No matter what type of facility or business you manage, you keep a close eye on your spending. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the first things you want to know is the cost of paving in Chicago, IL. What might surprise you is that two parking lots with the identical square footage could potentially have very different prices. There are other variables that your contractor must consider before submitting a quote on your job.

What Are the Variables Contractors Must Consider When Quoting on Paving in Chicago, IL?

Normally, a contractor preparing a quote for asphalt paving in Chicago will ask potential clients the following questions.

1. What is the exact location of the job?
2. What is the purpose of the pavement?
3. Are there existing structures or pavements on the site?

There are also questions that asphalt companies and contractors must answer themselves.

1. How complex is the pavement design?
2. What is the soil like at the construction site?
3. Does the surrounding terrain present any challenges?
4. Is the site accessible?
5. What type of asphalt will offer the best results for this particular pavement?

Why Does a Paving Contractor Ask the Customer Questions When Paving in Chicago, IL?

Of the many possible variables, customers can typically answer three questions. These answers can help your asphalt contractor begin to prepare an estimate for paving in Chicago IL.

1. Exact Location: A paving company typically stores its heavy equipment and supplies at or near its office. To install asphalt paving, contractors must move everything necessary for the job, including personnel, to the site. Your paving contractor will look up the exact mileage and travel time between the yard and your site. These mobilization costs are one variable that contractors consider. The exact location can also affect the price that the asphalt plant will charge for its product. The asphalt supplier must pay the salaries of the truck drivers as well as the fuel expenses.
2. Purpose: Asphalt paving in Chicago may serve any of several functions. It may provide parking for heavyweight trucks or equipment, or it may not provide parking for anything heavier than an SUV. A street may be a truck route, or it may be a residential street in a gated community. Cars may remain in a parking lot for several hours, or they may come and go within a few minutes. The pavement may support a few dozen vehicles, or it may support thousands. Paving companies consider all of these factors when deciding on the appropriate thickness of the asphalt.
3. Existing Structures: If structures or pavements currently exist on the site, the contractor will probably need to demolish them. Crew members will need to load the debris into dump trucks for removal.

Why Do Contractors Seek Answers for the Questions That Customers Cannot Provide?

There are variables that can impact the total cost of asphalt paving that only an experienced contractor can calculate.

1. Complexity: It is faster and easier to install pavements on flat land than to install them on hilly terrain. The same is true for pavements that feature predominantly straight lines.
2. Soil: The soil is the bottommost tier of an asphalt pavement. It needs to be compactible and stable. If it is not, your paving contractor will likely need to either amend it or design a special base.
3. Terrain: The terrain can present challenges above and below the ground. For example, if there is a nearby hill with unstable soil, your contractor might need to build a retaining wall. It might also be necessary to address an underground spring, a sinkhole, or a creek that could encroach on your pavement.
4. Accessibility: Contractors need a way to get their equipment and asphalt deliveries from the nearest public road to the site. If an access road is too narrow or weak to allow passage, your contractor may need to build one.
5. Asphalt Type: Asphalt suppliers offer a variety of mixes that have different qualities and prices. Some mixes can provide a smoother, quieter ride, while others offer superior longevity or better aesthetics.

No matter what type of asphalt pavement you need, the professionals at Black Hawk Paving have the expertise to provide you with exemplary results. We have been providing asphalt paving services since 1975. Our other services include asphalt overlays, concrete flatwork, site grading, hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, car stops, asphalt repairs, excavations, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, traffic signage, pavement markings, and sealcoating. We have a remarkable reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and service. If you would like to request a free job quote, you can fill in the online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Inevitably, every asphalt pavement will develop at least a few cracks. Naturally, you want to do everything you possible can to keep minimize the number and severity of any cracks that form. You should also be proactive about repairing cracks as soon as it is feasible to do so. However, you might not realize that asphalt crackfilling in Chicago is often not the best repair method.

What Is the Problem With Asphalt Crackfilling in Chicago?

