Let us talk about parking lots. You might think it is straightforward, right? You just lay down some asphalt, stripe it, and you are done. Our team has been doing this for a long time here in Loveland, and we have seen many property owners make some mistakes when they are planning a parking lot paving project as well as when they are hiring for one. These are not just small mistakes; they can cost you a lot of money and many problems later on. So, we will get into what you need to watch out for with your Loveland parking lot paving.
Ignoring the Ground Beneath Your Feet
This is probably the most important thing, especially around here in Loveland. The soil in Loveland, mainly in older areas, can be quite tricky. We have a lot of expansive clay that likes to swell when it is wet as well as shrink when it is dry. This constant movement, which we call 'heaving and settling,' is very bad for pavement if you do not plan for it. Our team knows about this for Loveland parking lot paving.
Many people, or sometimes contractors who do not have much experience, will just pave right over whatever is there. That is a big mistake. If your subgrade is not properly prepared as well as compacted, that nice new asphalt will not last. It will crack, sink, and fall apart much faster than it should. At Loveland Paving Co, we know you need a solid base layer and good drainage to stand up to our local conditions for your Loveland parking lot paving. Do not let anyone tell you they can skip that step to save a few dollars. It is like building a house on sand.
Skimping on Drainage Planning
Water is the enemy of asphalt, plain and simple. If your parking lot does not drain correctly, you are asking for problems. Standing water makes the pavement structure weak, washes away supporting materials, and makes cracking happen faster. In addition, with our freeze-thaw cycles here in Colorado, that water seeping into cracks and then freezing as well as expanding will tear your pavement apart. This is a key part of any Loveland parking lot paving project.
Our team has seen parking lot paving projects where people just assume the water will go somewhere. You cannot assume this. You need a clear plan for how water will flow off the lot. This usually means a slope of at least 1%. This means proper grading as well as making sure any catch basins or drains are correctly installed as well as maintained. If water pools in certain spots after it rains, that is a clear sign that your drainage is not doing its job for your Loveland parking lot paving.
Hiring the Cheapest Bid Without Asking Questions
We understand that everyone wants to save money. However, when it comes to paving, the cheapest bid is very rarely the best one. Our team has seen too many property owners get into trouble with contractors who bid too low. They then cut corners on materials, labor, or important prep work for the Loveland parking lot paving.
Here are some things to watch out for:
- Very Low Prices: If one bid is much lower than all the others, there is usually a reason. This reason is probably not a good one for your Loveland parking lot paving.
- No Written Contract: Always get a detailed written contract. It should clearly state everything: materials, the work that will be done, the timeline, the payment schedule, and any warranties.
- Asking for All Payment Upfront: This is a very bad sign. Good contractors will usually ask for a deposit. However, payment should be connected to project steps, not all upfront.
- No References or Portfolio: A good contractor will be happy to show you their past work as well as let you talk to previous clients. If they cannot, or will not, then you should walk away.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Anyone trying to rush you into a decision with