Many managers and property owners favor asphalt pavements for their commercial properties for several reasons, including their financial and aesthetic benefits. However, there are two things you want to avoid: delays and cost overruns. Whether your projects involves new construction, routine maintenance, or repairs, there are certain steps you can take to help your Chicago asphalt paving company complete your project within budget and on time.
How Can Clients Assist Contractors With an Asphalt Paving Project?
The most successful projects involve a collaboration between an asphalt paving company and its client. Here are some tips for working with a paving company in Chicago.
1. Be honest with your paving contractor. If your contractor recommends resurfacing your entire asphalt parking lot, for example, but your budget is inadequate, say so. Experienced asphalt companies know ways to perform large projects in phases, and they also know whether there are acceptable alternatives.
2. Work closely with your Chicago asphalt paving company to develop a comprehensive plan. There will be certain tasks that only your paving contractor can handle, but there are typically other steps that the client must take. One example is ensuring that your tenants or residents are informed of the scheduled work well ahead of time. You may need to designate a different entrance, parking area, or route they need to take to avoid interfering with the work being performed by your asphalt paving company.
3. Avoid surprising your paving company with alterations to your project after work is underway. Asphalt paving companies create detailed schedules to ensure that the right equipment and personnel are available when and where they are needed. If you make changes midstream, the only option available to your Chicago asphalt paving company may be to pause work on your project. The other choice that is sometimes available to paving companies is to pay workers to work overtime, and this additional cost will most likely be passed on to the customer as an overrun.
How Do I Budget for the Services of an Asphalt Paving Company?
You need to begin by locating any records you might have in either digital or printed format. Knowing when a paving company in Chicago built your pavement is important. However, you also want to know the details of your pavement’s construction, including the compacted asphalt depth. Maintenance and repair records can be even more important. They can help you identify the preventive treatments your pavement received, the frequency and severity of repairs, and the sources of damage identified by the asphalt companies performing the work. Once you have assembled as much information as possible, it is time to call a trustworthy asphalt paving company for assistance. The answers to the following questions can help you create a realistic budget for your pavement care.
1. How often should I apply asphalt sealcoating? The intervals between applications depend on numerous factors. However, a typical Chicago parking lot will need sealcoating every other year.
2. How often should I schedule crack repairs? Cracks can endanger pedestrians as well as your pavement’s structural integrity. The age and condition of your pavement may require more frequent repairs, but most asphalt companies recommend repairing significant cracks at least once every year.
3. When should I repaint my parking lot? In the Chicago area, parking lot paint and asphalt sealcoating have similar life expectancies. A fresh application of sealcoating will require repainting your lines and markings, so you might want to schedule both services at the same time. Beyond that, you should repaint if the visibility of your lines and markings falls below 75% of their original vibrancy.
4. How often should I resurface my asphalt pavement? The answer to this question can only be determined by a qualified paving contractor who has conducted a thorough assessment of your specific pavement. That said, the most common ballpark estimate is that a typical parking lot needs resurfacing every 10 to 12 years.
Black Hawk Paving serves the greater Chicago area with a range of services, including parking lot maintenance programs, asphalt sealcoating, milling and grinding, asphalt paving and repair, site grading and excavation, hot crack sealing, concrete flatwork and curbing, car stops, traffic signage, and parking lot striping. We serve local commercial and industrial clients as well as national clients. We are known for our extraordinary craftsmanship, commitment to customer satisfaction, and professional and personal integrity. To request a free quote, complete the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.
