As Meghan Trainor sang, “I’m all ’bout that bass.” Well, here at PTG Enterprises, we are all about that base…and subgrade. It doesn’t matter how good the asphalt is if the aggregate base and subgrade are not properly prepared. These are quite literally the foundation of your parking lot. Without a strong foundation, your parking lot simply will not last. If something goes wrong with the foundation, the entire parking lot – or at least a section of the parking lot – could fail prematurely.
Preparing the Subgrade and Laying the Aggregate Base
What is the Subgrade?
The first step in laying a new asphalt parking lot is preparing the subgrade – the natural ground on which the pavement is placed. To prepare this area, the land must be properly excavated, graded, and compacted to ensure maximum strength and efficient drainage.
“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if you’re going to have a strong superstructure.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
Now We Are Ready for the Aggregate Base
The aggregate base – or subbase – refers to those materials that lie directly below the asphalt surface. This base course is constructed using aggregate – granular materials. This is most likely stone or gravel and is compacted to ensure a solid foundation. In fact, 80-90% of the strength of a road or parking lot is provided by the aggregate base.
“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” – David Allan Coe
Every new parking lot project will have its own set of specific requirements that run hand in hand with the type of property. It is important to have an experienced asphalt contractor that can handle each unique situation.
Parking Lot Construction in Maryland
PTG Enterprises is a full service commercial pavement contractor located just outside Baltimore, Maryland. We have been in the paving business for more than a decade and have managed hundreds of pavement projects throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. Our crews work quickly and professionally.
Click Here for a FREE Proposal
When you contact PTG Enterprises, you can expect a fair proposal, professionalism, and quality work. Unlike those other asphalt contractors, we care about you and your business.
Call us today at 410-636-8777 to learn more about parking lot installation. Also, look for us on Facebook and Twitter for even more information!
Tags: Aggregate, Base, parking lots, Subgrade
