When it comes time to pave your driveway, parking lot, or any other surface area, you have a choice to make. You can go with a quality paving company that will do the job right, or you can go with one that will do a shoddy job and leave you with problems down the road. Let’s take a look at what to look for in a quality paving company so that you can make an informed decision.
Features of a Quality Asphalt Paving Job
Choosing a quality paving company lets your asphalt last longer and look better. Some asphalt companies may cut corners on thickness, spreading, and surface finish, which will lead to problems down the road. When it comes time to pave your area, make sure you choose a quality paving company to enjoy a long-lasting and smooth result.
It’s crucial to consider quality over price. There are a few key features that you should look for in a quality paving company:
Workers to Spread Asphalt
A quality paving company will have enough workers to spread the asphalt before it hardens so that it dries to a smooth and level surface. Ensure the company you choose has the number of workers needed to spread the asphalt while still hot.
The paving company should have an entire team of workers using the hot mix to lay down your parking lot or driveway. If a company shows up with 2 workers, your end product will not look good.
Quality Asphalt Mix
Consider the type of asphalt mixture. 41A mixture is always an excellent choice to give the smooth blacktop appearance you want. Hot mix asphalt works best to get a finished appearance on a large surface like a parking lot or driveway.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
The quality of equipment matters. If you need line striping, but their machine is uncalibrated, your lines will not be straight.
A hot asphalt spreader, called an asphalt paver is another piece of equipment that matters. This paver is a “self-propelled formless laydown machine with a floating screed. Hot Mix Asphalt is loaded in the front, carried to the rear by a set of flight feeders, spread out by a set of augers, then leveled and compacted by a screed.” (1)
You may not understand those terms (augers, screed), but you have a problem if your asphalt company doesn’t know them!
Another tool a paving company should own is a sweeper. “A sweeper cleans the surface of the road after it has been milled. This is necessary because excessive dust and debris on the ground can prevent proper bonding between the asphalt and base course.” (1)
Legal Knowledge
Talk with past clients before hiring for a complex project such as a parking lot or long winding driveway. Were past clients satisfied with the work and professional capacity of the company? Do they understand the municipal ordinances and ADA rules for compliance?
The last thing you need as a business or organization is the city or county government coming down on you for violations.
Factors to Consider if Removing Existing Surface Before Paving
If you need to remove an old existing surface, consider what the company will do with the old asphalt or concrete. Ask what environmental factors and recycling options they offer for your used surface.
Most asphalt companies will use a milling machine to remove the top layer of existing pavement or make the ground smooth and ready for the hot asphalt. A quality company needs a smooth surface to lay down pavement.
The Quality vs. Cheap Asphalt Debate
When it comes to quality vs. cheap asphalt, quality always wins out. A quality paving job will last much longer and provide a better ROI than a shoddy job that quickly needs repairs or replacement.
So, when you’re looking for an asphalt company, keep these factors in mind. The best way to ensure you’ve found a quality asphalt company is to research paving companies in your area. Get quotes from a few of them before making your decision. By taking the time to do this, you’ll be sure to find the right company for the job and avoid any headaches down the road.
We Can Help
At AMP Paving, we pride ourselves on quality paving jobs. We’ve worked on projects big and small and have the satisfied clients to prove it. With our experience and know-how, we get the job done right the first time.
If you have any questions about quality paving or would like a quote for your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and provide a free quote for your next project.