Professional Asphalt Paving Services Throughout Wisconsin & Florida
Serving Madison, Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, and surrounding communities with four generations of asphalt expertise
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Site Preparation
Why Professional Site Preparation is Critical
The difference between asphalt that lasts 10 years versus 30+ years often comes down to what happens before the first drop of asphalt is laid.
Most property owners focus on the visible asphalt surface, but experienced contractors know the real work happens underground. Wisconsin's challenging climate conditions, diverse soil types, and relentless freeze-thaw cycles demand expert foundation work that goes far beyond simple digging. Poor site preparation is the leading cause of premature asphalt failure—creating expensive problems that could have been prevented with proper initial investment in professional excavation, grading, and base preparation.
At Wells Asphalt Paving, nearly five decades of Wisconsin experience has taught us that shortcuts in site preparation always cost more in the long run. Our comprehensive approach addresses every factor that affects asphalt longevity, from soil conditions and drainage to frost protection and load-bearing requirements.
Comprehensive Site Preparation Services
🚜 Professional Excavation Services
Precision excavation for optimal asphalt foundation preparation throughout Wisconsin's diverse terrain.
Professional excavation goes far beyond operating heavy equipment—it requires understanding soil science, drainage principles, and Wisconsin's unique geological challenges. Our experienced operators use modern GPS-guided equipment to achieve precise depths and grades while protecting existing utilities and environmental features. Every excavation project begins with careful planning to ensure optimal foundation conditions for decades of asphalt performance.
Our excavation services include:
Complete site clearing and debris removal - Thorough removal of vegetation, old pavement, and construction debris
Precision depth excavation - GPS-guided excavation to exact specifications for proper base thickness
Unsuitable material removal - Complete elimination of organic soils, oversized rocks, and unstable materials
Utility location and protection - Professional utility marking and careful excavation around existing infrastructure
Environmental compliance - Proper handling of materials and erosion control throughout the process
Wisconsin soil challenges we expertly address:
Clay soils - Common throughout the Madison area, requiring enhanced drainage solutions and specialized compaction techniques
Sandy soils - Prevalent in the Wisconsin Dells region, demanding proper moisture control and gradation methods
Organic materials - Complete removal of topsoil, roots, and organic matter that would compromise base stability
Rock formations - Professional rock removal and base preparation for the challenging terrain of Wisconsin's Driftless Area
📏 Expert Site Grading & Leveling
Precision grading services that ensure proper drainage, surface stability, and compliance with local requirements.
Proper grading is both science and art—requiring mathematical precision to achieve optimal slopes while creating surfaces that look natural and function flawlessly. Our grading expertise prevents the water infiltration and drainage problems that destroy asphalt from underneath. Using laser-guided equipment and decades of experience, we create surfaces that direct water exactly where it needs to go while providing stable, properly sloped foundations for asphalt installation.
Professional grading services:
Precision finish grading for asphalt installation - Achieving exact elevations and slopes for optimal asphalt performance
Comprehensive drainage optimization - Strategic grading to direct water away from structures and pavement areas
Commercial parking lot layout grading - Proper slopes for accessibility compliance and efficient water management
Residential driveway approach grading - Smooth transitions that prevent scraping while ensuring proper drainage
Wisconsin grading considerations:
Freeze protection through strategic slopes - Proper grades prevent water ponding that creates destructive ice formation
Snow removal access accommodation - Designing grades that allow efficient snow plow operation and storage
Spring runoff management - Handling Wisconsin's dramatic spring melts without erosion or flooding
Municipal drainage compliance - Meeting local storm water management requirements and regulations
🏗️ Base Preparation & Compaction
Engineered base preparation for maximum asphalt stability and longevity under Wisconsin's demanding conditions.
The base layer is your asphalt's foundation—and like any foundation, it must be engineered precisely for the loads and conditions it will face. Our systematic approach to base preparation combines proper material selection, installation techniques, and compaction methods proven effective in Wisconsin's climate. This isn't just spreading gravel—it's creating an engineered foundation that will support decades of traffic while resisting frost damage and water infiltration.
