Lynbrook

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Driveway or Asphalt Repair Contractor

When selecting a paving contractor to lay your new driveway or asphalt repair your existing surface, it’s important to do your homework. There are many different factors that go into a successful project, including cost, timeline, and warranty. A reputable contractor will be willing to share all the details of your project upfront so that there are no surprises down the road.

Driveway paving is the process of removing old materials, making sure the ground is level and properly graded, then spreading and compacting crushed rock and asphalt over the base material. This is followed by the application of a seal coat to protect and extend the life of your driveway. The quality of the paving job is determined by the amount of prep work done before the seal coat is applied. If the surface isn’t cleaned well, it will not adhere to the sealcoat. The paving company should clean the area using blowers or power washers to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. They should also patch any holes and cracks that are too large to fill with asphalt material.

A well-maintained asphalt driveway or parking lot will not only extend the life of your investment, but it will help improve the overall look of your property. Unfortunately, many less experienced paving companies will skip the essential steps of proper preparation and application of the seal coat. There are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided by hiring a professional asphalt paving contractor.

The First Mistake: Applying a Thick Layer of Seal Coat

While slathering your driveway or parking lot in a thick coating of sealant may seem like a good idea, it will be detrimental to your asphalt surface. This is because too much sealant can cause the asphalt to crack and break down prematurely. A professional paving contractor will thin the sealant before applying it to your asphalt.

Another mistake that can be made is waiting too long between applications of the seal coat. In addition to reducing the longevity of your asphalt, it can also damage adjacent surfaces. This is because the water in the small cracks will eventually freeze and expand, creating further damage to the surface. Professionals will typically wait two to three years between seal coatings.

The Third Mistake: Using a Sealcoat on Unsound Asphalt

A good quality sealcoat will help to extend the life of your driveway, but it won’t fix major problems such as deep cracks or chips. These issues should be repaired before you apply a sealcoat. Trying to cover up these problems will lead to more expensive repairs in the future.

When choosing a paving contractor, make sure they can provide you with references from previous clients and a portfolio of their work. This is a great way to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, real estate agents often keep a list of reliable paving contractors in their address books to recommend to clients who are looking to sell their homes.

Contact A-Top Asphalt Paving today!