How to Choose an Asphalt Paving Contractor

 

Asphalt paving is an important investment for your property, whether it’s for your driveway, parking lot, or other surfaces. To ensure that the project is done right, you need to find a reliable and experienced asphalt paving contractor. But with so many Orlando asphalt paving companies out there, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose an asphalt paving contractor that meets your requirements.

 

1. Research the Contractor’s Experience

When it comes to asphalt paving, experience matters. You want to work with a contractor that has been in business for several years and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work. Look for a contractor that has experience with the specific type of project you need, whether it’s a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot.

 

2. Check the Contractor’s Licenses and Insurance

Make sure the contractor you choose has all the necessary licenses and insurance. This includes a valid contractor’s license and liability insurance, which will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during the project. Ask for proof of insurance and licenses before signing any contracts.

 

3. Ask for References and Check Online Reviews

A reputable asphalt paving contractor should be able to provide you with references from previous clients. Reach out to these references and ask about their experience working with the contractor. You can also check online reviews on websites like Google and Yelp to see what other customers are saying about their work.

 

4. Get Multiple Quotes

Before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least three different contractors. This will give you a better idea of the average cost of your project and help you compare different contractors’ prices. Make sure the quotes are detailed and include all the necessary information, such as the type of asphalt, the thickness of the pavement, and any additional services like grading or excavation.

 

5. Look for Value, Not Just Price

While it’s important to find a contractor that fits your budget, you shouldn’t choose a contractor based solely on price. Cheaper contractors may cut corners or use lower quality materials, which can lead to problems down the line. Look for a contractor that offers good value for the price, with a balance of quality work and reasonable pricing.

 

6. Ask About the Project Timeline

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the project timeline before hiring a contractor. Ask how long the project will take and what factors could affect the timeline, such as weather or other unforeseen circumstances. A reliable contractor should be able to give you a realistic estimate of when the project will be completed.

 

7. Understand the Contract Terms

Before signing any contracts, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. This includes the payment schedule, the scope of work, and any warranties or guarantees. Ask any questions you have and make sure everything is clear before agreeing to anything.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the right asphalt paving contractor is crucial to the success of your project. By following these tips, you can find a reliable and experienced contractor that meets your needs and budget. Remember to research the contractor’s experience, check their licenses and insurance, ask for references and online reviews, get multiple quotes, look for value, understand the project timeline, and understand the contract terms. With the right contractor, you can have a high-quality asphalt surface that will last for years to come.

No one wants to spend money on pavement that must be replaced in 2-3 years. And to do asphalt paving repairs as infrequently as possible, you must approach asphalt paving wisely.

 

To do this, it is necessary:

 

• Choose a suitable material.

• Observe the rules of paving.

• Properly care for the pavement.

How to choose asphalt

We will not discuss how to design compositions of asphalt mixtures for road construction. There are many normative and methodical documents where this process is painted in detail. But there is no such rigid regulation in the domestic application of asphalt. But there is a great variety of types and grades of material. And the consumer often needs clarification on what to pay attention to.

How to lay asphalt

Many characteristics of the future surface are laid at the stages of laying and compaction of the asphalt mixture.

 

To “squeeze” out of the material, it is necessary to observe the following rules:

 

• Carry out the paving in dry and warm (up to +5 ° C).

• Before laying, stir the mixture additionally so that it is homogeneous.

• If hot asphalt is used, it should be applied immediately after delivery — before the material cools down.

• Compaction of hot asphalt should at least be done with a vibratory plate or hand roller or, better yet, a full-fledged road roller.

• It is best to compact a cold asphalt surface with a vibratory plate.

• After laying on the hot asphalt, it is better not to drive for 1-2 days to let it cool down and harden; the cold variety has no such restrictions.

• Proper paving lets you get a strong and durable coating from an asphalt repair company.

How to Care for Asphalt

If no cars are driving on your pavement, that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressed at all. There are other factors that slowly but surely cause asphalt to deteriorate.

 

These include:

 

• Solar radiation.

• Precipitation.

• Temperature fluctuations.

• Exposure to chemicals.

• Bitumen aging.

 

And in reality, they all work together.

 

To prolong the life of asphalt, you can take the following measures:

Rapid crack sealing

Water, dirt, and aggressive chemicals get into the pavement through cracks. That’s why it’s essential to seal them in time. Bitumen, bituminous emulsions, special asphalt mastics, and sealants can be used for this purpose.

Pothole Repair

Patching potholes is necessary for the same reason as cracks. For minor defects, it is convenient to use bituminous-mineral mixtures and mastics. And large potholes are filled with cold asphalt.

Removing melted snow

Asphalt’s main “enemy” during the off-season is the moisture, which freezes and melts in the surface’s pores. Therefore, with the onset of thawing, snow drifts shouldn’t lie on the asphalt surface.

Refuse to use de-icing chemicals

Aggressive chemicals penetrate asphalt and accelerate the aging of bitumen. This causes the pavement to quickly lose its qualities, becoming brittle and cracking over time.

To protect asphalt from kerosene, gasoline, and motor oil

These act as solvents for bitumen and will corrode asphalt. This is especially true for flooring in garages and outbuildings.

Using protective paints and impregnations

A layer of bitumen impregnation, sealant, rubber, or polymer paint can be applied to the coating. They reliably close the pores of the asphalt and protect it from water and solar radiation. Protective compositions make sense when equipping the backing or using porous mixtures.

To summarize

Asphalt usually lives at most 8-10 years. This is due to several reasons: climate, increased traffic load. Meanwhile, the warranty period for road surfaces is from 2 to 8 years, depending on the intensity of traffic. Mezhremontmontnye — 12 years for the current repair and 24 years for major repairs.

 

Asphalt is a pretty durable material. With proper care, it can last more than 15 years without replacement. However, you can extend its service life if you patch potholes and cracks in time, remove snow from the surface, and use protective paints and impregnations.