Commercial paving machines can be broken down into two components- the tractor and the screed. The screed is responsible for creating the visual aesthetic of a paved surface by leveling and compacting the asphalt.

Problems with your screed will create visible flaws in a paved surface. These flaws can lead to premature failure and a poor reputation among potential customers.

Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to determine if your screed needs to be repaired before you begin a major asphalt job in the future.

Clean Your Screed Plate for Flaws

Before you can evaluate the condition of your screed plate, you need to give the machine a thorough cleaning.

Paving materials can buildup on the screed plate during any project. The buildup of materials makes it impossible to evaluate the condition of the screed plate. You should clean all contaminants off the screed plate so that you can inspect the plate for flaws.

Any significant damage that you see should be addressed immediately by replacing the screed plate with a new one. This will ensure that your paving equipment is capable of creating smooth, compact asphalt surfaces with ease.

Evaluate the Thickness of the Screed Plate

Screed plates need to maintain a certain thickness in order to function effectively. Consistent use of your screed can result in wear to the plate. You should check the thickness of the screed plate before you begin any paving job.

Use calipers to determine if the plate is still thick enough to work with. A screed plate that has reached the minimum thickness recommended by the manufacturer should be replaced to avoid the potential for a catastrophic failure.

Determine if the Asphalt Mat is Level

Screed problems can be diagnosed by evaluating the asphalt mat after the screed has been run across it. If you see that the mat is not level, or that the levelness of the mat fluctuates, it's time to do some troubleshooting.

Issues with the levelness of an asphalt mat can usually be traced back to the extension support components that operate the screed plate. Worn bushings allow for movement in the screed plate during use.

The movement prevents the screed plate from leveling out the asphalt mat properly, and it can also create damage or uneven wear on the screed plate itself.

You should invest in replacement bushings as soon as you notice changes in the levelness of the asphalt mat on a job. Find the right asphalt machine parts for your equipment to get started.

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