5 Paving Errors That Southern Virginia Asphalt Contractors Should Never Make

Whether investing in a brand-new driveway for your home or a parking lot that will benefit your commercial property, you need service from reputable and experienced Southern Virginia asphalt contractors. New pavement should last several decades, providing reliability, safety and beauty. However, less-experienced contractors could make mistakes that create issues throughout your new pavement's lifespan. Here are five major errors that asphalt companies should avoid at all costs to deliver a high-quality surface that lasts.

1. What Happens When Asphalt Companies Use Low-Quality Materials?

Asphalt contractors should use the best materials available for your paving project. All Southern Virginia asphalt paving involves a hot mix of aggregates, fillers and a bitumen binder. However, there are many variations of that core ingredient mix. For example, asphalt contractors can use dense-grade mixes, stone matrix asphalt and more. The precise ratio of ingredients and the types of materials used in the blend can impact longevity, structural integrity, etc. Using low-grade asphalt is a mistake that can cost you later. Unfortunately, not all contractors want the best for your project, choosing inferior materials to cut costs. When that happens, you can expect a shorter lifespan, frequent parking lot repair and other costly issues.

2. Is Treating All Asphalt Paving Projects the Same a Mistake?

Asphalt paving may all look the same at the surface level, but each project is unique and requires careful planning and tailored engineering. When asphalt paving contractors fail to tackle every project with a personalized approach, the final product won't last. The needs of a driveway aren't the same for a large parking lot. Every client has distinct needs for their pavement, and contractors must plan accordingly to deliver results that accommodate intended traffic and wear.

3. Why Do Skilled Southern Virginia Asphalt Contractors Spend Time Preparing the Foundation?

The foundation of Southern Virginia asphalt paving is vital to its long-term success. The pavement is tough, but a lack of reliable support below can lead to frequent cracking, potholes, costly parking lot repair and eventual structural failure. Seasoned asphalt contractors spend ample time perfecting the subgrade and subbase, ensuring the foundation has the load-bearing capacity to support as much weight as necessary. Without careful planning and site prep, it's only a matter of time before the asphalt paving fails.

4. How Can Poor Asphalt Compaction Cause Problems Later?

Compaction is a crucial part of the Southern Virginia asphalt paving process. It removes air voids while allowing the aggregates and binder to lock together. Compacting the material creates a dense, continuous surface with impressive strength. Asphalt paving contractors should use heavy-duty compaction equipment, such as rollers, to compact the material thoroughly. Without proper compaction, the final product is weaker than it should be. That means frequent damage, parking lot repair and a much shorter lifespan.

5. Why Is Proper Grading and Drainage a Top Priority for Reliable Southern Virginia Asphalt Contractors?

Properly constructed pavement will shed water without any issues. However, asphalt paving contractors who neglect to precisely grade paving deliver a finished product that will suffer many problems. Experienced asphalt companies grade the subgrade, subbase and asphalt layer, creating a subtle slope that effectively directs water runoff away from the surface. Without grading, standing water will slowly wreak havoc on the paving. Before long, you'll have to deal with premature deterioration, soil erosion and more. Don't let these mistakes turn your investment sour. E. Wells Paving is one of the most trusted Southern Virginia asphalt contractors serving Buffalo Junction, South Boston and the surrounding communities. We don't cut corners. Our mission is to do things right and provide beautiful paving that lasts. We use high-quality materials and proven paving techniques to create stunning surfaces that exceed your expectations. In addition to new paving, we're available for sealcoating, repairs and other maintenance services. Call E. Wells Paving today at (434)443-5815 to get your asphalt paving project quote. You can also reach us at  ewellspaving98@gmail.com or use our online form.