7 Common Asphalt Paving Mistakes To Look Out For and Avoid
Asphalt paving is one of the most widely used construction materials in both residential and commercial environments across the United States. Because of this, there is plenty of different asphalt paving companies that specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining asphalt paved surfaces across the country. To be successful in this industry, it’s important to have a strong understanding of common mistakes that can lead to failed asphalt paving jobs. The following list details seven of the most common asphalt paving mistakes you’ll want to avoid at all costs when getting started in this line of work.
Avoiding the 7 Most Common Mistakes
Asphalt paving has become increasingly popular over the years, and it’s no wonder why – asphalt is inexpensive and easy to maintain, durable, and extremely versatile, making it a great choice for home or business owners alike. But like anything that’s used frequently, there are going to be some mistakes made along the way. We’re going to take a look at seven common asphalt paving mistakes that you can easily avoid with a little bit of know-how!
1) Not knowing what you want
One of the first things to do when getting a new asphalt paving job is to decide what you want. Many factors go into this decision, so it is important to take the time to consider these factors before making your final decision. One of the most important aspects that should be considered is cost. Depending on your budget, there are various options that you can choose from. If you have a lower budget then crushed stone or gravel might work for you. However, if money isn’t an issue then concrete might work best for you. Either way, it is important to know what your options are before beginning the process of laying down any type of pavement to avoid mistakes like not enough material being used or choosing material that doesn’t hold up well against environmental conditions.
2) Wasting your time trying to do it yourself
As a homeowner, you may be tempted to save money by handling the asphalt paving job on your own. However, this can be a costly mistake. You’ll need to purchase all the tools, spend time researching how to do it yourself, and then wait for good weather before you can even start. You may also need to hire someone else to do the job for you if it doesn’t go as planned. Homeowners should leave asphalt paving jobs up to professionals who have been doing them for years. These pros know what they're doing and will get the job done in one day or less. A concrete driveway in Pittsburgh is an excellent way to avoid expensive mistakes that can easily be made during an asphalt paving job. It’s best not to try to handle this process on your own.
3) Hiring the wrong contractor
One of the most important factors in having a successful asphalt paving project is to have the right contractor. The wrong contractor can be very costly in time, money, or quality. There are a number of ways to avoid hiring the wrong contractor for your asphalt paving project. One way is to ask for testimonials from past clients. This can give you some idea of what to expect with this contractor's work. You should also ask how long they've been in business and what certifications they have. Hiring an unlicensed contractor: Another common mistake is to hire an unlicensed contractor for your asphalt paving project. Unlicensed contractors don't always follow codes, which may lead to unsatisfactory results. Having subpar materials: When looking at an estimate, you should consider if the materials will be of high enough quality to last long-term without needing repairs or replacement soon after installation.
4) Not following through
Driving on new asphalt is a wonderful feeling. You know it's going to be a great surface for your vehicle to drive on, but if you're not careful, that new asphalt will turn into a nightmare. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when paving:
1) Skipping the slope. The first step in paving is grading your site so that it slopes away from the house at least one inch per foot. That way, rainwater can easily drain away from the house. If rainwater collects around your foundation, it can cause all kinds of problems-everything from mold to foundation damage-and you'll have to tear out all that hard work (and money) sooner than later!
2) Not compacting thoroughly enough before laying down asphalt.
3) Adding too much or too little sand and gravel during mixing time.
4) Laying down too many layers of the hot mix without compaction between each layer.
5) Not asking for references
It's always a good idea to ask for references when hiring someone. If the person you are hiring doesn't offer any, likely, they are not experienced or knowledgeable in the task they will be assigned. When you hire an asphalt paving company, make sure to ask for at least three previous projects they have done to get a better feel for the quality of their work. You should also request specific information about the materials used, what kind of equipment was used, and if there were any issues with the project. Be sure to call the people who gave them their references as well. While you're looking for references from those who hired steadfast construction group butler pa before, don't forget to check out their Facebook page, and reviews on Yelp, Google Places, or Angie's List. A lot of other homeowners post testimonials and feedback on these sites so you can get a better sense of how good they are.
6) Letting them rush through the job
You must take the time to do your job right. One of the most common mistakes people make when paving their driveway or parking lot is rushing through it. A rushed job will leave you with a bumpy surface that is not aesthetically pleasing. If you want your asphalt to last, take your time with it! You don't want to pay for a new asphalt installation because your old one was too hastily installed. Plus, doing it right means you are less likely to experience issues like potholes down the line. These can be both expensive and dangerous to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone else who uses the area in question regularly. Take your time you'll be glad you did in the long run.
7) Paying too much
One of the most common mistakes that people make when choosing an asphalt paving company is paying too much. It is important to have a clear understanding of what your budget constraints are before you start looking for a contractor. You may think that it will be easy to find one that is in your price range, but often this is not the case. Once you have a good idea of how much money you want to spend, do not sign a contract with any contractors until they can provide the quote in writing. Most reputable companies will be happy to give you a written estimate because they understand that this is how business is done nowadays. If they refuse to give you a written estimate or if they only offer one verbally over the phone, then there's a good chance that their prices are inflated.