Strictly speaking, asphalt crackfilling uses a material that is inflexible and rigid after it cures. When the pavement contracts in cold weather, the crackfilling cannot do the same. The filler may crack, or it may come unglued from the pavement. If the filler loses its bond, it may leave an opening for water to enter. In some cases, the contracting pavement may force the material out, or the tires of vehicles may knock it out of the crack.

What Is a Better Alternative to Asphalt Crackfilling in Chicago?

Given the area’s typically severe weather, asphalt crack sealing is a safer, longer-lasting crack repair method. Hot crack sealing uses a rubbery, flexible material that can move with the pavement. There is little chance that a professionally applied hot rubber crack repair will break its bond with the pavement.

Is Asphalt Crack Sealing More Expensive Than Filling?

Initially, it costs a bit more to seal a crack than to fill it. However, the asphalt industry considers hot crack sealing to be a permanent repair in most instances. Crack filling is not a permanent repair, so you may have to repeat the procedure several times over the course of your pavement’s life. Therefore, if you look at the lifetime cost, crack sealing is often more economical in the long run.

Is It Possible to Prevent Asphalt From Cracking?

No matter what you do, asphalt can crack from age and normal wear and tear. However, there are ways to keep the number and size of cracks at a minimum. Periodic applications of sealcoating can be highly effective at preventing cracks. So can keeping your pavement clean, enforcing limits on vehicle weights, and having a professional remove accumulations of ice and snow.

Can a Chicago Contractor Make an Asphalt Crack Repair in the Winter?

As you know, the winters in Chicago can vary a great deal from one year to the next. Therefore, it is possible that a contractor might find an occasional day or two on which to make a crack repair. It may also be possible to make a temporary repair with a cold-pour filler. However, permanent repairs are usually impossible for the following reasons.

1. Snow and ice on the pavement will make it virtually impossible to make any sort of an effective repair.
2. Most asphalt crack repair materials require temperatures within a narrow range. Traditional materials for asphalt crackfilling and sealing require a temperature of at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In cold weather, the cracks will be at their narrowest. Although this may sound like a good thing, it is not. It will make it difficult or impossible to prepare the void properly and insert a sufficient amount of filler. If you seal it, then you may have a problem when the crack expands in the summer.

Since 1975, Black Hawk Paving has been providing exceptional paving services throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our services include hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, site grading, asphalt paving, sealcoating, concrete flatwork, asphalt repairs, concrete curbing, excavations, car stops, sewer repair, pavement markings, concrete flatwork, traffic signs, and asphalt fabric. We have an exemplary reputation for service, craftsmanship, and professionalism. For a free quote, call 708-479-0400, submit our online form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Asphalt pavements have a lot to recommend them. They are highly economical, quite attractive, and rapid to construct. Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun, so ice and snow can melt more easily during a brutal Chicago winter. Maintaining or repairing an asphalt pavement is typically fast and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements can have remarkably long lives. However, the treatment that asphalt paving project receives during its first few months of existence can have long-term consequences.

Why Are the First Few Months in the Life of Paving Critical?

As any knowledgeable paving company can tell you, asphalt pavements have the ability to flex under load. When traffic passes over them, they can give a bit, then they rebound extremely quickly. However, there is a downside to this flexibility until the asphalt cures completely. The uncured asphalt is much more tender than it will be after curing, so it is more vulnerable to damage. It does not matter whether your asphalt paving company installs an overlay or constructs a new pavement. If you want to maximize its longevity and minimize your repair expenses, there are certain things that can help.

How Long Does Curing Take for Asphalt Paving?

The curing time for asphalt paving in Chicago can vary a great deal. The weather at the time of installation, the type of asphalt mix, and the lift thicknesses can all impact curing. Usually, a parking lot paving company expects complete curing to occur in no more than a year. On the other hand, due to its thinness, an asphalt overlay may only need three months or so. Your asphalt contractor can take all factors into consideration to estimate a more precise time frame.

What Actions Do Paving Contractors Advise Clients to Take and Avoid for a New Asphalt Pavement?

Typically, a roadway or parking lot paving company will make the following recommendations.

