Will it cost to get an estimate?
No, we will be glad to come out to your job and write up an estimate free of charge.
What should I look for in an asphalt contractor?
* Make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded.
* Make sure they are qualified to do the job.
- How long have they been in business?
- Do past customers recommend the company to others?
- Do they have the proper equipment for the job?
* Make sure they are trustworthy.
Is your company state certified?
Yes, we are state certified, state licensed, bonded and insured. All of these can be verified upon request.
Should I go with asphalt or concrete?
Here are the benefits to asphalt:
* On some jobs asphalt is cheaper
* In some areas, asphalt is taxed less on property taxes
* Asphalt can be constructed to last as long, or longer, than concrete
* Repairs on asphalt are usually cheaper and easier than repairs on concrete
* Asphalt is more environmentally friendly than concrete
* Asphalt provides a smoother riding surface
* Asphalt blends in better to most environments
* Asphalt can be placed at a faster rate than concrete
These are just a few of the reasons to choose asphalt over concrete. For more information on asphalt please feel free to contact us. If you do decide on concrete we will be more than happy to help you find a concrete contractor.
What should I ask for in quality?
* Ask that the asphalt mix being placed meets state specifications
- Some companies will cut the expense of asphalt by making a cheaper mix. This can be done several ways and is virtually unnoticeable to the untrained eye. This hurts the image of asphalt because it decreases the life of the job. WPC prides itself on workmanship...our first jobs are still there, 25 years later!!!
* Require adequate base material and check it to make sure that it is being placed
- We place what we say we will place, and gravel depth is easily checked
- Our price is usually beat when contractors cut back on gravel and asphalt thickness. This cut back in product will cause the life of your job to decrease significantly.
* Drainage is the key to long lasting asphalt
- Sometimes more rock is needed over certain soils
- Geotextile fabric can be used to bridge over inadequate bases
- Drainage structures should be properly tamped in no more than 6 inch lifts to get proper compaction
- All asphalt surfaces need to have 1 inch fall per 10 foot to properly drain (sometimes this is unattainable and it will probably cut the life expectancy)
- If at all possible, swell should be kept out of asphalt
* Determine the thickness of the asphalt to support the estimated axle weights
- We can help determine the thickness needed
- Most residential jobs need 4 inches compacted rock and 2 inches compacted asphalt
- Commercial jobs are designed by the weight of the vehicles
* Proper joint construction when placing keeps from later having longitudinal cracks running down the joints
- Some joints will look good when placed, but if the overlap is not adequate it will crack in years to come
- Our crew has been properly taught to construct the cleanest tightest joints possible
* If the job is a resurface is the proper amount of tar applied to the old surface?
- Too much tar can cause the asphalt to slide, and the same is true for too little tar
- Some contractors cut their tar with excessive water to cheapen the process
* Proof rolling the base or existing surface is an economical way to find soft spots
- This is done with a loaded truck, and if the base or surface is inadequate it will move under the weight
- Nuclear density meters are used on some jobs, but a wet base can give inadequate readings
