Common Reasons Your Asphalt Surface Isn't Smooth — And How to Fix It

A smooth, even asphalt surface doesn’t just look better—it performs better too. Rough patches, dips, or crumbling areas can lead to costly problems down the road, from water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage to premature cracking and potholes. If your asphalt pavement feels bumpy or looks uneven, it may be the result of improper materials, poor installation, or skipped steps during the paving process.

At Local Paving & Concrete, we understand the science and precision that go into durable, level asphalt work. Here’s what might be causing your asphalt to fall short—and how our team ensures a flawless finish every time.

1. Incorrect Aggregate Selection

The materials used in your asphalt mix play a critical role in surface quality. Asphalt isn’t just blacktop—it’s a blend of binder and aggregates like crushed stone, sand, and gravel. When the wrong type or size of aggregate is used, the mixture doesn’t hold together properly.

• Too little fine material can lead to air gaps and a coarse surface.

• Oversized or rounded stones don’t bind well, resulting in weak spots.

• Unbalanced ratios may cause clumps or uneven spreading.

Our team carefully selects and mixes high-quality, properly graded aggregate to ensure optimal compaction and surface integrity from the start.

2. Insufficient Asphalt Binder

The asphalt binder is what holds everything together. If there isn’t enough binder in the mix—or if it cools too quickly during installation—the aggregate won’t be fully coated or bonded.

• Thin applications can leave parts of the mix dry and prone to crumbling.

• Inconsistent coverage causes areas of weakness and faster deterioration.

We apply asphalt at the proper temperature and thickness (typically at least 2 inches for most driveways and lots), ensuring thorough bonding and long-lasting strength.

3. Poor Compaction Technique

Even the best mix can fail without proper compaction. This step removes air voids and tightly presses the materials together, creating a dense, smooth surface.

Signs of inadequate compaction include:

• Loose gravel or shifting stones

• Surface bumps or dips

• Early cracking or raveling

Our crews use industry-grade rollers and compacting equipment to achieve uniform density and eliminate weak spots, ensuring the pavement stays flat, tight, and water-resistant.

Trust the Asphalt Experts in Ambler & Fox Chase, PA

If your asphalt is rough, cracking, or uneven—not to worry. We can diagnose the issue and offer a resurfacing or repaving solution tailored to your needs and budget. From driveways to large commercial parking lots, Local Paving & Concrete delivers professional results that last.

📍 Serving Ambler, Fox Chase, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.

Ready to smooth out your pavement?
Call us at 610-415-7283 or email localpavingandconcrete@gmail.com to schedule a consultation and get your asphalt looking and performing its best.