1. Do not get in too big a hurry to open your pavement to vehicles. The minimum wait is usually 24 hours, but it could extend to as long as 72 hours.
2. Do apply sealcoating once the asphalt reaches a sufficient level of curing. Depending on various factors, this could be anywhere from three months to a year.
3. Do not leave parked cars, heavy equipment, or pallets of heavy materials stationary on your new pavement. Move them around every few days.
4. Do remove puddles of oil or other vehicle fluids as quickly as possible, especially if you have yet to apply sealcoating. Petrochemicals can deteriorate the binder in asphalt pavements. The soft, crumbly spot they leave behind can turn into a pothole very quickly.
5. Do not allow drivers to practice stunt maneuvers on your new pavement. This includes drag racing, burning rubber, and spinouts.
6. Do prevent or remove accumulations of snow and ice. The frozen material next to your pavement will likely melt slightly on a warm day, then refreeze overnight. If the snow or ice melts even a little, the water can fill the pores in your pavement. When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in these pores will turn to ice and expand, damaging your pavement.

At Black Hawk Paving, we offer a full range of asphalt services as well as concrete services. Our clients range from small commercial businesses to national chains. Our services include asphalt paving and resurfacing, concrete flatwork construction, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt repairs, hot crack sealing, site grading and excavation, asphalt sealcoating, concrete curbing, asphalt fabric installation, sewer repairs, pavement markings, and traffic signage. We have been serving Chicagoland since 1975. Our prices are competitive, our reputation is exemplary, and our references are impeccable. We offer free quotes, so contact us today to request yours. You can email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, fill out the online form, or call 708-479-0400.

Paying a contractor to build a new parking lot is not an expense that you can take out of petty cash. Although an asphalt parking lot is not as expensive as a comparable concrete one, it is still a significant investment. If you want to maximize the return on this investment, you should consider the benefits of a parking lot maintenance program.

What Is a Parking Lot Maintenance Program?

A parking lot pavement maintenance program is a comprehensive set of procedures that can help you achieve several goals. It can minimize your repair bills, maximize your pavement’s life, enhance your parking lot’s safety, and boost your curb appeal. The best pavement maintenance plan is one that a reputable asphalt professional customizes just for you.

What Should a Contractor Include in My Parking Lot Maintenance Program?

Because parking lots are far from identical, your asphalt maintenance program should reflect the unique needs of your parking lot. Therefore, you might not need every procedure on the following list.

1. Parking Lot Sealcoat: Sealcoating offers several cosmetic benefits, but its major benefit is its ability to protect asphalt pavements from premature deterioration. By helping prevent vehicle fluids and UV rays from inflicting damage, sealcoating can dramatically reduce your need for pavement repairs.
2. Crack Repairs: Any reputable Chicago asphalt company can tell you that open cracks pose a serious threat to your pavement. Water that enters through the cracks can erode the pavement’s foundation and destabilize it. In the winter, the trapped water can freeze and expand in all directions, causing even more damage.
3. Pavement Marking and Striping: Visible, clean stripes and markings make your parking lot safer and more attractive. Some markings and stripes are required by law.
4. Parking Lot Sweeping: A professional sweeping service can remove dirt, grass clippings, trash, leaves, and other debris. Piles of debris can trap moisture against your pavement, increasing the chance of water penetration and potentially staining your pavement.
5. Miscellaneous: You should replace faded or damaged signs, and you may need to replace their poles. Misaligned or broken wheel stops pose tripping hazards, so replace those as well. Grates and gutters must remain clear so that runoff does not back up around their edges.

How Often Do I Need the Above Asphalt Maintenance Procedures?

The timing will depend on various factors, including the age of your parking lot, the number of vehicles it supports, and the weight of those vehicles. However, here are some estimates that may help you.

