Before committing to an asphalt paving project, there are questions you should ask a prospective Houston asphalt contractor, including:
- Have you worked on similar projects in the past?
- Do you handle the site preparation as well?
- Can you provide referrals for previous projects?
- Do you anticipate installing new pavement or overlaying the existing pavement?
- What if the asphalt paving has drainage issues?
- Can you provide maintenance services for the asphalt following installation?
- What steps will you take to minimize any disruptions?
- Can you provide a guarantee or warranty for your work?
The answers to the above questions will reveal which Houston asphalt contractors prioritize professionalism and have the expertise to do the job right.
Question 1: Have You Worked on Similar Asphalt Projects in the Past?
Commercial asphalt projects vary greatly in scope and complexity, so general pavement installation experience may not be enough. Ideally, your Houston asphalt contractor will have experience in projects similar to yours in terms or objectives, scale and possible challenges. For example, does your pavement have issues with potholes or drainage? Hire a Houston asphalt contractor that has worked on properties with similar issues. The point is that it can be a challenge to identify the best asphalt contractor in Houston for the job. The best sign of a good fit is that the asphalt contractor has succeeded with similar projects in the past.
Question 2: Do You Handle the Site Preparation as Well?
Many asphalt paving jobs require a degree of site preparation. Whether it is needed to grade the base, stabilize existing weaknesses, install additional drainage or to prepare the area for new pavement, site preparation services improve pavement quality.
As such, it is important that your Houston asphalt contractor bring site prep experience to the job. If they have experience prepping pavement project sites in Houston, they will be better equipped to deal with any challenges that come up during installation. Working with a single pavement and site preparation contractor may minimize project costs as well.
Question 3: Can You Provide Referrals for Previous Projects?
Experience is the number one trait to target in a Houston asphalt contractor – but it can be easy for a contractor to claim and exaggerate their history in the industry. That means you will need to confirm the contractor’s experience.
The best way to do this is to speak to the pavement contractor’s previous clients. A reputable Houston asphalt contractor will refer potential clients to previous clients willingly. And if the contractor has been active in and around Houston, you may be within easy driving distance to one of their projects. Inspecting the contractor’s work and material quality first-hand will give you a good idea of what to expect, workmanship-wise. It is also wise to ask previous clients about the contractor’s professionalism and punctuality.
Question 4: Do You Anticipate Installing New Pavement or Overlaying the Existing Asphalt?
Many asphalt projects eventually boil down to either overlaying the existing asphalt or installing new asphalt pavement. Property owners should be aware of which approach their asphalt contractor will take, as this will determine the project’s cost and scope. Your asphalt contractor should be able to explain their reasoning behind their recommendation, with the goal to minimize future maintenance costs.
Question 5: What If the Asphalt Paving Has Drainage Issues?
Water damage will cause asphalt pavement to rapidly deteriorate, as water attacks the binders responsible for holding asphalt aggregates together. As these binders break down, the pavement sheds aggregate, cracks, subsides and forms potholes.
To provide full value, your asphalt pavement must be protected by runoff and standing water. If drainage issues have been a problem in the past on your property, make sure that your contractor has a solution in mind.
Question 6: Can You Provide Maintenance Services for the Asphalt Following Installation?
Well maintained asphalt is asphalt that provides maximum value to the property owner. With on-time maintenance, your asphalt will withstand water, wear and damage better, and is therefore worth the investment. Ideally, your Houston asphalt contractor will also provide asphalt maintenance services – this will help control maintenance costs and ensure you have a maintenance team when you need one.
Question 7: What Steps Will You Take to Minimize Any Disruptions?
Most asphalt projects can be managed without causing major issues with traffic, noise or dust. However, in dense urban settings like Houston, mitigation efforts may be required. Does your asphalt contractor have a plan if your project will block off high-traffic areas, or if the job is likely to produce a lot of noise or dust for your neighbors?
Question 8: Can You Provide a Warranty or Guarantee for Your Work?
Asphalt pavement is a major investment for commercial properties, and you should expect to get somewhere between 10-20 years from your asphalt with proper installation and regular maintenance. To ensure you do, work with a Houston asphalt contractor that will provide a warranty or other guarantee for their work.
Ask the Right Questions and You Will Find the Right Houston Asphalt Contractor
Your asphalt pavement will provide more than a decade of reliable performance if it is installed by an experienced, reputable pavement contractor. The above questions will help your organization determine which Houston pavement contractors check those boxes and will provide the highest quality asphalt for your project.
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