News

What is it?

A roller is a heavy piece of construction equipment used to compact soil, base rock, and for asphalt installation and is essential to the construction of roads, parking lots, and subgrades. There are several types of rollers, the main 4 being pneumatic, vibratory, oscillatory, and static. Most rollers contain both front and rear drums to provide compaction, although some (pneumatic rollers) use staggered rubber tires in lieu of drums, and some (like the tamping a.k.a. “sheepsfoot” roller) have a drum with large protrusions (called “feet”) for compacting fine-grained soil like clay and loam (a mixture of clay, sand, and silt) and for concrete stabilization. Different rollers have different functions. Our larger rollers weigh from 8 to 12 tons and are used for subgrade and base installation.

How does it work?

Tamping or “sheepsfoot” rollers are great for grading native surfaces as the feet produce more of a tilling effect on softer soil. They use the weight and feet to provide greater compaction and are ideal for preparing the subgrade before asphalt paving.

Pneumatic rollers generally have 4 rubber tires on one end and 3 on the other. They are set in a staggered pattern to provide both vertical and lateral compaction. Having the ability to apply more pressure than the other types of rollers, these are great for soils that need maximum compaction, subgrade, rock base, and some asphalt.

Vibratory rollers work by having the front drum roller filled with steel and as the drum turns, the steel collides with the drum walls to produce vibration. A combination of the vibration and weight is what compacts the asphalt.

Oscillatory rollers operate by creating an oscillating motion with dual weights in the drum. The weights move in sync and create a massaging motion that produces solid compaction and is excellent for work in tight spaces.

Static rollers consist of two smooth drums (one on the front and one in the rear) that use sheer weight to provide compaction.

How do we use them?

While paving machines have a vibratory screed that provides about 80% compaction on its own, we utilize various rollers to create a much tighter compaction to make the asphalt smoother, stronger, and more solid so it lasts longer and is safer to drive on. We use a combination of vibratory and static rollers, using the bigger ones for large compaction work, and the smaller ones for the final touches and smoothing out any seams. A skilled roller operator knows exactly how much pressure to apply, how slow to drive, and when to turn the vibration on and off for the best compaction.

The roller follows behind the paving machines to compact the asphalt while it is still hot and pliable. The operators are careful to apply the right amount of pressure so the asphalt is compacted correctly, and they turn the vibration on and off to achieve more or less compaction and to not jostle any nearby concrete work (curbs, trenches, manhole surrounds, concrete slabs, etc.) as concrete is easy to crack.

You’ve already learned how to create a scope of work for your asphalt project, and you’ve chosen your paving contractor, but what comes next? It’s just as important to be informed about scheduling your project as it is to know what work you need to have done. Different components of your asphalt repair and maintenance projects take specific amounts of time and must be performed in a specific order.

Repairs come first before anything else is addressed. Depending on what you’re having done, extensive and deep cracking will need to be sealed, potholes will need to be repaired, and any compromised or failed asphalt will need to be removed.

Asphalt installation is the next step and takes approximately 30-45 days to fully cure before seal coat can be applied to protect it. Fortunately, asphalt can be installed in less-than-ideal weather conditions (cold, light rain, etc.) so it is a little less finicky than applying seal coat.

Seal coat takes place after the fresh asphalt has cured, or every 3-5 years over older asphalt as needed depending on factors such as usage, damage from UV rays, and exposure to the elements. Seal coat, unlike asphalt, needs much more ideal weather conditions to be able to dry and be useable. It’s generally best to schedule seal coat jobs in the late Spring to early Fall when the weather is the most cooperative. When getting into the Winter months, rain, cold, diminished sunlight, and increased shadows all slow the seal coat drying process.

Once you’ve established when the work will take place, you’ll need to set a plan for notifying tenants and residents about which areas will be unusable and for how long. We recommend 2 weeks’ notice as it allows for ample time for your tenants or residents to plan around the work but not enough time for them to forget it is coming up. (Note: If you choose to contract with AMS Paving for your work, our Proposals include customized notification signage and door hangers, by request, at no additional charge.) We do also highly recommend having a tow truck ready the morning your project starts so that any vehicles remaining in the areas being serviced do not impede the work and cause delays which will inevitably incur additional costs.

Now that you have a better grasp on the proposal and production components of the asphalt installation, repair, and maintenance process, you’ll know what to expect when picking up the phone to give us a call (or email) to get the process started. Whether you still have questions or you’re looking to get started, we’re here and ready to create your customized plan that we guarantee will satisfy.

Taking on an asphalt project in any form can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you’re thinking that you might be needing some repair or maintenance done on your asphalt surface, you probably do. Oftentimes the problems that are clearly visible to the untrained eye (i.e., those who aren’t trained in asphalt inspection) indicate much bigger issues that need to be addressed. Don’t let this scare you because we’re here to help!

