Alright, let us talk about Asphalt Paving. You are looking to get a new driveway or maybe repave a section of your property here in Bryan, Texas. This is a smart move for your property. Asphalt is durable as well as good-looking. When it is done right, it will last you a long time. Our team at Pacific Asphalt Paving has seen too many folks around town make some mistakes. These mistakes turn their paving dreams into a real mess. We are not talking about minor hiccups. We are talking about issues that cost you big money later and leave you regretting the whole thing. Pacific Asphalt Paving wants to help you avoid these problems in Bryan.
So, what should you really be watching out for when you are planning or hiring for an Asphalt Paving project in Bryan, Texas? We will get into the details.
Ignoring the Ground Beneath Your Feet
This is probably the biggest and most common mistake our team sees, especially in our Bryan area. Here in Bryan, we have a lot of expansive clay soils. That soil moves as well as swells when it is wet. It also shrinks when it is dry. If your contractor does not properly prepare the subgrade, you are asking for trouble. The subgrade is the soil and base layer underneath the Asphalt Paving.
Our team has seen driveways crack and heave within a year or two. This happens because someone skimped on the base layer. A weak or uneven base means the Asphalt Paving above it will crack. It will also sink or get moisture damage. You need proper excavation as well as a well-compacted aggregate base. This base is usually crushed stone. For Residential Asphalt Paving driveways, you are looking at 6-8 inches of total depth. If you have heavier vehicles, you might need more depth for your Asphalt Paving. If they do not talk about soil evaluation, compaction, and proper base thickness, that is a red flag. It is like building a house on a shaky foundation. It just will not last in Bryan.
Skimping on Drainage Planning
Water is Asphalt Paving's worst enemy. This is plain and simple. If your new paved surface does not have proper drainage, you are going to end up with standing water. That water will seep into the Asphalt Paving. It will also weaken the base. This will lead to cracks and potholes faster than you can say "Pacific Asphalt Paving in Bryan, TX."