1. Parking Lot Sealcoat: Asphalt companies recommend sealing a new parking lot within its first year. Thereafter, have your contractor sealcoat your parking lot every 18 to 30 months.
2. Crack Repairs: When cracks develop, you should try to have your asphalt company repair them as soon as possible. It is a good idea to ask a trustworthy pavement maintenance contractor to identify and repair cracks every six months.
3. Pavement Marking and Striping: Most parking lots will need fresh paint about as often as they need seal coating. However, if you notice that paint is peeling or flaking, ask your contractor to repaint sooner.
4. Parking Lot Sweeping: It is really impossible to provide a meaningful estimate on this service. An employee parking lot may only need weekly or even monthly sweepings. On the other hand, an extremely busy mall may need two or three sweepings every day.
5. Miscellaneous: Most businesses can get by with annual replacements of parking lot signs. Because of the potential hazards they present, it is a good idea to identify and replace problematic wheel stops every three months. Your parking lot’s proximity to trees and shrubs will play a crucial role in how often you need to clean your gutters and drains. Typically, fall is the season in which most clogs occur.

Black Hawk Paving is a full-service asphalt company serving the greater Chicagoland area. Our services include sealcoating, asphalt paving, excavations, asphalt repair, site grading, car stops, asphalt milling, concrete curbing, hot crack sealing, concrete flatwork, asphalt fabric, parking lot striping, sewer repairs, pavement markings, and sewer repairs. We have a stellar reputation for workmanship and customer service. Our clients include local industrial and commercial operations as well as national chains. For a free quote, fill out our online form, or send an email to Info@BlackHawkPaving.com. If you prefer to call us, please choose the phone number for the area in which you need our services. For Chicago, call 773-378-2390. For the southern suburbs, call 708-479-0400. For the northwest suburbs, call 847-240-2560.

Asphalt is an excellent choice for Chicagoland pavements. It is economical, able to withstand cold weather, and visually appealing. With the right care, an asphalt pavement can last for 20 years or more. However, the longevity of an asphalt pavement is also highly dependent on the quality of its installation. One of the most critical factors affecting the longevity of asphalt paving is proper compaction.

Why Is Compaction Critical to the Longevity of Asphalt Paving?

The short answer is that compaction increases density by removing air and empty spaces. A slightly longer answer is that compaction forces particles to knit together to enhance strength and stability. Compaction also enhances the pavement’s ability to resist water infiltration. Without proper compaction, the pavement can be more susceptible to potholes, subsidence, rutting, and cracking. The pavement will deteriorate at an accelerated rate, so it will require repairs sooner. Some of these repairs can be quite costly, and they can be extremely frequent. It is also possible that you will need to have your asphalt paving company remove and replace your pavement within a short time. Furthermore, improper compaction can leave the surface uneven and unattractive.

What Do Contractors Compact on Asphalt Paving in Chicago?

Compaction will depend on the precise design of your paving project. For example, when constructing a new pavement, your paving contractor will compact the subgrade and the asphalt courses. If the design calls for an aggregate base, your contractor will compact that as well. However, when installing an asphalt pavement overlay, a paving contractor in Chicago will virtually always compact only the asphalt courses.

What Might Prevent the Proper Compaction of Paving?

Although compaction issues could be the result of carelessness or incompetence, that is seldom the case. Typically, the rolling operation, the temperature, and the lift thickness are critical factors for proper compaction. Sometimes, the problem is related to a single factor, but it is more likely to involve more than one of the following factors.

1. Asphalt Temperature: A paving contractor must ensure that truckloads of asphalt do not cool too much before workers unload them. Hot mix asphalt typically has a temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit when it arrives at the site. Once workers place the asphalt, they need to work it and compact it before its temperature drops below 185 degrees. Depending on the ground temperature, workers may have less than 20 minutes to go from placement to compaction.
2. Ground Temperature: If the ground is cold, it will steal heat from the asphalt mix. When installing asphalt paving in Chicago, contractors cannot assume that the ground temperature will equal the ambient temperature. Usually, they are close, but they can be significantly different early in the morning following an exceptionally cold night. The ground temperature must be a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper compaction.
3. Lift Thickness: A lift is a layer or course of hot mix asphalt. When lifts are thinner, the asphalt will lose its heat faster. If contractors are installing an asphalt pavement overlay, they may want the ground temperature to be closer to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Rolling Design and Execution: Contractors must choose the best rolling machine for each specific job. The contractor must plan the rolling pattern to avoid unnecessary movement of the rollers or excessive passes. The roller operator must have the skills and experience to execute the rolling pattern.

