Asphalt contractors are experts within the construction industry who specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining pavement areas. With access to specialist tools that DIY enthusiasts cannot match, these professionals ensure efficient and quality results for each project they undertake. Here’s the best way to find Asphalt Contractors.
Ask each asphalt contractor on your shortlist to provide references from projects similar to your own so you can gauge their capabilities more effectively and form an opinion.
Qualifications
Stakeholders need to make many important decisions when designing, changing, or maintaining pavement surfaces, but few decisions have such a profound effect on their final appearance and durability as selecting an asphalt contractor for their task.
Professional asphalt contractors possess extensive knowledge and experience that they bring to every project. They know precisely how to prepare and install the asphalt surface correctly before compacting it efficiently to create a finished surface that can endure years of heavy traffic and climate conditions.
State-of-the-art equipment allows them to complete projects more quickly and accurately, saving money on labor costs and guaranteeing quality results. Furthermore, they have formed strong relationships with suppliers so that they can provide their clients with quality materials at reasonable costs.
Asphalt contractors seeking government-level contracts must fulfill specific qualifications in order to work efficiently, including prequalification and meeting specific safety regulations and standards.
Another qualification of theirs is being able to oversee asphalt production plants themselves, providing complete control from start to finish and guaranteeing materials of the highest standard. Furthermore, eliminating subcontractors reduces liability risks while simultaneously increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Experience
Unexperienced asphalt contractors may make mistakes during installation that significantly shorten the asphalt’s expected lifespan, which can be costly and frustrating to fix. A reputable contractor should have enough knowledge and experience to avoid such errors while offering some form of warranty that provides assurance they will complete their task correctly and on schedule.
Experienced asphalt contractors should boast an impressive track record and a list of satisfied customers that you can review. In addition, an effective asphalt contractor is likely familiar with local weather and soil conditions that could impact the success of your paving project and any permits or regulations necessary for its success.
Request references from past clients with projects similar to yours in terms of size and scope. If a paving company cannot provide these references, that should serve as a warning signal.
A good asphalt contractor goes beyond just paving, offering additional services like repairs, maintenance, and design suggestions to ensure the long-term health and longevity of your pavement. Regular maintenance also saves money over time, as it significantly reduces replacement needs.
Equipment
Asphalt contractors require access to equipment that allows them to execute their duties quickly and precisely, such as pavers, rollers, sweepers, and other pieces of machinery essential to pavement paving projects and maintenance tasks.
Equipment used to ensure asphalt is laid correctly and compacted evenly is vital to its long-term success. An asphalt paver uses a metal drum that can be raised or lowered to distribute hot mix asphalt over road surfaces; then, a roller compacts it before finally using a sweeper to clear away large debris from its finished surface.
Contractors need a range of equipment to transport materials and dispose of waste. This may include asphalt transports and live-bottom trailers, which enable them to keep liquid asphalt warm during transport from business to the work site, enabling quick access when required.
Asphalt contractors need several essential pieces of equipment in their arsenal: mixers, rakes, and hand tools such as shovels. These help contractors prepare surfaces, remove existing pavement and smooth asphalt, fill potholes, or tie seams in newly paved surfaces together seamlessly – they may even tie potholes closed during their paving! A high-quality asphalt paving contractor should own their heavy equipment rather than renting from rental companies as this can save both time and money while guaranteeing they use quality machinery that will provide lasting results.
Warranty
Your asphalt company should offer warranties to protect their work. These will give you peace of mind that any issues with installation will be taken care of promptly—whether they arise regarding surface issues or workmanship. Ask them what kind of warranties they offer and for how long.
Warranty protection generally lasts one year or less. If a contractor doesn’t offer one, it might be wise to look elsewhere. Having such coverage will protect your investment and any issues that might arise after completion.
Warranty specifications should clearly describe what work is covered under warranty and include details about when construction activities end and the warranty period begins. Furthermore, it should specify if construction activities will take place in stages or if additional components such as lanes, shoulders, subgrade, base, and roadway hardware require warranty coverage.
Warranty policies must include procedures for monitoring and maintaining warranted pavements, such as periodic inspections to evaluate performance and spot any deficiencies, with restriping scheduled as soon as necessary. In addition, contractors should document quality control testing, certifications, and calibrations in a format easily accessible by their agencies at all times.
