Common Asphalt Paving Errors [How to Avoid Them]

When you have quality asphalt paving in your driveway, it makes a massive difference in the way your house looks. Asphalt is a durable material, and it can improve your curb appeal. However, when you or your contractor do not install it correctly, you will have problems later on down the road. Please continue reading to find out more about the common paving errors and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Project Planning

Proper planning is essential for the installation and maintenance of asphalt paving. Ensuring that you have all of the appropriate equipment and material is part of the planning process. You also want to have the best weather conditions possible and should consider that when planning. You want to spend the appropriate amount of time on the project. You do not want to rush through it. If you are not experienced with installing asphalt, you want to find a qualified asphalt contractor.

2. Paying Less for Poor Quality Work

Price is essential when searching for asphalt companies, but it should not be the only factor. While you may find a contractor that is affordable, it does not mean they will provide quality work. Therefore, you want to be cautious about selecting the asphalt contractor that offers the lowest price.

3. Choosing Low-Quality Materials

You may not realize it, but there are various types of asphalt paving materials available. They are not the same as they have varying quality. While we all want to save money where we can, you may not want to purchase more affordable material to decrease the price. When poor-quality asphalt is used, the results are often poor and less than expected. Instead, you want to purchase high-quality asphalt to ensure you have a smooth surface without any imperfections. Higher-quality asphalt holds up better to wear and tear and severe weather.

4. Rushing the Process

You want to take your time with your asphalt paving project. When you rush the project, there is a chance you will not follow the proper procedure. You also want to install the asphalt at the same speed the entire time. You do not want to speed up or slow down in different areas because it impacts how uniform the paving looks. Any asphalt contractor you select should use speed limiters to ensure you have a consistent and clean application of your asphalt.

5. Choosing the Wrong Asphalt Contractor

You want to select a highly qualified and reputable asphalt contractor. There are a number of asphalt companies available, but they are not all the same. You want one that is experienced and pays attention to the details because they matter, especially in paving. The contractor you select should plan well for the project, have the right equipment, and pay attention to the weather. You do not have to select the most expensive contractor, but you do not want to pick the cheapest. Adhering to your budget is essential, but you should not make your decision solely on cost. You also want to select a contractor that uses high-quality equipment and knows how to operate it.

If you keep these tips in mind when you are planning your asphalt paving job, you will have smooth, quality asphalt when you are finished.

Types of Commercial Concrete Curbs

There are three main types of commercial concrete curbs: barrier curbs, decorative curbs, and mountable curbs. These curbs all serve very different purposes, so it is important to know the differences if you need curbs for your business. Creating beautiful and properly shaped curbs isn’t easy, so it’s best to go with a concrete company that has plenty of experience with making curbs. Read on to learn more about the different types of commercial concrete curbs.

Barrier Curbs

Barrier curbs are intended to keep people and vehicles out of a certain area. They are intended to be entirely functional, not decorative. Barrier curbs are often found at the edges of streets, where they keep vehicles from straying onto the sidewalk. They are also used to surround parking lots for the same purpose. In addition to providing a barrier to people and vehicles, these curbs also keep water from flowing out of a street. Instead, the water is directed into a drain.

Sometimes barrier curbs are placed between parking spaces in a lot. This can make it easier for drivers to park their vehicles. It also prevents one vehicle from parking across two spaces, which is important if your lot is often very full.

Decorative Curbs

Decorative curbs are intended to be beautiful, though they do serve a purpose. This type of curb is also known as a mower curb. This is because these curbs are often used to prevent lawnmowers from cutting down fragile plants like flowers and ornamentals. Not only will decorative curbs prevent lawnmowers from damaging fragile plants, but these curbs will also keep pedestrians from wandering into flower beds and the like. If you have a sidewalk that cuts through your business’s landscaping, you should have decorative curbs installed along both sides.

Decorative curbs are often colored and stamped with a design. These curbs can also have unique shapes. Decorative curbs are a great way to increase the beauty of your business’s grounds while also protecting the landscaping. If you are planning to get decorative curbs for your business, make sure to look at pictures of decorative curbs so that you can get a good idea of what is possible.

Mountable Curbs

Mountable curbs are designed to let people or vehicles pass over them. These curbs can be found at the edges of sidewalks where they cross a street. In this situation, mountable curbs are intended to let people pushing strollers or walkers easily transition from the sidewalk to the asphalt when crossing a street. Mountable curbs also give people in wheelchairs easy access to the street. In fact, mountable curbs are required by many jurisdictions to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.

Mountable curbs can also be found at the entrances of parking lots. They divide the parking lot from the street while still letting vehicles pass over them without a jolt. This is why mountable curbs slope downwards instead of upwards like other types of curbs.

Finding the Right Concrete Company

It can be tricky to create concrete curbs that not only look good but also work properly. If you need curbs for your business, find a concrete company that has extensive experience creating curbs. Make sure to take a look at examples of their past work so you can ensure that they are capable of creating high-quality commercial concrete curbs. It’s also a good idea to get an estimate so you have a good idea of how much the work will cost.