When you need asphalt paving in Chicago, contact Black Hawk Paving for exceptional workmanship. We also offer asphalt repairs, asphalt milling, asphalt pavement overlays, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping, and hot crack sealing. In addition, we offer concrete flatwork, car stops, site grading, pavement markings, excavations, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We serve national chains as well as local commercial and industrial clients. Our employees are highly skilled professionals, our reputation is stellar, and our references are impeccable. You can easily request a free quote by emailing Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, calling either 708-479-0400 or 847-240-2560, or submitting the online form.

Sometimes, it is fine to take shortcuts that improve efficiency without negatively affecting an outcome. For example, taking a shortcut that shaves miles off your commute without lengthening the time can be helpful. However, a shortcut that has a detrimental effect on an outcome should be avoided. Unfortunately, some sealcoating contractors take inappropriate shortcuts that lead to inferior work and unhappy clients. These shortcuts can involve scheduling, but others involve mix preparation, pavement preparation, and sealant application.

What Are Some Unacceptable Scheduling Shortcuts an Asphalt Sealcoating Company Might Take?

Asphalt maintenance contractors need to make sure that the proper equipment is available at the scheduled start time. The sealcoating company must also ensure that it schedules the appropriate number of employees with the correct skills. A shortage of either equipment or workers can compromise the quality of the work. However, there is another common scheduling shortcut that can have even more serious consequences, and that involves the weather. Sealcoating is extremely reliant on the proper weather conditions to cure correctly. Sometimes, especially when sealcoating parking lots, contractors will not wait for suitable conditions to start or complete the work.

What Shortcuts Should a Paving Company Avoid When Preparing a Sealcoating Mix?

The asphalt contractor who receives the concentrated sealant is responsible for preparing a liquid mix for application. Each sealcoat manufacturer provides a specific recipe for preparing the mix. The recipe tells contractors how much sand, water, and sealant they should mix together. Contractors should measure each ingredient carefully, but some contractors mistakenly think that they can eyeball the amounts accurately. A bigger problem arises when asphalt paving companies create their own recipes for reconstituting the sealcoat. Typically, this shortcut is an attempt to reduce the contractor’s cost. For example, the contractor might eliminate sand from the recipe to increase the amount of water. This allows the contractor to cover a larger area with the same amount of sealant. However, the sealant will be too thin to provide adequate protection, and it will quickly wear away.

What Sealcoating Shortcuts Should a Contractor Avoid When Preparing the Pavement?

Asphalt maintenance contractors must make sure that the pavement and the sealant can establish a strong bond. Dirt, loose gravel, tree sap, grass clippings, and other contaminants on the pavement interfere with bonding. Therefore, a sealcoating company must thoroughly clean the pavement before starting the application. Another important step in preparing the pavement is to repair any significant cracks or other breaks. The liquid sealcoat will simply drain into the openings without closing them.

What Application Errors Might an Asphalt Sealcoating Company Make?

The most common error is to apply a thick coat of sealant instead of the appropriate number of thin coats. Just like paint, thick coats of sealant cannot dry and cure as they should. About the best you can hope for is a pavement with an unattractive surface. Another error is using the wrong method to apply the sealant. There are two basic methods for applying sealcoating, and many contractors commonly use both methods on virtually every job.

1. Sprayers can cover large areas quickly, but workers may find it difficult to get a sprayer into tight areas.
2. Squeegees allow workers to apply the sealant with greater precision around structures or in tight spots. However, it takes longer to apply a sealant with a squeegee than with a sprayer.

