Most homeowners are now opting for asphalt driveways because it is affordable and durable. If you’d like your driveway done, it is crucial that you’re getting the right paving company. This could be challenging when you don’t know what to expect or how to go about the process. It should be noted that there are a couple of factors that could affect the quality of asphalt paving. That is why it is recommended that you’re getting the right company for the job. Here are some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing a paving company.
Years of Experience
The number of years of experience that the company has will be a reflection of the kind of service you can expect. A company that is experienced will know what needs to be done in order to produce high-quality work. Ideally, you’d want to work with a Houston Paver Company with at least five years of experience. This will provide the confidence that everything is going to be handled in a professional manner to ensure quality results.
License and Insurance
It will be a big mistake to work with a company that lacks the proper credentials. It is also not good to assume that the company has the required paperwork. The first thing you’d want to make sure of is that the company is licensed. The requirements will vary from one state to the next. There could also be permit requirements depending on your municipality. When you come to insurance, the company should be covered for workers’ compensation and liability insurance. The workers could sustain injuries on the job and you’ll not want to be liable in case that happens.
Right Equipment
Paving is a highly complex undertaking. You want to make sure that the company you’ll be hiring has the right equipment and crew for the job. Asphalt usually has to be laid down at 300 degrees and the process needs to be done quickly. You don’t want to be working with a company with old equipment and inexperienced crew as that will only result in shoddy workmanship. A crew should consist of 6-8 people.
Preparation Process
There are a lot of companies that will want to take shortcuts when it comes to the preparation of the base. Most homeowners will only come to find out after two years when the results have become evident. At this point, you’re likely to start seeing water eroding the base as the asphalt starts to buckle. There are contractors that will only put a thin layer of asphalt in order to save on costs while maximizing profits. That is why it is important that you’re looking for a reputable company that will not take shortcuts.
Selection of Materials
It should be noted that not all asphalt is the same. You can find cheaply produced asphalt that is not likely to stand the test of time. The grade of asphalt will play a role in the overall quality. Poor grade asphalt will have been recycled more than once. Make sure to request high-grade asphalt which hasn’t been recycled if it is a new driveway installation.
Attention to Detail
Any reputable company should have happy companies that will be willing to show their work. For most paving jobs, it is the attention to detail that counts. A good idea would be to ask the company about a recent project that they’ve handled. Since you’ll be dealing with a local company, you can reach out to the references provided and ask for a visual inspection.
Proper Pricing
It is important to know how much you’ll be expected to pay for the service before putting everything to pen and paper. A good company is one that is open and transparent about their rates. You can as well reach out to multiple contractors and ask for an estimate. The reason for doing so is to have an idea of how much you’ll be paying for the paving service. Price shouldn’t be the only criteria when selecting a paving company as it doesn’t always tell the whole picture.
Warranty
A good company should stand behind its work. There should not only be a warranty on the workmanship but also on the materials that have been used for the paving. A company that doesn’t provide any warranty or guarantee will obviously be a cause of concern. There should also be a signed contract to make sure that your interests are protected.