As a property manager or property owner, you will likely have two main goals for your pavement areas:
1. Make it last as long as possible
2. Keep it looking as good as possible throughout its life
Pavement budgets are very similar to automobile budgets. With both pavement and automobiles, we know they need to be maintained, we know they don’t last forever, and we know the better we maintain them, the longer they last. It is essential to be aware of the maintenance your pavement requires and to make sure your budget is sufficient.
Perform an Annual Visual Inspection.
Each year, take a walk around your asphalt pavement and ponder the following:
● What color is the asphalt?
● What is the condition of the pavement markings (parking lines, crosswalks, arrows, etc.)?
● Are there any potholes?
● Is there cracking that is ¼” or wider?
● Is there crumbling or raveling asphalt?
● Is there alligator or checkerboard cracking?
● Is there rutting?
● Is there standing water after rainfall?
To find out what these pavement distresses look like, refer to our pavement distresses guide.
Interpret the Results of Your Inspection
Asphalt should be a nice dark color. Graying pavement is the result of environmental aging. Having your pavement sealcoated can protect it from environmental damage and also restore the color and aesthetic appeal.
Cracks and potholes should be cracksealed and patched in a timely manner to keep water from reaching the foundation materials below the asphalt and causing them to weaken.
Raveling, alligator cracking, rutting, and standing water may require more extensive remediation, and you may need to consult with an asphalt contractor to determine the proper course of action to take.
Putting a Monetary Value to the Work Needed
After your visual inspection, if you feel the condition of your asphalt pavement is in need of attention, you will need to contact an asphalt contractor so they can provide you with an estimate.
Most contractors will come on site to perform their own inspection of the property, but if they do not, be prepared to provide them with the following:
● Square footage of pavement area
● Approximate square footage of potholes and the asphalt thickness
● Length of cracks to be sealed
● The age of the pavement
● The last time the pavement was sealcoated
● The pavement is subjected to the type and frequency of traffic such as passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, 18-wheelers, etc.
Budgeting for the “Right Way” to get Your Maintenance Projects Done
When budgeting for asphalt projects, there can be an initial shock on just how much it costs. The price of producing and hauling asphalt can get expensive. Because of this, it can be tempting to just put a “band-aid” on the project until more money can be secured. However, this isn’t always the best option. Completing a maintenance project the right way, the first time, may be expensive on the front end, but will save you a substantial amount of money in later years. Just filling potholes may not be the best maintenance option because there may be an underlying reason why potholes keep forming. By filling them, you’re not solving the problem.
Performing annual inspections is a great way to keep on top of asphalt pavement repairs. Another way is to have a professional pavement assessment performed where core samples of the existing asphalt and underlying base material and soils are evaluated, along with the pavement’s surface. For more information on what BR offers, please see our Pavement Assessments blog.
Bituminous Roadways Can Be Your Preferred Pavement Partner
Bituminous Roadways takes each project into great consideration and provides an estimate based on the right way to complete the job. If you’re in need of an asphalt contractor who will work with you and become your preferred paving partner, contact Bituminous Roadways today. With more than 70 years of experience in the industry, we provide dependable service and the highest level of quality asphalt paving in the Twin Cities metro area. Call us today at 651-686-7001 or request a consultation.