Understanding Your Pavement’s Sub-base: Why It Matters

When most business owners look at a paved surface, they see the finished product: smooth asphalt, clean linework, and a surface ready for customers, employees, or delivery vehicles. However, the true strength and longevity of any paved structure depend on what lies beneath: The sub-base

The sub‑base is the foundation of your pavement, and its quality determines how long your asphalt will last, how well it drains, and how it performs under heavy traffic. Whether you're planning new blacktop paving in Burnaby or maintaining an existing commercial surface, understanding your pavement’s sub‑base is essential to protecting your investment.

What Is a Pavement Sub‑base?

The sub‑base is a layer of granular material installed between the native soil (subgrade) and the asphalt surface. Its purpose is to provide strength, uniformity, and effective drainage. A high‑quality sub‑base typically includes:

• Crushed gravel or rock

• Carefully placed and compacted layers

• Adequate thickness based on expected traffic loads

• Built‑in drainage pathways to manage moisture

This foundational layer forms the structural backbone of your pavement and significantly influences its long‑term performance.

How the Sub‑base Impacts Pavement Longevity

·         Supports Load Bearing

Commercial properties experience considerable stress from delivery trucks, daily customer traffic, and equipment. While asphalt provides surface resilience, the sub‑base absorbs and distributes the majority of the load.

A weak or insufficiently compacted sub‑base can lead to surface deformation, cracking, and premature failure.

·         Improves Drainage

Moisture is one of the most common causes of pavement deterioration. Water trapped beneath the asphalt can weaken the structure, create soft spots, and worsen freeze‑thaw damage.

A properly designed sub‑base promotes drainage and prevents water from accumulating under the surface—an essential factor in Burnaby’s consistently wet climate.

·         Mitigates Seasonal Movement

Ground expansion and contraction are natural in BC’s varying temperatures. A well‑constructed sub‑base minimizes the movement transferred to the asphalt, reducing the risk of cracks, heaving, and surface instability.

·         Reduces Long‑term Maintenance Costs

Many pavement failures originate from problems below the surface. Investing in proper sub‑base construction reduces the frequency of repairs and extends the lifespan of your paved areas, leading to a more cost‑effective long‑term solution.

What Makes a High‑quality Sub‑base?

Professional paving contractors rely on a systematic approach to build a durable, stable sub‑base. This process typically includes:

• Site grading to establish elevation and drainage

• Subgrade evaluation to identify weak or unstable soils

• Installation of granular base materials

• Layered compaction to achieve uniform density

• Adjustments based on expected load and usage

This foundational work is essential for any blacktop paving project in Burnaby and ensures the asphalt surface will perform reliably for many years.

Build Stronger, Longer‑lasting Pavement with Grandview Blacktop

The quality of your pavement begins long before the asphalt is applied. With over 55 years of experience serving Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, Grandview Blacktop Services Ltd. provides comprehensive site preparation, grading, and blacktop paving solutions tailored to the needs of BC businesses.

Whether you are planning a new installation or assessing an existing surface, our team offers the expertise, equipment, and workmanship required to deliver results that stand the test of time.

Contact Grandview Blacktop today for reliable blacktop paving services in Burnaby. We’ll help ensure your pavement is built on a foundation designed for lasting strength and value.