Ever watch a crew throw hot asphalt down over loose dirt and wonder how long it will actually last? Probably not long. Down here in Westminster, CO, our notorious expansive clay soils will chew up and spit out any pavement that is not built on a proper, reliable foundation. If you are tackling an asphalt project for a larger property, apartment complex, or HOA-managed commercial space, skipping the details right out of the gate is a fast track to regret.
These are the common mistakes that occur on commercial paving projects, and how property owners can sidestep them.
Ignoring the Subgrade Underneath
You can buy the highest-grade mix available, but if the subgrade is poor, your parking lot or private roadway is going to fail. Colorado clay expands when it is wet and shrinks when it dries out. If a contractor skips proper proof-rolling or fails to stabilize that sub-base, you will see alligator cracking and depressions within a couple of freeze-thaw cycles. Quantum Asphalt always stresses that preparation is ninety percent of the job. Do not let anyone rush past the dirt work.
Chasing the Cheapest Bid
Everyone likes saving money. But when a quote comes in fifty percent lower than the rest, somebody is cutting corners. Usually, that means they are laying the Asphalt too thin, using recycled aggregate that breaks down under weight, or skipping the tack coat between layers. You will end up paying for a total tear-out and repave a few years down the road instead of a simple mill-and-overlay.
Neglecting Proper Drainage Design
Water is the ultimate enemy of Asphalt. If your lot is graded poorly, pooling water will saturate the edges and seep into the base layers. Westminster gets heavy spring downpours and plenty of melting snow. If the surface is not sloped correctly toward catch basins or proper runoff zones, you will watch standing water break down your binder course in no time. Always ask to see how they plan to handle drainage before a single machine rolls onto your property.
Taking the time to vet your Asphalt Contractor and understand what is happening beneath the surface saves property owners thousands of dollars in future repairs. Do Asphalt Paving right the first time in Westminster, CO, and the surface will hold up for many years in the local climate.