Since the season is upon us we thought we would remind you of a few standard asphalt maintenance procedures – as well as a few tips and tricks. This is just a brief outline, but we hope it will get you back in the right mindset!
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. Check weather forecast for the day.
2. Block off the work area.
3. Begin general cleaning of the pavement. a) Clean and prime oil spots. b.) Remove growth and deposits from edge of pavement. c.) Check oil level and start air broom, d.) Scratch out and blow out cracks. e.) Dry up wet spots. f.) Brush and blow off dirt puddles. g.) Take air broom to windward side of pavement and start systematically blowing all dirt away.
4. Prime all areas needing it.
5. Prepare to sealcoat. a.) Start agitator and run for five minutes. b.) Start pump and start trimming.
6. Begin to sealcoat the pavement.
7. Inspect area for spots missed
8. Check placement of barricades, police area for tools, complete information on job work order.
9. Next day remove barricades.
10. Stripe as soon as possible using water base paint.
FACTORS WHICH AFFECT HOW JOB IS COMPLETED
1. Size, shape, and grade of the pavement; work so the material will be flowing down hill if there is an appreciable grade.
2. Coarseness of the pavement.
3. Prior sealed surface.
4. Man power.
5. Serviceability of equipment.
6. When the job can be done, and length of time it is open to work on.
7. The amount of repairs to be completed.
8. Accessibility to water and sand.
APPLICATION TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
1. Keep relative humidity in mind when determining the amount of water that should be added to the mix. RULE: If humidity is high, add less water.
2. Longer passes with the applicator will make a better finished appearance.
3. Keep sealer off adjacent concrete surfaces; mask them off if necessary.
4. Between coats, put away unnecessary tools and always keep applicators clean.
5. Complete work orders promptly and keep account of material application rate.
6. Workers should know their job and be able to speak intelligently about what is being done. They should always be neat appearing and alert to perform their task.
7. Keep truck on cleaned pavement once you start application. Consider sealing an area where you will end the first coat to set the truck on while you wait to start the second coat.
8. Never run the truck over partially dried material.
9. Don’t block your equipment in on job completion.
10. Fill truck with gas and material at end of day.
CLEAN UP PROCEDURES
Following good clean up procedures is important from two standpoints: To promote optimum efficiency of tools and equipment and to project a good public image in the eyes of the customers, there are some procedures which will make this as easy as possible for your crew.
The first rule to follow is, whenever possible, wash all tools and equipment used on the application with water immediately following their use. If you can rinse these tools before the sealer dries they will wash up cleanly and easily. A container such as a 22 gallon drum with water is ideal for washing the tools and pump filter.
This is an excerpt from the Neal Total Asphalt Maintenance Manual. You can download it at http://www.nealequip.com
