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To asphalt steps you must do the following:
1) Remove any existing waterproofing of the steps if any.
2) Ensure the substrate is structurally sound and has an even surface.
3) Check if there are any hazards in the proximity which can affect the asphalt once laid? A common hazard is leaking oil.
4) Check the substrate is a surface which the asphalt can adhere to.
5) Check if the substrate has any signs of damp. If this is the case it will need to be dried out. This is to make sure no damp gets trapped under the asphalt once laid.
6) Carry out any necessary substrate repairs and preparation of the substrate.
7) Make the substrate is dust free and dry.
8) Cut a 25mm x 25mm chase line.
9) Prime the substrate and the chase line with a high-bond primer.
10) Leave for 1-2 hours for primer to dry
11) Lay sheathing felt on the tread of the steps to allow for movement.
12) Lay the first coat of mastic asphalt 988T. This is roofing grade mastic asphalt.
13) First the asphalt is applied to the stringers up to a thickness of between 7mm and 8mm. This coating is tucked into the prepared chases for termination.
14) Next the first coat of asphalt is applied to the risers.
15) The treads first coat should be 10mm thick.
16) The treads should come to a final thickness of 25mm with the top coat should be laid with recreational grade asphalt to account for the foot traffic the steps will endure.
17) Sand rubbing takes place to remove any excess bitumen from the asphalt tread.
18) Brush off any excess sand.
19) Ensure all upstands are at least 150mm high and go into the chase.
20) Ensure the asphalt sitting in the chase is finished with sand and cement mortar.
21) Apply the final coat of asphalt to the risers allowing the asphalt to slump over the tread. This is called the poultice method where the asphalt is placed on the top to apply and make a clean joint. The risers coat of asphalt is married in with the treads coat of asphalt and we apply a double filler seal. This allows us to create a seamless finish.
22) To complete the waterproofing of asphalt steps the vertical elements must be joined to the with a double angle fillet
23) It is not uncommon to see asphalt steps accompanied by a handrail. When it comes to waterproofing steps which contain a handrail, the finishing is extremely important. The options here are either to finish the steps with fillets or to use asphalt collars. The chosen option will largely depend on the agreed specification.
24) Once a set of asphalt steps are complete it is important to add solar reflective paint to ensure the steps last for the longest time possible.
25) It is an important part of maintenance to re-apply the solar reflective paint every 5 to 7 years if you want to get the most lifespan out of your steps.