of water intrusion underneath and between pavers causing them to lift upward.

Filler

This material fills in cracks in the pavement without actually sealing them.

Emulsion

This process combines materials that would not mix under normal circumstances. For example, water and asphalt are mixed with an emulsifying agent to produce an asphalt emulsion.

Efflorescence

This white, powdery deposit develops on soil or rocks. It typically occurs in dry regions when mineral-rich water comes to the surface and evaporates.

Course

This term describes a row of pavers

Concrete

This liquid material is created with cement, water, sand, and gravel that dries into stone.

Compaction

This act further compacts sand, soil, or another base material with a specialized piece of equipment.

Blacktop

This term is a common name for asphalt.

Base failure

This term describes a situation when base materials can no longer support the weight of vehicles or buildings. These usually look like holes in asphalt paving.

Base

Materials installed after the sub-grade but before asphalt during a paving project. For example, a base can be made up of gravel, sand, or crushed stone.

Asphalt

A naturally occurring liquid that mixes with gravel or sand to be used as a surfacing agent.

Alligator cracking

This term refers to asphalt with numerous cracks in one area that often resemble the hide of an alligator.

Aggregate

This material made from gravel, sand, and crushed stone is used as a base for many paving projects.

You may hear these terms if you decide to have a paving project done. If you are in the market for asphalt installation, repairs, or sealcoating in Lodi, CA, contact M. Carroll Black Top Service today. We will get the job done right every time.