Asphalt paving projects require careful planning and appropriate preparation. In fact, it is a series of steps, each impacting the result of the next step. Starting from proper paver setup to pulling off the right mat temperature and rolling pattern, each step needs complete attention. As such, many factors need to be taken into account, affecting the price and outcome of an asphalt paving project.
Of all the considerations, the first and most important one is to hire a contractor who specializes in paving. The paving contractor you choose should have experience and knowledge to successfully pave a new surface outside of your commercial or residential property. Always remember, the lowest bid is not always the best choice when choosing an asphalt paving contractor. So, to make the task of finding the right paving contractor easier for you, we have listed some tips.
- Article Summary show
Check Licenses and Insurance
Make sure to work only with the licensed and insured contractor. Before hiring any contractor, it is important to check that they have all the required licenses to operate and have complete insurance, not just the required minimum. Insurance is required by state law to protect you if an accident happens on your property. To avoid being held liable for any mishap, ensure that the contractor has insurance including General Liability, Auto Liability, Workers Compensation, and an Umbrella policy. This will ensure that their entire crew, equipment, and all vehicles are insured.
Type of Equipment:
Asphalt paving machines are not only efficient but also very expensive. The final appearance of a pavement depends on the efficiency of these machines. Therefore, before hiring any contractor to check the type of asphalt paving equipment they use and their condition. Well-maintained equipment plays an important role in the successful completion of the asphalt paving project. Poorly maintained or defective machinery delays the work, and since asphalt cools down quickly, machines need to work fast to install asphalt. Simply don’t hire a paving contractor if they perform asphalt paving by hand.
High-quality Material
Material selection is important because low-quality asphalt negatively impacts the look and durability of your asphalt pavement. Asphalt is recycled and is available in many grades consisting of different percentages of recycled material. When you hire a contractor, make sure he uses only higher grade asphalt with the less recycled material.
Paving crew
A professional contractor will have a team of workers capable of efficiently handling the work. Ask the contractor how many people will be working on your site and how much time it will take. This ensures that there will be sufficient crew to complete the project in the quickest possible time. Crew size depends on the job type, but usually, 5-8 workers are required for an asphalt paving project.
Since most of us are unaware of the paving process and related jargon, the task of finding the right paving contractor may seem daunting. However, with a little research and asking a few relevant questions, you can easily find the best paving contractor for your project.