When a potential customer arrives at your place of business, the first thing they see is your parking lot. Are they greeted by a clean parking lot, free of cracks and debris, or do they drive into a parking lot full of bumps and worn-out asphalt? Business owners would agree that first impressions are crucial when meeting potential customers.

Parking lot installations can be an intimidating process; however, working with a quality paving company can make it more manageable. Business owners should educate themselves and research the do’s and don’ts of asphalt installation when contemplating a new parking lot. There are three essentials every business owner or property manager should take into consideration.

1. Find an Asphalt Contractor that Meets Your Needs.
When choosing the right contractor, there are many qualities to look for that will meet your asphalt paving needs. Those that are most important would include the contractor’s experience with projects of a similar size and scope as yours. And deserving equal consideration would be their attention to customer service. Other things you should consider when choosing the right contractor to perform your work include:

a. Price: Researching pricing is an important factor. Many times a representative of the contractor will typically offer a complimentary site visit and quote. The quality of equipment, the intricacy of the project area, type of asphalt mixture, civic ordinances, removal of existing surfaces, recycling options, and environmental factors are all factors when it comes to price.

b. History: Learning the experience and history of an asphalt paving contractor can save you money by helping you make the right choice for your property. Contractors that communicate in a clear and informed way while providing examples of projects and solutions they previously worked on are good candidates for your project.

c. Documentation: A credible contractor should have no resistance to providing documentation showing that their business is licensed and insured. This provides protection for you, your property, customers, and the contractor as well.

d. Warranty: A reputable contractor will make customer satisfaction a priority. Asking for a warranty will guarantee the project is completed to industry standards while meeting your needs. Warranties are not always offered, and when they are, may not include all aspects of your project depending on the company and the project’s circumstances. It is important to have all the information in writing before you start your project.

e. Reviews: An asphalt company should have no problem sharing customer reviews which are often shared on their website and can be viewed by prospective companies or individuals.

2. Understand What Lies Below the Surface.
Another consideration when choosing the right contractor is an understanding of the asphalt’s foundation. The top layer of an asphalt surface may look brand new, but below the surface problems may arise. The layer of aggregated material that is placed above the subgrade to prevent soil displacement is called the sub-base. This is the most important step in parking lot installations to ensure stability and proper drainage of any asphalt surface. This base supports the asphalt pavement and prevents cracking, sinking, and shifting of the paved surface. A well installed sub-base will increase longevity and durability of any parking lot.

3. Think Green When Considering an Asphalt Contractor.
Did you know asphalt can be recycled and reused multiple times, giving it a very long, usable life span and making it one of the most recycled products in the country? Out of 100 million tons used each year to rebuild roads, 95% is derived from recycled asphalt. Waste products such as oil, asphalt shingles, and concrete are repurposed into asphalt pavement. Creating “green asphalt paving” is done with our milling equipment. This machine removes the top layer of asphalt from a parking lot without disrupting the sub-base layer. The asphalt is then taken to our plant where it is screened and processed to be used to make new pavement material. The quality of the newly recycled asphalt is often better than brand new asphalt.

Our focus and expertise are in asphalt installation, repairs, and maintenance. Our team is experienced in providing asphalt to commercial and residential properties, and we understand the importance of protecting our environment. Whatever needs you may have regarding a new or existing parking lot, call us for a free, no-obligation bid at (702) 651-8100.