What is asphalt?
Asphalt, occasionally known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. It may be found in natural deposits or a refined product.
The primary use of asphalt/bitumen is in road construction, where it is used as the glue or binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete.
What is paving asphalt?
Paving asphalt or asphalt concrete (commonly called asphalt, blacktop, or pavement) is a composite material commonly used to surface roads, parking lots, and airports. It consists of mineral aggregate bound together with asphalt, laid in layers, and compacted.
Click on the video to see how paving asphalt is made.
How to choose a paving contractor?
Contractors come and go in the concrete and asphalt paving business. These tips will help you make an informed decision on the best contractor for your construction and asphalt paving and maintenance needs.
Contact a company representative.
Meeting with the contractor in person or talking with someone on the phone can let you know the type of company you are dealing with. If you leave a phone message, does the person call you back in a timely manner? Are emails returned? Is the company representative eager to help provide solutions? Is he or she knowledgeable? Communication with the company also allows you to get specific answers particular to your paving or asphalt needs.
Get a bid.
Review proposals from various contractors. Does the bid include a clear description of the work to be performed? What is the price of the project, realizing that the lowest bid may also include the lowest level of workmanship? Trust, experience, and integrity are important factors to consider.
Look at the contractor’s equipment.
What type of asphalt paving equipment does the contractor have? Is it run down? Machines that breakdown frequently can delay the completion of your asphalt paving or maintenance project. Properly maintained equipment is important to any project.
Look at the contractor’s employees.
Does the contractor have an adequate, professional crew? A typical asphalt paving crew consist of 5-8 workers depending on the size of the job. Being understaffed not only affects the overall outcome of your asphalt paving project, but it can delay the project.
Summary
Asphalt paving and maintenance is a longterm investment. Properly installed, asphalt paving can last more than 20 years. Saving a few hundred in the short term may cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Make sure you do your research and ask questions to make an educated and informed decision when choosing your asphalt paving and maintenance contractor. It will save you repair costs later.
