Glossary

A comprehensive reference of asphalt, paving, and pavement-maintenance terms.

Asphalt Basics

Asphalt Core (HMA / Hot Mix Asphalt)

A mixture of aggregate (crushed stone, gravel, sand) and asphalt cement binder, produced and placed at high temperatures. HMA is the most common material for driveways, parking lots, and roads.

Asphalt Binder

The petroleum-derived glue that holds aggregate particles together in an asphalt mix. Binder grade is chosen based on local climate and traffic loads.

Aggregate

Crushed stone, gravel, or sand used as the structural skeleton in asphalt and concrete mixes. Size and gradation affect strength and surface texture.

Compaction

The process of using a roller or compactor to compress freshly laid asphalt, removing air voids and increasing density for long-term durability.

Tack Coat

A thin layer of diluted asphalt emulsion sprayed onto an existing pavement surface before placing a new layer, ensuring a strong bond between the layers.

Paving Methods & Repairs

Asphalt Milling (Scarifying)

Cold-planing the top layer of existing pavement with a milling machine to a specified depth. The reclaimed material (RAP) is often recycled back into new mix.

Asphalt Paving

The complete process of grading, base preparation, and placing compacted hot-mix asphalt to create a finished driving or parking surface.

Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR)

A rehabilitation technique that pulverizes the full thickness of the existing asphalt and a portion of the base course, blends it with a stabilizing agent, and recompacts it as a new base.

Infrared Asphalt Repair (Seamless Repair)

A repair method that uses infrared heat to soften existing asphalt, allows fresh material to be added, and produces a seamless, monolithic patch without cold joints.

Pothole Patching

Filling pavement cavities caused by water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. Methods include throw-and-roll, semi-permanent cold patch, or cut-and-fill with HMA.

Crack Sealing

Applying a hot-pour rubberized sealant into cracks to prevent water and debris infiltration, slowing further pavement deterioration.

Overlay

Placing a new layer of asphalt over an existing pavement surface to restore smoothness and structural integrity without full removal.

Regrading

Reshaping the surface or sub-layers of a pavement area to correct drainage problems and eliminate standing water.

Base & Subgrade

Subgrade

The native soil layer beneath the pavement structure that provides the foundation for all overlying layers. Its load-bearing capacity (CBR) determines how thick the base and asphalt courses must be.

Base Course

A compacted layer of crushed aggregate placed on top of the subgrade that distributes traffic loads and provides drainage. Also called “road base” or “compacted gravel base.”

Aggregate Base (Class 6)

Colorado’s standard specification for crushed gravel base material, requiring specific gradation and compaction to at least 95% of maximum density.

Geotextile Fabric

A permeable synthetic fabric placed between the subgrade and base course to separate materials, improve drainage, and add tensile reinforcement.

Sealcoating & Surface Protection

Sealcoating (Driveway / Parking Lot Sealing)

Applying a coal-tar or asphalt-emulsion coating to an asphalt surface to protect it from UV oxidation, water, and fuel spills. Recommended every 2-5 years depending on traffic and climate.

Asphalt Emulsion Sealer

A water-based sealant made from asphalt cement, emulsifying agents, and water. Considered more environmentally friendly than coal-tar sealers.

Coal-Tar Sealer

A sealer derived from coal-tar pitch that provides excellent resistance to fuel, oil, and UV rays. Not permitted in all jurisdictions due to PAH content.

Oxidation

The chemical process by which UV rays and oxygen cause the asphalt binder to harden and become brittle, leading to raveling and cracking if left unprotected.

Cure Time (Drying / Curing)

The period required after sealcoating or new paving before the surface can accept traffic. Sealer typically cures in 24-48 hours; new HMA reaches full strength in several days.

Striping & Markings

Parking Lot Striping (Line Marking)

Painting stall lines, fire lanes, crosswalks, and directional arrows on a paved surface using traffic paint or thermoplastic for visibility and compliance.

Thermoplastic Marking

A hot-applied reflective marking material that bonds chemically to asphalt or concrete and lasts significantly longer than standard traffic paint.

Stenciling

Using pre-cut templates to apply symbols, letters, or numbers – such as “STOP,” “RESERVED,” or accessible parking symbols – to pavement surfaces.

ADA Compliance & Accessibility

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance

Federal standards that govern accessible parking, ramps, paths of travel, and signage. Non-compliant lots may face fines and litigation.

Accessible Parking Stall (Handicap Parking)

Designated spaces sized and located per ADA requirements, including access aisles, signage, and proximity to building entrances.

Access Aisle

A marked striped area adjacent to accessible parking spaces that allows wheelchair deployment. Standard stalls require 60-inch aisles; van-accessible stalls require 96 inches.

Curb Ramp

A sloped transition cut into or built up from a curb, allowing wheelchair and mobility-device users to move between the roadway and sidewalk.

Truncated Domes

Raised tactile warning bumps (also called detectable warning surfaces) installed at curb ramps and hazardous crossings to alert visually impaired pedestrians.

Drainage & Water Management

Grading

Shaping the surface so water flows away from buildings and toward designated drainage points. ADA-compliant surfaces must maintain cross-slopes of 2% or less.

Stormwater Management Plan

A design document specifying how a site collects, filters, and discharges rainwater runoff in compliance with local and state regulations.

Catch Basin (Area Drain)

An inlet structure set flush with the pavement surface that collects surface runoff and directs it into a storm sewer or retention system.

Swale

A shallow, vegetated or paved channel designed to move stormwater across a property while filtering contaminants and reducing runoff velocity.

Ponding (Standing Water)

Water that remains on a pavement surface after rain. Persistent ponding is a leading cause of premature pavement failure due to freeze-thaw infiltration.

Concrete

Concrete

A composite material made of Portland cement, water, aggregate, and admixtures that hardens through a chemical hydration process. More rigid than asphalt and typically lasts longer but costs more upfront.

Flatwork

Horizontal concrete work such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking lot aprons. Includes forming, pouring, finishing, and curing.

Concrete Parking Lot

A parking area paved with Portland cement concrete. Offers superior load-bearing capacity and longevity but requires control joints to manage cracking.

Expansion Joint

A deliberate gap filled with compressible material between concrete sections, allowing thermal expansion and contraction without cracking.

Bollards

Short, sturdy vertical posts installed at building entries or drive-through lanes to protect structures and pedestrians from vehicle impact.

Speed Bumps / Speed Humps

Raised pavement features designed to slow vehicle speeds in parking lots and private roadways. Bumps are narrow and abrupt; humps are broader and gentler.

Project & Industry Terms

Bid / Estimate

A written proposal detailing the scope of work, materials, and price for a paving project. Enright Asphalt provides free, no-obligation estimates.

Mobilization

The cost and effort associated with transporting equipment, crew, and materials to a job site before paving begins.

Change Order

A written modification to the original contract scope, timeline, or price agreed upon by both the contractor and property owner.

R-Value (Asphalt)

A soil-stability test used to determine the appropriate pavement thickness design for a given subgrade and traffic load.

RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement)

Milled asphalt material recovered from old pavement and recycled into new hot-mix. Using RAP reduces material costs and environmental impact.

Pavement Management Plan

A long-term schedule for inspecting, maintaining, and rehabilitating a property’s paved surfaces to maximize lifecycle value and minimize total cost.

ROI (Asphalt Pavement)

The return on investment from preventive maintenance. Studies show that $1 spent on timely sealcoating and crack sealing can defer $6-$10 in future reconstruction costs.

Bid Bond / Performance Bond

Surety instruments that protect property owners on larger commercial projects by guaranteeing the contractor will honor the bid price and complete the work as specified.