If you are looking for an experienced sealcoating company, call Black Hawk Paving. Our other services include asphalt paving, hot crack sealing, asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt patching, site work, and concrete paving and repair. We have a sterling reputation for customer service, honesty, craftsmanship, and professionalism. Contact us today to request a free quote. You can call 708-479-0400, complete the online form, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

Asphalt paving is a popular choice for parking lots, streets, and other Chicagoland pavements. In addition to being economical and attractive, asphalt pavements that receive proper maintenance can have surprisingly long lives. However, even routine maintenance cannot make an asphalt pavement last forever. Eventually, your pavement will begin to show its age, and you may think that this reflects poorly on you. Although you do not look forward to the expense and inconvenience of a complete pavement reconstruction, you see no other alternative. Before you make any paving commitments, ask a reputable contractor whether your pavement is suitable for an asphalt overlay.

What Is an Asphalt Overlay?

Basically, asphalt overlays are courses of new asphalt that contractors apply on top of existing pavements. Some Chicago asphalt paving contractors refer to the procedure as asphalt resurfacing.

How Do Contractors Install Asphalt Overlays?

Typically, a paving contractor in Chicago begins by milling the existing pavement to grind away two or three inches. This will typically remove any damage to the surface of the pavement. If the milling exposes deeper damage, the contractor will repair the damage before overlaying the pavement. When overlaying pavements, some contractors apply a tack coat to the existing pavement. Next, they place and compact a sufficient number of asphalt courses to return the pavement to its original depth.

What Is the Life Expectancy of an Asphalt Overlay?

Experienced contractors know that there are many factors that can impact the longevity of an overlay on asphalt pavements. Factors include the number of freeze-thaw cycles annually, the quality of the underlying soil, and the traffic the pavement supports. Longevity also depends on the quality of the routine maintenance that the property owner or manager provides. Overlays need the same care as new pavements. You should have your contractor sealcoat your new overlay within a few months. If cracks or other breaks develop, you want to repair them as soon as possible. After taking into account all the various factors, Chicago asphalt paving contractors estimate that an overlay can last up to 15 years. However, a life of eight years is also possible. Due to the range of possibilities, most contractors estimate that an average overlay will last between 10 and 12 years.

What Are the Benefits of Asphalt Overlaying?

There are several good reasons to overlay asphalt pavements rather than reconstruct them. Here are four of the most important benefits.

1. It is significantly less expensive to overlay an asphalt pavement than to remove and rebuild it.
2. Asphalt overlaying is also faster, so there will be less inconvenience and disruption to traffic.
3. Milling before they overlay asphalt pavements allows contractors to retain manhole covers and other features at their correct elevations.
4. In terms of appearance and ride quality, there is virtually no difference between an overlay and a new pavement.

Black Hawk Paving is an asphalt paving company serving commercial clients throughout the Chicagoland area with an extensive selection of services. These services include asphalt overlaying and paving, concrete installation, asphalt crack repairs, sealcoating, asphalt repairs, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, traffic signs, excavations, car stops, sewer repairs, and site grading. We have the experience, tools, and staffing to complete jobs of all sizes on time, in a professional manner, and within budget. For a free quote, complete the online form, email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com, or call 708-479-0400.

An asphalt overlay consists of one or more layers of fresh asphalt that a paving contractor installs on top of an existing pavement. When the existing pavement is asphalt, contractors typically refer to the procedure as asphalt resurfacing. As part of the resurfacing procedure, most contractors will use a milling machine to help ensure high-quality results.

What Is an Asphalt Milling Machine?

An asphalt milling machine is a type of construction equipment with a rotating drum that has carbide cutters attached. The operator sets the machine to remove a precise depth of the asphalt pavement, and the machine grinds it away. The removed pavement then moves automatically onto an attached conveyor for recycling, typically at an asphalt plant.

What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Resurfacing?

Asphalt pavement resurfacing is substantially less expensive than removing and replacing one, but the results are almost identical. Resurfacing is also faster, so you can reopen your pavement sooner, reducing any inconvenience to your visitors or employees. Because the milled asphalt is completely recyclable, resurfacing is an eco-friendly option. Furthermore, as long as you protect the structural integrity of your pavement, you can repeat the asphalt overlay process as often as needed. Thus, you could theoretically go many decades without ever requiring a complete pavement reconstruction.