Step 1: Noticing the Problem

Some issues (like potholes or large cracks) make their existence known pretty easily; other issues might take a little detective work on your part. It’s a good idea to walk your property every so often to check for problem spots, taking pictures of the same spot, from the same angle, as you do your monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly inspections as your schedule permits. Through the photos, you can track things like the amount of raveling (when the asphalt breaks down and leaves gritty gravel-like chunks), the length/width/depth of cracks, the fading of any striping or painted numbers/symbols, the appearance of any reflective cracking, the growth of potholes, and any other notable changes. The quantity and severity of the issues, and the amount of space affected will determine what kind of repair or maintenance is needed.

Step 2: Understanding the Greater Impact

Unfortunately, asphalt surface defects or problems aren’t always the only issues. Cracks allow water to seep in and wash away the subgrade, creating a prime environment for potholes to form. Raveling exposes the subgrade to the elements and will continue to deteriorate. By catching these issues early on, you can help prevent more serious damage by doing things like sealing cracks and applying seal coat to protect the asphalt. By stepping in early to nip these little issues in the bud, you may be able to prevent or prolong the need for major repairs.

Step 3: Deciding When to Call

After you’ve discovered your asphalt issues and have decided to address them, you’ll want to speak with a professional who can help you come up with a personalized solution. Depending on the size and nature of the issues, the fixes could be as simple as a patch, overlay, or crack seal, or as complex as a full removal and replacement. No matter what the problems or solutions, we can make the planning and execution headache-free for you.

Step 4: What to Expect

When you call or email us your request for a Proposal, we’ll gather the basic information about what your concerns are regarding your asphalt and where you’re located. We will then assign you to one of our experienced Project Managers who will communicate with you to learn what’s important to you (e.g., areas of concern, timeline, budget, access requirements, etc.). They will walk through the property with you to look at your problem areas and may even point out things that you haven’t noticed. We’ll provide a detailed scope of work and ensure our Proposals are apples-to-apples with our competitors’ so you can make the best decision for your project.

Step 5: Choosing Your Contractor

We understand that oftentimes you will need to gather multiple quotes to appease a Board of Directors, a scrupulous building owner, or the HOA. When choosing your paving contractor, you’ll want to make sure that they are licensed, insured, and bonded (like we are) to protect yourself and your investment. You’ll want to make sure they own their own equipment (like we do) to ensure that you won’t have to wait on—and pay for—expensive equipment rentals. You’ll want to make sure they’re financially stable (like we are) and can afford the carrying cost of premium petroleum products. You’ll want a company with dedicated crews (like we do) to make sure your work is done correctly and quickly. And you’ll want someone who has been in business long enough (like we have) to understand the industry and the best way to care for their customers throughout the years.

While we can’t choose your contractor for you or tell you when it’s time to make a decision, we can (and will!) be here for you when you’re ready to make that step.

What is it?

A move trailer is an essential piece of equipment used to transport our heavy paving machinery from our yard to your job site. Bumper-to-bumper, the 2-axle is approximately 67’ long and can haul around 40 tons (80,000lbs) of equipment; and the 3-axle, which sits closer to the cab of the truck, measures about 65’ long and can haul 50 tons (100,000lbs) of equipment or more (with additional permits as required by CA state law). As a general rule, each axle on these trailers can safely support 10 tons (20,000lbs) since they’re comprised of 6-8 wheels that extend below the trailer itself versus the standard 2-4 typically housed in the wheel well. Each rear axle can also be moved independently to disperse the weight of the load for safety and ease of transport.

How does it work?

Our 2- and 3-axle move trucks are the heavy-lifting, unsung heroes of the company fleet. While they’re not the flashiest or most technical of the equipment we use, they’re probably the most essential to day-to-day operation. Without these trailers, we wouldn’t be able to transport our pavers, grinders, rollers, skid steers, skip loaders, etc. to and from job sites.

While loading these trailers properly takes skill and experience, the technology in the trailers themselves make it a little easier. On the 2-axle trailer, there are 2 moveable axles in the rear that can be slid forward to allow the back to lower. On the 3-axle trailer, there are 3 moveable axles in the rear that operate the same as the 2-axle but can carry a heavier load due to the extra support from the additional wheels. With the back end lowered, our crew can drive the equipment up the newly-formed ramp and onto the trailer. Once the load has been secured on the platform, the axles can be shifted backwards into place to raise the back end and support the weight evenly, making for a much safer trip.

Fun Fact: The rear axles can be moved forward during transport if a tighter turn radius is needed around a sharp corner and then shifted back into place to resume safe and balanced travel once the turn has been completed successfully

What should you do if you see one on the road?

Aside from marveling at the hauling power of these beauties and informing all of your passengers that the rear axles are motorized and can move independently, you should give them space! And if you think you’ve given them enough space, give them more. These big haulers (especially when fully loaded) cannot stop on a dime and have blind spots that can completely conceal your vehicle. Playing dangerous games on the road with large and heavy trucks rarely ends in the favor of the smaller vehicle. You should always practice safe driving, but it’s especially important around big trucks.