Paving Terms Glossary
Plain language definitions of common paving terms.
Asphalt types
- HMA: Hot Mix Asphalt. Standard mix used in most paving jobs.
- WMA: Warm Mix Asphalt. Mixed and laid at lower temperatures.
- RAP: Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. Recycled asphalt content.
Layers and treatments
- Base layer: Compacted crushed stone under asphalt.
- Tack coat: Bonding layer for overlays.
- Sealcoat: Protective surface coating.
- Overlay: New asphalt layer on top of an existing surface.
- Patch: Local repair of damaged areas.
Measurements
- Square foot (sqft): Area measurement used for estimating.
- Linear foot (lf): Used for striping and edge work.
- Thickness: Depth of asphalt layer in inches.
Estimating terms
- Line item: A priced component of the estimate.
- Margin: Profit percentage added to subtotal.
- Subtotal: Sum of line items before margin.
- Estimate version: A saved snapshot of the estimate.
Operations
- Work order: Internal job execution plan.
- Schedule: Planned job dates and crew assignment.
- Job costing: Actual cost tracking after work completes.