Why Do Contractors Use Milling Machines During Asphalt Resurfacing Projects?

When resurfacing pavement, a contractor must perform a series of steps to achieve satisfactory results. Contractors virtually always use a milling machine as part of an asphalt overlay process for all of the following reasons.

1. Speed: Asphalt milling is much faster than removing the existing pavement with traditional methods. This can speed up your job, which means that the contractor may be able to charge less for your asphalt overlaying project.
2. Repair: Overlaying asphalt pavements that have potholes or significant cracks is simply unacceptable to a reputable contractor. The damage pattern will soon begin to show up in the overlay. If the contractor must repair numerous breaks in the pavement, your cost will increase. However, on most pavement resurfacing projects, contractors remove between two and three inches of the existing pavement. This is often sufficient to remove all or most of the damage. It also exposes any damage that goes deeper, making it easier for your contractor to repair it.
3. Elevation: If you examine your pavement, you will probably see that it is not an isolated, unbroken expanse. There will be other pavements that connect to it, including driveways, curb ramps, and streets. There are usually curbs, catch basins, gutters, manhole covers, and other features. Imagine what would happen if your contractor installed two or three inches of fresh asphalt on top of your existing pavement without milling it first. You would be left with rough transitions between pavements, presenting potential tripping hazards to pedestrians and annoying drivers. Manhole covers and drain grates would be recessed into the pavement. The ability of your gutters and curbs to channel runoff would be reduced. You expected a renovated pavement that looked and functioned like a new one. Instead, you have a pavement that clearly shows that your contractor did a poor job on your pavement resurfacing project.

Black Hawk Paving is a full-service asphalt paving company serving the greater Chicagoland area. Our services include asphalt milling, parking lot striping, asphalt overlaying and paving, hot crack sealing, asphalt repairs, concrete installation, asphalt sealcoating, and concrete repairs. We serve national clients as well as local businesses. We have an exemplary reputation, decades of experience, and the ability to handle all phases of construction from site grading to pavement markings. Submit our online form if you are interested in requesting a free quote. If you prefer to call us, you can reach us at 708-479-0400.

For better or worse, insurance has become a necessary part of American life. After all, if you are involved in an auto accident in which you were not at fault, your first thought was probably not a hope that the guilty driver was not insured. You may carry a variety of personal coverages, including medical, home, or auto insurance, and you likely carry commercial insurance if you operate a business. Your insurance policies protect you from financial loss in the eventuality that a covered event occurs. Therefore, it is only logical that you should want the asphalt paving company you hire to be fully insured so that you will be protected if something goes wrong on your job.

What Could Go Wrong for an Asphalt Paving Company on a Job?

Asphalt paving companies are keenly aware that they are in an industry that can pose potential risks, and most of them are exceptionally good at mitigating those risks. However, experienced asphalt contractors know that there is always a remote possibility that something could go wrong. An employee has a momentary distraction, a client’s employee intrudes into the work area, or a piece of equipment belonging to the paving company experiences a catastrophic failure. In the blink of an eye, someone could be injured, or property belonging to you, your neighbor, or a passer-by could be damaged.

Are There Specific Types of Insurance That an Asphalt Paving Company Should Have?

Potentially, there are several types of insurance that an asphalt contractor could carry. Some are required by local codes, licensing boards, or state law, but other types are completely voluntary.

1. Workers’ compensation is mandatory under Illinois law for virtually every company with at least one employee. Workers’ comp is designed to cover only the contractor’s employees, so it will not cover your employees, guests, or customers if they are injured on your property. If these other classifications of people are injured due to the actions of your asphalt company, the company’s general liability policy should cover the costs associated with their injuries.
2. General liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois for most businesses. General liability covers direct or indirect damages to others that are caused by the asphalt contractor or his employees. Thus, if you or one of your customers is injured or suffers property damage from the actions of your asphalt company, compensation could be provided under the contractor’s general liability policy. However, all businesses, including pavement companies, have a choice of policy limits, which means that the policy will not cover claims in excess of the specified limit. Your contractor should have a policy limit of at least $500,000.
3. Commercial vehicle liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois for all vehicles owned by a business that are solely used for work purposes. However, the state-mandated minimum coverages are comparatively low, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
4. Umbrella policies are optional in Illinois, but many asphalt companies carry them. Coverage under an umbrella policy is typically triggered when a claim exceeds the maximum limit of another type of insurance. Most asphalt paving companies that have an umbrella policy choose one with a limit of at least $1 million.

