Project Processes

AMPAC has perfected a process for delivering quality results for every one of our projects. We strive to provide timely service and accommodate all client deadlines.

Process for Asphalt Driveway: Residential and Commercial

Excavation of a driveway involves two dump trucks, as well as a pickup truck with a trailer. We will need access to parking for these vehicles. One dump truck will arrive empty to take away all the materials. The other is full of gravel for the base preparation.

Note: If your project involves the excavation of lawn for parking space, a third dump truck will need to be brought to the site, seeing as you cannot mix sod/soil and concrete/asphalt for recycling. The sod and soil are removed from the site and are brought to a legally controlled clean landfill site.

Phase One

  • The first stage of an asphalt driveway paving project is to remove your old driveway. Please make sure your vehicles are out of the work area and that your garage door is open, if applicable.
  • Asphalt and other materials are removed and taken away to be recycled.
  • We put down 3/4 crushed limestone. It is then graded and compacted so that you have a useable surface like a driveway as soon as we’re off the site. The driveway has to settle for four to six weeks. During this period, you will notice sinking and settling within the driveway. It is natural. We need to determine these points of weakness for the finished paving part of the project to be carried out more effectively.
  • Please note: It takes approximately two to two-and-a-half hours to remove a standard residential driveway.

Phase Two

  • After the four to six week settling period, we will bring more gravel to re-grade and tamp, paying special attention to any problem areas.
  • Asphalt is then applied and set to cure.
  • We put a caution ribbon across the front of the driveway to allow drying and final settling.
  • The time period for not using the driveway after this period is complete is three to five days. Please note that under extremely hot conditions, the asphalt will take longer to cure and harden. This part of the project normally takes about two to four hours. The asphalt used for most residential projects is HL3A, compacted to 2-inches.

Interlocking Brick Process: Residential and Commercial

For interlocking projects, if you can dream it up, we can build it!

Before starting your project, after the initial assessment, we will let you know how long (roughly) the project will take. Generally, a patio that is 8×10 is a daylong project. If the project involves cutting interlock around a pool or other irregular shapes, then we will need to let you know the rough duration of the project after doing an assessment.

An interlocking process for a patio would be carried out like this:

  • We dig down approximately 12-inches (for areas with no prior patio).
  • We backfill the excavated area with 3/4 crushed limestone.
  • We top the limestone with limestone screening, a fine grade of granular limestone that can be easily levelled and graded.
  • Layer bricks based on approved design and material selection.
  • We add polymeric sand to the bricks for adhesion and to discourage weed growth.
  • Exterior edge of the interlock area with Brick Stop (a right angle edging material fastened to the ground with 12-inch spikes to keep the area from shifting). Bricks top is optional for interlock projects. If the interlock is abutting a garden or an area where there is a possibility for the bricks to move, we will recommend the area be surrounded by BrickS top
  • Please note that accessibility to the location as well as selected materials affects project cost.

Concrete Process: Industrial and Residential

AMPAC can work on residential and commercial driveways, walkways, sidewalks, concrete curbs, French curbs, machinery pads, swimming pool beds and more.

Concrete jobs are normally completed in two days depending on the size of the project. Concrete is similar to our interlocking process, although it occasionally takes an additional day:

  • We excavate the work area.
  • We build forms out of wood and pour concrete.
  • If there is a colour or pattern, we need to wait until the concrete is at the proper consistency to add to mixture.
  • The concrete is left to dry and harden.
  • We come back, remove the forms and complete the finishing work.

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