Asphalt pavements for residential and commercial properties play a vital role. Driveways and parking lots are not only functional but define a major part of the curb appeal for all properties. Also, as tough and durable as asphalt pavements are, they are not invincible. Older driveways and parking lots may lose their aesthetic appeal and also become rather dangerous when left unchecked.

So, when you need a driveway or parking lot asphalt pavement repair, there are many things to consider. Firstly, the cost of the project can be impacted by many factors. Also, to budget your asphalt pavement right, you might need an expert opinion as well. So, we have a few tips that can help you budget that next asphalt pavement project right. Read through to find out more:

Assess the Condition of the Asphalt Pavement Currently on Your Property

Starting off, it is important to assess the condition of your asphalt if it is already there. However, if you need new asphalt pavement for a new property, this might not be of importance. Look for cracks and potholes on the asphalt pavement. Also, look for their depth to find out the problem at hand.

The thing with potholes is that they only get worse as time goes on. As water penetrates lower layers of the pavement, it will cause more damage from freezing and thawing. Also, check for any signs of pooling water anywhere on the driveway or the parking lot. Puddles show signs of unevenness on your pavement surface. Water in them can freeze causing a safety hazard for anyone walking on them.

Also, sinking or shifting blacktops can be big problems as well. However, this problem might not be fully due to the asphalt itself. Sometimes, it can be within the sub-base under the asphalt layer. Many pavement cracks or even potholes can be fixed with patching or other minor repairs. Sometimes, removing the top layer and relaying it can solve the problem.

If your driveway or parking lot can be improved in its integrity and functionality through minor repairs, it can be a huge time and cost-saving measure. This is why a professional opinion will be very helpful. Get a quality asphalt pavement contractor to assess the condition of your pavement thoroughly.

Pay Attention to the Condition of the Soil Underneath

Many times, the problem with your asphalt pavement isn’t just on the top level. The soil underneath can also cause a few problems. The type of soil on which the asphalt gets poured can play a vital role in its longevity. Also, the type of soil can be influential in the pricing of the project too.

Some soils need more compaction and excess air needs to be removed before laying the pavement. This is required to make the base more stable. Some other types of soils will need thicker asphalt on top. Also, it will need to be assessed if the ground has shifted in any direction.

So, with these soil variables, you might get a different quoted price. Make sure to get a soil survey when getting a new pavement installation. This doesn’t matter too much when you will only be getting a repair or seal coat service for pavement repairs.

What Kind of Usage You Will Need from Your Asphalt Pavement?

One of the major things to consider is the nature of use from your driveway. Residential driveways and pavements will not get heavy vehicles too much. These will be used much less frequently as well. This will allow a much less intensive material to be used.

However, in commercial parking lots especially for supermarkets and other buildings where heavy traffic will be frequent, different soil preparation and the hot mixture will be required. Additionally, some logistics companies will also need their parking lots for parking heavy vehicles for longer periods of time.

Where the driveway will mostly be used by pedestrians, only a few inches thick pavements will do just fine. So, this is where your quoted price for that pavement project can change drastically.

Consider Different Types of Asphalt Pavements

There are different types of asphalt pavement options available with specific benefits. Depending on the nature of use, soil conditions and other factors, some will suit more than others.

  • Porous Asphalt – This is a type of asphalt pavement that will let water seep right through the material and into the ground below. From there, water will go through the natural cleansing process. This is why this one is considered to be an eco-friendlier type of asphalt pavement.
  • Cold Mix Asphalt – A cold mix asphalt pavement is the perfect option when looking to fill potholes in winter. This is because it has the ability to stay soft in cold temperatures with great adhering properties to the surface below it. It will also offer better water repulsion.
  • Hot Mix Asphalt – This is the most commonly used type of asphalt. Many driveway pavement contractors actually recommend a hot mix type. It is typically heated and poured at temperatures ranging between 300- and 350-degrees Fahrenheit.

Consider the Size of Your Asphalt Pavement Project

The size of your asphalt pavement project will of course play a vital role in pricing as well. Even for bigger parking lot projects for warehouses, you might be able to use a phased approach. Smaller driveways for homes or for local businesses can get done much quicker.

When you get your asphalt pavement service from a quality contractor, it should last 2-3 decades. Do the occasional maintenance involving potholes and cracks filling to last it the longest. Asphalt pavements are known to last long while still looking good.

Bottom Line

Getting your asphalt pavement at the right time from the right contractor can cut costs drastically. Keep all these abovementioned tips in mind to budget your next asphalt pavement project right. Go for repairs and maintenance when required to last your pavement longer as well. Timely maintenance will save you from expensive and time taking full new pavement projects for much longer.