How Do You Know If An Asphalt Paving Job Is Good?
When investing in asphalt paving for your driveway, parking lot or roadway, quality matters. A well-done paving job not only looks great but also lasts for years with minimal maintenance. But how can you tell if an asphalt paving job is good? When you hire Berchtold Asphalt, the asphalt contractors Rock Island IL trusts, you’ll always get high-quality asphalt paving. Call us at 309-361-5010.
Look For A Smooth, Even Surface
A quality asphalt job should not have bumps, dips, or waves. While a slight slope is necessary for proper drainage, the surface should feel even underfoot or when driving. Poor workmanship often results in uneven textures or visible seams between passes. Here are some other things to expect:
- Proper thickness – A good paving job starts with the right thickness. For residential driveways, asphalt should typically be 2-3 inches thick after compaction. For commercial lots or roads, it can range from 3-6 inches or more, depending on expected traffic loads. If the asphalt is too thin, it won’t hold up over time and may crack or deteriorate prematurely.
- Well-compacted base – The base layer beneath the asphalt is just as important as the asphalt itself. A quality paving job includes a properly compacted gravel or crushed stone base. If the base is soft or poorly compacted, you’ll notice issues like sagging or potholes within months. We always properly prepare the surface first.
- Clean and defined edges – Our professional asphalt work includes clean, finished edges. The asphalt will be neatly trimmed and compacted at the sides, generally with a slight bevel for added strength.
- Good drainage design – Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling on the surface, which leads to cracks and potholes. A high-quality asphalt job will have a slight crown (a gentle slope from the center outward) or be graded to direct water away from structures and toward designated drains.
- No loose gravel or oily residue – A freshly paved surface should not have loose gravel, excess sand or oily residue. These are signs that the asphalt mix wasn’t properly prepared or compacted. The surface should be firm, dark and clean.
- Consistent color and texture – While color may vary slightly due to weather or curing conditions, a good asphalt job will have a mostly uniform black finish. Patches that look shiny, gray or crumbly may indicate problems with the mix or installation process.
When You Hire Us, Expect The Best
Who you hire matters. If you want a new asphalt installation or if it’s time for maintenance or replacement, calling Berchtold Asphalt always assures a high-quality job. We can save you time, money and frustration. Our high-quality asphalt paving job stands out through its even surface, strong base, clean edges and proper drainage.
Do You Want Long-Lasting, Professional Asphalt Paving?
Berchtold Asphalt brings you the best quality. Contact us today and let us show you why we’re the ones to turn to when it comes to asphalt contractors in Rock Island IL. Call us today at 309-361-5010.