An asphalt surface that is built correctly isn’t just going to appear neat and tidy; it’s going to hold up to traffic, drain well, and protect the underlying base. So if you’re looking to get a new driveway installed, get your parking lot repaired, or your older blacktop resurfaced, hiring the best asphalt contractor Volusia County has to offer is key to making sure your surface doesn’t develop potholes, cracks, or other issues that would require repair.
What Makes Good Asphalt?
Good asphalt can mask a lot of problems. However, if there’s something wrong with the subgrade underneath – whether it’s poorly compacted or holding water – the surface will start deteriorating much earlier than expected. This is why it’s important to have the pavement inspected prior to any repair or resurfacing.
A contractor should assess the condition of the pavement, the grade and base, the slope and drainage, and more before determining what type of repair is required. Sometimes, crack filling or resurfacing is the answer. Other times, the asphalt must be torn up and rebuilt from the ground up.
Some things that must be addressed to ensure a quality surface:
- Grading
- Base material
- Asphalt thickness
- Compaction
- Drainage
All of these factors need to be in place to ensure that the surface holds up properly over time. Otherwise, the surface will develop cracks, potholes, and other issues.
Services Provided by Asphalt Contractors in Volusia County
An asphalt contractor in Volusia County like Blacktop By Beede Paving can provide many different services depending on the type of surface, its age, and what type of work needs to be done. The most common services provided by a contractor include new asphalt installation, driveway paving, parking lot paving, resurfacing, pothole repair, crack filling, sealcoating, and base preparation.
Crack filling can prevent water from entering the pavement, while sealcoating can prevent the surface from being damaged by UV rays and traffic. Resurfacing will replace the top layer of asphalt when the base is still in good shape. Full replacement will be necessary when the entire surface is damaged.
Signs of Asphalt Damage
It’s important to catch any asphalt issues before they become too large to fix. A hairline crack can turn into a network of larger cracks. A small puddle can turn into a bigger issue if water doesn’t drain properly. A small pothole can grow over time due to traffic. Check this page to know more.
You should watch out for the following signs of asphalt damage:
- Puddles of standing water after rain
- Cracks that are expanding or joining together
- Small rocks that are starting to fall off the surface
- Depressions or low spots
- Broken or crumbling edges
- Potholes in the high-traffic areas
“The majority of asphalt failures are caused by water getting into the base,” explains pavement maintenance supervisor Evan Marshall. “The best repairs address the cause of the problem, not just patching over it.”
Questions to Ask Asphalt Contractors in Volusia County
The cheapest price shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when hiring an asphalt contractor in Volusia County. Sometimes a cheaper price means less base work, less compaction, or other items that aren’t being addressed during the repair.
Ask what prep work will be done before installing new asphalt. Inquire about whether soft spots, low spots, cracks, and edges will be addressed. How thick will the asphalt be? How will it be compacted?
Make sure to request a written quote that includes a description of the scope of work. Make sure to know whether you’re looking at a repair job, a resurfacing job, or a full replacement. That way, you can compare apples to apples when choosing the best option.
Drainage is Key to Success
Water is one of the worst enemies of asphalt. When it sits on top of the pavement or gets into cracks, it can damage the base and lead to cracking, potholes, and even sunken areas.
To combat these issues, the surface must be sloped correctly and graded properly so that water drains away from it. Edges must also be supported correctly or water will undermine them. If you see a drainage issue before the asphalt is laid down, it should be corrected as part of the repair process.
Maintain Your Asphalt Over Time
Even when asphalt is properly laid down, it requires maintenance to keep it in top shape. Sweep the surface, fill cracks, fix potholes, and apply sealcoat. All of these steps will help keep the asphalt in good shape.
A quick inspection after a heavy rain, with the full details at https://climate.gov/news-features, heavy traffic, or any visible change to the pavement can help identify potential problems early.
Timing is important. Asphalt needs to be laid when conditions are right, allowing time to lay and finish paving before it cools. How long will your driveway or business entrance be off-limits for traffic before you can drive on it?
For commercial lots, planning for things like striping, wheel stops, ADA spaces and traffic flow should also take place before any paving work begins.
If those discussions take place after the asphalt has been laid and has cured, you may end up with cuts, striping or other issues that cause you to deal with additional downtime.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a qualified asphalt contractor in Volusia County will help ensure that your pavement is more than just good-looking. The best asphalt jobs require careful planning, the right solution for the problem, proper drainage, and ongoing maintenance.
Take some time to review the condition of your pavement and the proposed solution before getting started. That will go a long way toward ensuring that the pavement is going to last longer.
