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Understanding asphalt and paving terms can make a meaningful difference when planning a project or maintaining your property. This glossary breaks down common industry terms into simple, easy-to-understand definitions so you feel more confident when discussing the asphalt paving services you need.
At Sipes Asphalt & Concrete, we work with these materials and processes every day—from asphalt overlay and sealcoating to crack repair and pothole patching. Use this guide as a quick reference to better understand how your pavement is built, repaired, and protected.
Common Asphalt & Paving Terms
ADA Compliance / Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA compliance refers to federal guidelines for striping, ramping, and spacing that ensure paved areas are accessible to people with disabilities.
Aggregate
Aggregate is a mix of crushed stone, sand, and gravel that makes up most of asphalt. It gives pavement its strength and structure.
Aggregate Base / Base Course
The base course is a layer of compacted stone placed under asphalt to provide support and stability for the surface above.
Aggregate Gradation
Aggregate gradation describes the mix of stone sizes in asphalt, which affects the pavement’s strength and durability.
Air Voids
Air voids are tiny spaces between aggregate particles in asphalt. Proper air-void levels help pavement remain strong and prevent damage over time.
Alligator Cracking
Alligator cracking is a pattern of cracks that looks like reptile skin. It usually indicates the pavement has structural damage and may need full repair.
Apron
An apron is the transition area where two surfaces meet, like where a driveway connects to a road or parking lot.
Asphalt Binder / Bitumen
Asphalt binder is the sticky material that holds aggregate together. It gives asphalt its flexibility and durability.
Asphalt Emulsion
Asphalt emulsion is a liquid mix of asphalt and water used in sealcoating, tack coats, and certain repair methods.
Asphalt Milling
Asphalt milling is one of our cornerstone asphalt paving services. It is the process of removing the top layer of old pavement to prepare for a new surface.
Asphalt Overlay / Resurfacing
An asphalt overlay adds a new layer of asphalt over existing pavement to restore its appearance and extend its lifespan.
Asphalt Paver / Paving Machine
An asphalt paver is a machine that spreads and levels hot mix asphalt during installation to create a smooth surface.
Asphalt Roller / Compaction Roller
This heavy equipment compacts asphalt after it’s laid, making it denser and stronger.
Base Course Asphalt / Binder Course
The binder course is a lower asphalt layer made with larger aggregate, designed to provide strength before the top layer is added.
Bleeding / Flushing
Bleeding occurs when excess asphalt binder rises to the surface, creating a shiny, sometimes slippery finish.
Bollards
Bollards are short posts placed around paved areas to protect buildings, pedestrians, and landscaping from vehicles.
Butt Joint
A butt joint is where new asphalt meets existing pavement. Proper installation is important to prevent cracks or separation.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
CBR is a test that measures the strength of soil or base material, helping determine how thick the pavement should be.
Cape Seal
Cape seal is a treatment that combines chip seal and slurry seal to improve durability and create a smoother surface.
Catch Basin
A catch basin is a drainage structure that collects water from paved surfaces and directs it into underground systems.
Chip Seal / Oil and Stone
Chip seal is a surface treatment that uses liquid asphalt and small stones to create a protective, textured layer.
Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA)
Cold mix asphalt is used for temporary repairs, especially in colder weather, because it does not require heating.
Compaction
Compaction is the process of pressing asphalt or base materials to remove air and increase strength.
Concrete Pavement
Concrete pavement is a rigid surface made from cement and aggregate. Concrete curbing is often used alongside asphalt.
Crack Sealing / Crack Repair
Asphalt crack repair and crack sealing fills and protects cracks, preventing water damage and extending pavement life.
Crushed Stone / Crushed Rock
Crushed stone is a key material used in base layers and asphalt mixes for added strength.
Curb and Gutter
Concrete curbing and gutter systems are installed to control water flow and protect pavement edges.
Dense-Graded Aggregate
Dense-graded aggregate is a tightly packed mix of stone sizes that creates a strong, stable base layer with minimal empty space.
Drainage / Surface Drainage
Drainage refers to how water is directed off pavement. Good drainage helps prevent pooling, cracks, and long-term damage.
Edge Cracking
Edge cracking occurs along the sides of the pavement, often due to inadequate support or poor drainage.
Expansion Joint / Movement Joint
Expansion joints are gaps built into pavement or concrete to allow for movement during temperature changes and prevent cracking.
Fatigue Cracking
Fatigue cracking occurs after repeated traffic stress weakens the pavement over time. It often develops into alligator cracking.
Fog Seal
Fog seal is a light coating applied to asphalt to protect the surface, reduce wear, and slow aging.
Full Depth Reclamation (FDR)
Full-depth reclamation is a process that rebuilds pavement by recycling existing materials and stabilizing the base, creating a strong foundation for new asphalt.
