Homeowners often rush into Driveway Paving projects only to see cracks forming by the next spring. Asphalt Excellence sees this issue all the time around Brighton, CO. The local weather in Brighton, CO is very harsh on asphalt surfaces, and if you skip the important details upfront, you are losing money on premature repairs.
There are several common traps that homeowners fall into during Asphalt Paving projects. Asphalt Excellence wants to help property owners in Brighton, CO dodge these issues.
Going Solely on the Lowest Bid for Asphalt Paving
Everybody likes a bargain. But when it comes to Asphalt Paving, an extremely low quote is usually a warning sign. If an asphalt contractor comes in thousands of dollars lower than everyone else, they are cutting corners somewhere. They might be skimping on base preparation, laying down a thin layer of asphalt, or using cheap recycled mix that will not hold up to traffic.
Asphalt Excellence deals with expansive clay soils right here in Brighton, CO. If your aggregate base is not thick and compacted right, that cheap asphalt is going to shift, crack, and crumble within 2 to 3 seasons. Property owners in Brighton must pay for a proper Asphalt Paving job the first time.
Skipping the Fine Print on Asphalt Warranties
A handshake and a verbal promise will not save you when your driveway starts sinking two years down the road. Property owners often forget to ask for a written warranty, or they do not read what the warranty actually covers. An unreliable contractor might offer a one-year warranty, but that is not helpful when the real damage shows up after 3 freeze-thaw cycles in Brighton, CO. Asphalt Excellence recommends looking for an asphalt contractor who stands behind their workmanship with a solid, written guarantee.
Ignoring Drainage Issues During Asphalt Paving
Water is asphalt's worst enemy. If your asphalt contractor does not grade your property properly before laying the hot mix asphalt, you will end up with standing water every time it rains or the snow melts in Brighton, CO. That pooling water seeps into the sub-base, softens the aggregate, and leads to deep potholes. Make sure whoever you hire for Driveway Paving actually talks to you about water runoff and drainage slopes.
Waiting Too Long to Sealcoat Your Asphalt Driveway
Homeowners often think new asphalt is indestructible. They figure once the asphalt paving is laid, they can forget about maintenance for a decade. The intense Colorado sun bakes the oils out of the pavement in Brighton, leaving the surface dry and brittle. You need to apply a quality sealcoat 3 to 6 months after the initial asphalt installation, and then every 2 to 3 years after that, to keep it sealed against moisture and UV rays.
Asphalt Excellence spends a lot of time fixing problems that could have been avoided with a little upfront knowledge. Do not rush the asphalt paving process, check local references in Brighton, CO, and make sure you are asking the necessary questions before signing any paperwork. A little patience during your Driveway Paving project saves you financial trouble later.