Black Hawk Paving is appropriately licensed, bonded, and insured, and we have been providing exceptional work since 1975. We serve local businesses as well as national chains. Our services include excavations, asphalt paving, concrete curbing and flatwork, asphalt repairs, site grading, parking lot striping, asphalt milling and grinding, sewer repairs, asphalt sealcoating, asphalt fabric, car stops, hot crack sealing, pavement markings, and traffic signage. We have built a loyal following by consistently providing exemplary service and remarkable results at competitive rates. If you are interested in receiving a free quote, submit the online form, call 708-479-0400, or email Info@BlackHawkPaving.com.

What to Look for in a “Free Asphalt Paving Estimate”

When it is time to build a new pavement, you are typically limited to choosing between concrete and asphalt paving. Between the two, asphalt pavements are faster to complete and less expensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements that receive professional maintenance can have extremely long lives. Most contractors offer free estimates so that you will have a better idea of what your project will cost, and you should obtain estimates from several contractors so that you can compare the different quotes. When you compare the free estimates, it is important to make sure that you are not comparing apples to oranges. The two most critical areas for comparison are the section containing details about your project and the information about the contractor.

What Information Should an Estimate Contain About the Details of My Paving Project?

All asphalt paving companies do not use the same template when providing estimates. However, a Chicago asphalt contractor who only gives for a lump-sun quote may not be trustworthy. Regardless of how they present the information, your asphalt paving company should include the following details in a free estimate.

1. Scope: The scope of the job includes information about what services the asphalt contractor will provide and how he will provide them.
2. Size: Depending on the asphalt paving Chicago contractor and the specific project, the size of the job can be stated a little differently. For example, the square footage of a parking lot may be included, the cubic yards of asphalt needed might be given, or the tons of asphalt that will be required may be shown. A great paving contractor Chicago businesses can trust will usually specify the size in at least two ways.
3. Depth: Your estimate should show the thickness of the asphalt that your paving contractor will install. Keep in mind that this is the compacted depth.
4. Type: Asphalt mixes are available in several different types. Your asphalt paving company should specify the type to be used on your project.
5. Labor: Because not all asphalt paving companies pay their employees the same rates, labor costs can sometimes be tricky to compare. Typically, the best way is to compare the total labor hours, then compare the total labor costs. Watch out for an estimate that shows the same labor hours as other contractors, but the total labor cost is significantly less. This could be a sign that the contractor plans to use poorly trained or unskilled workers on your project.
6. Miscellaneous: The type of asphalt paving Chicago project you need determines whether there will be charges other than the ones listed about. For example, if you need the site cleared, an access road constructed, or swales installed, these charges will normally be shown separately.

What Information About the Contractor Should My Asphalt Paving Estimate Include?

There is perhaps no decision more important to the success of your project than the asphalt contractor you choose. You want to hire a Chicago asphalt contractor with experience in completing projects similar to yours, and you want to hire a contractor who has good communication skills. Furthermore, your estimate should include the following details about the contractor.

1. Is the company’s street address shown on the estimate?
2. Does the form include at least one phone number and email address?
3. Did the contractor attach a list of references that you can call?
4. Does the contractor include a warranty on the work performed?
5. Will the contractor provide you with proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and vehicle liability insurance?

Black Hawk Paving is the paving contractor Chicago property owners have trusted since 1975. We offer a full range of services, including asphalt patching and paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt fabric, concrete repair, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, pavement markings, site grading, sealcoating, excavations, asphalt crack sealing, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We have an extraordinary reputation for remarkable workmanship and exemplary service. If you would like to request a free quote, fill out the online form, or you can reach us by phone at 708-479-0400.