Geotextile Fabric
Geotextile fabric is a layer placed between soil and aggregate to improve stability and prevent mixing of materials.
Grading / Site Grading
Grading shapes the ground before paving to ensure proper slope and drainage, which is critical for long-lasting pavement.
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
Hot mix asphalt is the most common paving material, made by heating asphalt binder and aggregate before installation. It provides a smooth, durable surface used in most asphalt paving services.
Infrared Asphalt Repair
Infrared asphalt repair uses heat to soften the existing pavement, allowing it to be blended and reworked seamlessly.
Interlocking Concrete Pavers (ICP)
These are individual concrete units arranged in patterns to create decorative, durable paved surfaces.
Joint Sealant
Joint sealant is a flexible material used to fill gaps between pavement sections to keep out water and debris.
Lane Joint Cracks
Lane joint cracks form between two paved lanes when the bond between them weakens.
Lift
A lift is a single layer of asphalt placed during construction. Multiple lifts are used to build strong pavement.
Line Striping / Pavement Markings
Parking lot striping & marking includes painted lines and symbols that guide traffic and organize parking lots.
Milling / Cold Planing
Milling is the process of grinding down and removing the top layer of asphalt to prepare for resurfacing or repairs.
Mix Design
Mix design determines the right blend of aggregate and asphalt binder to create strong, long-lasting pavement.
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Get a fast, no-obligation quote for your asphalt and concrete project today. At Sipes Asphalt & Concrete, our team provides reliable, cost-effective paving, repair, and maintenance solutions designed to restore surfaces, improve durability, and ensure long-term performance for your property.
Open-Graded Asphalt
Open-graded asphalt allows water to drain through the surface, improving traction and reducing runoff.
Pavement Failure
Pavement failure happens when the surface breaks down due to traffic, weather, or poor construction.
Pavement Structure
Pavement structure includes all layers beneath the surface, such as the base, subbase, and subgrade.
Permeable / Porous Pavement
This type of pavement allows water to pass through it, helping reduce runoff and improve drainage.
Plate Compactor
A plate compactor is a small machine used to compact base material or asphalt in tight areas.
Pothole
A pothole is a hole in the pavement caused by water damage and traffic stress.
Pothole Repair / Patching
Pothole repair and patching involves filling and compacting damaged areas to restore a smooth surface.
Prime Coat
A prime coat is a light layer of asphalt applied to a base surface before paving to help the new asphalt stick properly.
RAP / Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
RAP is recycled asphalt that has been removed and reused in new pavement, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
Raveling
Raveling is when the surface of asphalt begins to break apart, causing loose stones and a rough texture.
Reflective Cracking
Reflective cracking occurs when cracks from an old surface show through a new asphalt overlay.
Rut / Rutting
Rutting is when wheel paths become worn down and form grooves due to repeated traffic or a weak base.
Seal Coat / Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a protective coating applied to asphalt to guard against water, UV rays, and wear. It helps extend pavement life and maintain appearance.
Shoulder
The shoulder is the area along the edge of a road or pavement that provides support and added safety.
Skid Resistance
Skid resistance refers to how well paved surfaces prevent slipping, especially in wet conditions.
Slurry Seal
Slurry seal is a thin mixture of asphalt emulsion and fine aggregate used to protect and refresh existing pavement.
Stone Matrix Asphalt
Stone matrix asphalt is a durable asphalt mix made with coarse aggregate and a strong binder. It’s designed to handle heavy traffic and resist rutting over time.
Subbase
The subbase is a layer between the base and subgrade that adds strength and improves drainage.
Subgrade
The subgrade is the natural soil underneath the pavement that supports the entire structure.
Tack Coat
A tack coat is a thin layer of asphalt applied between pavement layers to help them bond together.
Thermal Cracking
Thermal cracking happens when temperature changes cause asphalt to expand and contract, leading to surface cracks.
Trench Drain
A trench drain is a narrow drainage channel built into pavement to collect and direct water away from surfaces.
Underdrain
An underdrain is a pipe system installed below pavement to remove excess water and protect the base layers.
Unbound Base
An unbound base is a layer of compacted aggregate without asphalt or cement, used to support pavement.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)
Warm mix asphalt is produced at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Wearing Course / Surface Course
The wearing course is the top layer of asphalt that handles traffic and weather while protecting the layers below.
Wheel Stops
Wheel stops are barriers placed at the front of parking spaces to prevent vehicles from rolling too far forward.
Contact Us Today for Expert Paving Services
If you need reliable asphalt or concrete services, Sipes Asphalt & Concrete is here to help with everything from paving and sealcoating to repairs, maintenance, and full surface restoration.
Our team delivers long-lasting results designed to improve safety, appearance, and durability for your property. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and discuss your project needs.
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