Key Takeaways

• Municipalities often need professional assistance for asphalt installation and maintenance.
• However, before you sign a contract for an important job, you must ensure they fit the bill and will do justice to the public’s taxes.
• An experienced professional contractor can make asphalt installation and maintenance projects easy for municipalities.
• Garden State Paving is your go-to choice for paving roads and highways in Marlton, NJ.

It’s no secret that municipalities face a lot of tough decisions when it comes to selecting asphalt contractors. On the one hand, you need contractors who can handle the job quickly and efficiently, while on the other, you need to manage expenses and ensure you stay away from shoddy work. So, what should you consider before deciding? Here are a few factors to remember.

Also, make sure to read – 6 Reasons You Should Hire a Professional Commercial Sealcoating Service.

Why do Municipalities Need the Services of an Asphalt Contractor?

Before discussing project considerations, it’s essential to shed light on why municipalities and experienced asphalt contractors are a match made in heaven. Municipalities need to be proactive with asphalt maintenance. They can prevent significant damage—and the need for complete reconstruction—by repairing small cracks and potholes as they occur. An experienced asphalt contractor will have the knowledge and equipment necessary to make repairs quickly and efficiently.

Here are a few ways an asphalt contractor helps municipalities keep their pavements looking great all year long.

Asphalt Maintenance

Here are some asphalt problems that give state institutions and municipalities a run for their money.

1. Freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on asphalt.

Asphalt is a mixture of stone, sand, and liquid asphalt. That liquid asphalt is what gives the asphalt its pliable nature. But when temperatures dip below freezing, that liquid asphalt can freeze and thaw as temperatures fluctuate. This freeze-thaw cycle can cause the asphalt to deteriorate and crack.

2. Winter weather is brutal on asphalt.

In addition to the freeze-thaw cycles, winter weather can damage asphalt. Ice, snow, and road salt can all contribute to the breakdown of the asphalt surface.

3. Heavy traffic takes its toll.

Municipalities typically see a lot more traffic than commercial or residential properties. More traffic means more wear and tear on the asphalt surfaces. From the average four-wheeler to heavy lorries and tankers, roads and pavements are subject to remarkable wear and tear.

Asphalt Installation

In addition to maintenance, municipalities may also need new asphalt installation from time to time. This could be due to new construction projects or the expansion of existing buildings. No matter the reason, an asphalt contractor can handle the job quickly and professionally.

5 Major Considerations in Hiring Asphalt Contractors for Municipality Projects:

While we all know the significance of hiring a reliable contractor for an asphalt installation or maintenance job, things can go haywire rather quickly, if you don’t consider the following before hiring a contractor

1. Make Sure the Contractor is Licensed and Insured

This one is a no-brainer – you don’t want to hire a contractor who isn’t properly licensed and insured! Ask for proof before moving forward with any contractor.

Verify your New Jersey contractor’s license!

2. Get References from Past Clients

An excellent way to gauge whether or not a potential contractor will be a good fit for your municipality is to get references from past clients. Ask if they were happy with the work done, if the contractor completed the job on time and within budget, and if they would recommend the contractor to others. 

3. Make Sure the Contractor has a Good Understanding of Your Municipality’s Regulations

Every municipality has different regulations when it comes to construction projects, so it’s essential to ensure that your potential contractor is familiar with yours. Otherwise, you could get a big headache (and a big bill) down the road!

4. Ask for a Detailed Proposal

Once you’ve vetted potential contractors, ask each one for a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, cost, and anything else relevant to the project. This will give you a good idea of what each contractor offers and help you decide who to hire.

5. Check Out the Contractor’s Equipment

Last but not least, before making your final decision, take some time to check out the equipment that the contractors will be using on the job site. This will give you peace of mind knowing they have the proper tools and resources to get the job done right!

Things that Can Go Wrong in a Municipality Asphalt Project

Municipalities contemplating asphalt repair or installation must prepare for numerous things that can go wrong! Here’s a list of items on the radar that might hinder project progress.

1. Dealing with Bad Weather

One of the biggest challenges of working with asphalt is dealing with bad weather. If it’s too hot, the asphalt won’t set properly. If it’s too cold, it will crack. And if it rains during the process, you’ll have a big mess on your hands. Professional, experienced asphalt contractors know a thing or two about dealing with bad weather and can offer a quick fix if the weather starts acting up.

2. Problems with the Asphalt Mix

If the contractor you hire uses an improper mix of asphalt, it can lead to all sorts of problems down the road, including pavement failure, cracking, rutting, and potholes. Make sure to specify what type of mix you want to be used for your project and get it in writing!

3. Incorrect Asphalt Thickness

Inexperienced contractors are also guilty of using incorrect asphalt thickness for an installation project. Thin asphalt wears away quickly and needs replacement more frequently. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, it can lead to problems with drainage and cracking. The key is to strike a balance – your contractor should be able to advise you on this front.

4. Poor Base Preparation

Not preparing the asphalt base properly can also cause drainage and cracking problems. Be sure to ask your contractor about their base preparation process to meet industry standards.

Garden State Paving & Seal Coating, LLC is the perfect choice for municipalities looking for reliable and professional asphalt contractors in Marlton, NJ. We have years of experience in asphalt installation and maintenance and are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible service.

Get in touch with us today to get a quote for your next project.