Comprehensive base preparation process:
Scientific material selection - Choosing appropriate aggregates specifically for Wisconsin soil conditions and climate demands
Precise thickness installation - Engineering proper depths based on expected traffic loads and soil bearing capacity
Systematic compaction procedures - Achieving specified density requirements through proven rolling patterns and moisture control
Rigorous grade verification - Ensuring exact slopes and elevations using laser-guided equipment and traditional surveying methods
Comprehensive quality testing - Nuclear density testing and material verification before any asphalt installation begins
Premium base materials we install:
Crushed limestone base - High-quality, well-graded aggregate that provides optimal stability and drainage characteristics
Recycled concrete - Environmentally responsible option that delivers excellent performance while supporting sustainability goals
Dense graded aggregate - Specially formulated materials with optimal compaction characteristics for heavy-duty applications
Geotextile fabric separation - Advanced materials that prevent mixing between unsuitable soils and quality base materials
💧 Drainage Solutions & Water Management
Professional drainage design prevents water damage and extends asphalt life by managing Wisconsin's challenging precipitation patterns.
Water is asphalt's greatest enemy—and Wisconsin gives us plenty to manage. From spring snowmelt that can move tons of water in days to summer thunderstorms that dump inches in hours, effective drainage isn't optional. Our drainage solutions are engineered to handle not just typical weather but the extreme events that test every system. Poor drainage doesn't just shorten asphalt life—it can create safety hazards and expensive liability issues.
Comprehensive drainage services:
Engineered subsurface drainage systems - Underground solutions that handle groundwater and prevent frost heave damage
Storm water management and collection - Surface systems designed for Wisconsin's extreme weather variations
Surface drainage optimization - Strategic grading and surface features that move water efficiently away from pavement
Retention and detention systems - Managing peak flows to prevent flooding while meeting environmental regulations
Wisconsin drainage challenges we solve:
Spring snowmelt management - Systems designed to handle rapid, high-volume water movement without erosion or damage
Freeze-thaw cycle prevention - Drainage solutions that prevent water accumulation in areas where freezing could damage pavement
Clay soil drainage solutions - Specialized techniques for managing water in Wisconsin's prevalent clay soil conditions
Municipal storm water compliance - Meeting increasingly strict local and state requirements for water quality and quantity management
Wisconsin-Specific Site Preparation
Frost Protection
Engineering foundations that resist Wisconsin's deep frost penetration and destructive freeze-thaw cycles.
Wisconsin's frost line extends 4-5 feet deep, creating unique challenges that southern contractors simply don't understand. Our frost protection strategies are based on decades of Wisconsin experience with what works—and what fails catastrophically when shortcuts are taken.
Strategic excavation depth below frost line - Proper depth calculations based on local frost penetration data and soil conditions
Frost-resistant base materials - Selecting aggregates that maintain stability through freeze-thaw cycles without heaving or shifting
Advanced drainage design - Preventing water accumulation where freezing could create destructive hydraulic pressure
Soil Type Adaptation
Customized preparation techniques for Wisconsin's diverse soil conditions throughout our service area.
Wisconsin's glacial history created an incredibly diverse range of soil conditions—sometimes within a single property. Our soil-specific preparation techniques ensure optimal results regardless of what lies beneath your future asphalt surface.
Clay soils: Enhanced drainage systems and specialized compaction techniques that prevent the swelling and shrinking that destroys pavement
Sandy soils: Proper gradation control and moisture management that creates stable foundations without over-compaction
Mixed soil conditions: Comprehensive testing and site-specific treatment methods that address the unique challenges of varied soil types
Quality Assurance & Testing
Comprehensive testing protocols ensure every project meets or exceeds specifications—because we stake our reputation on long-term performance.
Quality site preparation isn't just about following procedures—it's about verifying results through rigorous testing. Our quality assurance program uses industry-standard testing methods and state-of-the-art equipment to document that every aspect of site preparation meets engineering specifications before any asphalt installation begins.
Our comprehensive testing includes:
Professional soil testing and verification - Laboratory analysis of soil conditions and bearing capacity to confirm preparation adequacy
Nuclear density gauge compaction testing - Scientific measurement of base compaction to ensure specifications are achieved throughout the project
Laser level grade verification - Precision measurement of elevations and slopes to confirm drainage and accessibility requirements
Material testing for quality assurance - Verification that all aggregates and materials meet specifications for gradation, quality, and performance
Complete project documentation - Detailed records of all testing results and installation procedures for warranty and future reference
Quality Asphalt Paving Backed by Four Generations of Wisconsin Experience
Since 1978, Wells Asphalt Paving has been Wisconsin's trusted choice for professional asphalt paving services
608-912-3772
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Wells Asphalt Paving
Another Job Wells Done!
Proudly serving Wisconsin since 1978 with locations in Madison and Baraboo
CONTACT US
608-912-3772
Madison Location: 6666 Odana Rd #163, Madison, WI 53719
Baraboo Location: Box 424, Baraboo, WI 53913
HOURS
Mon - Sun 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
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