Author: Christina Kincaid

  • How To Choose the Right Asphalt Paving Company For Your Project

    How To Choose the Right Asphalt Paving Company For Your Project

    How To Choose the Right Asphalt Paving Company For Your Project

    Finding the right professionals for an asphalt paving project requires knowing your options. This guide explains how to choose the right asphalt paving company.

    A smooth asphalt surface looks great, is gentle on the tires, and will boost your building’s curb appeal. Asphalt is a versatile material and a popular choice for business owners and homeowners alike.

    You don’t want to trust a big paving job to just anyone. It’s important to choose a reputable company to ensure the job is done right.

    If you’re looking at options for paving companies, we have some tips that may help. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best asphalt paving company for your project.

    Look for Experience and Project History

    Before deciding on an asphalt paving company, you want to identify their years of experience in the industry. This is not a job you want to leave for an amateur.

    Choose a company with a good reputation in your local area and plenty of asphalt paving experience. You want a company that’s transparent in its process and costs.

    Make sure they can communicate with you. They should be able to provide examples of projects they’ve completed in your area.

    Take the time to research your options for paving companies. An established company should be willing to discuss the details of your project and answer any questions you may have.

    Get Referrals

    Another great way to find asphalt paving contractors in your area is to ask for referrals. Ask friends, family, or business owners who they have used for paving projects in the past.

    Word-of-mouth is always a great way to find out about a local business. Ask about the quality of the company’s work and its customer service.

    A good question to ask is whether they would hire the company again.

    Verify They Are Licensed and Insured

    Before allowing anyone to work on your property, you should verify proof of insurance and licensing. This protects you and the paving company in case of an accident or other mishap on your property.

    If their estimate seems unusually low, there could be a problem. Be sure to inquire whether they are properly insured and licensed.

    If you fail to verify their insurance and licensing and a mishap occurs, you could be held responsible for any damages or injuries. This could affect your business insurance rates, causing them to increase substantially in the future.

    Check Reviews

    Be careful about who you hire for an asphalt paving job. There are scammers out there, and you don’t want to fall prey to one.

    A reputable company will have a website with information about the company and the services they provide. Practice due diligence and take the time to read reviews.

    Reading online reviews can be very telling. Most people will leave a review if they have had a very positive or very negative experience with a company.

    One negative review isn’t necessarily a concern. But a string of bad reviews is a red flag.

    If you need more information, pick up the phone. Call the company to ask questions or share any concerns you may have.

    Ask About Pricing

    As you weigh your options for paving companies, remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best choice. Know your budget and what you can spend and look for an experienced company with competitive prices.

    Many elements can affect pricing, including:

    • Quality of equipment
    • Type of asphalt
    • Removal of current surface
    • Complexity and size of the project
    • Environmental factors
    • Options for recycling

    Make sure you get a quote in writing and ask if you should expect fluctuations in the price. Be sure to ask for any available discounts. You don’t want to miss out on a deal because you failed to ask.

    Understand the Warranty

    A reputable contractor stands by their work from start to finish. Be sure to ask about a project warranty.

    A warranty is an agreement between you and the contractor and a guarantee they will stand by their work. This will help guarantee that your project will be completed to meet industry standards.

    Be sure to have a warranty agreement in writing before the start of your project. If the company doesn’t offer a warranty of any kind, that’s an indication you should find someone else for the job.

    Review Terms of the Contract

    Once you decide to move forward with a contractor, take the time to review the terms of the contract. This should include all the project details.

    This is an opportunity to establish a line of open communication with the contractor and their team. The terms should include:

    • Estimated timeframe of the project
    • Overall costs of the project
    • Warranty terms once the project is complete

    Establish the best method of communication and a payment schedule before you sign a contract. A reputable paving contractor will take the time to review the terms of the contract with you and answer all of your questions.

    Stick to Local

    If possible, go with a local paving company with a good reputation in your area. Never hire a door-to-door paving crew.

    They probably don’t have the proper credentials, materials, or experience to handle a major paving project. You don’t want to save a few bucks upfront only to have to pay even more in repairs or resurfacing down the road.

    A paving project is a major investment. You want it done right the first time.

    Dealing with a local company makes communication and scheduling appointments much easier.

    Hire the Best Asphalt Paving Company

    Asphalt surfaces are smooth, attractive, and will last for years to come. Taking the time to do a little research can help you find the best asphalt paving company for your business needs.

    If you’re planning an asphalt paving project and are looking for the right company for the job, we can help! At Dixon Paving and Milling Inc., we have years of experience with paving projects large and small.

    We’d love to help you with your paving project. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and long-lasting results.

    Contact Dixon Paving and Milling Inc. today to discuss your paving needs.

  • Top 7 Reasons to Keep the Asphalt on Your Parking Lot Maintained

    Top 7 Reasons to Keep the Asphalt on Your Parking Lot Maintained

    Parking Lot Asphalt Maintenance

    Top 7 Reasons to Keep the Asphalt on Your Parking Lot Maintained

    If you are looking for ways to keep up your parking lot’s appearance, maintenance can help. Here are reasons to keep the asphalt on your parking lot maintained.

    As a business owner, you may not spend much time thinking about the parking lot around your location. But your parking lot makes a first impression on your visitors.

    Regular parking lot maintenance can add to the curb appeal of your business and lower the risk of financial liability. Don’t wait until you have cracks and potholes to contend with.

    If you’re looking for ways to keep your asphalt parking lot surface in top shape, we can help! Here are seven reasons you need parking lot maintenance.

    1. Improve First Impressions

    If your customers are pulling into the parking lot of your business and noticing what bad shape it’s in, that’s bad for business. It’s always essential to make an excellent first impression, starting with the exterior of your business.

    A well-maintained lot shows customers you care about the way your business looks. Removing dirt and debris, restoring the color, repairing potholes, and freshening the stripes are a few ways to upgrade the look of your asphalt parking lot.

    You don’t want the appearance of your parking area to drive customers away. Investing in the services of an asphalt maintenance company can keep your parking lot looking great and help you make the right impression.

    2. Maximize Space

    If areas of your parking lot are damaged or the markings aren’t readily noticeable, it can lead to parking issues for your customers. Customers don’t want to drive over potholes or maneuver around hazard cones to visit any business.

    This causes frustration and makes a bad impression on your visitors. Today’s customers expect to be catered to, which begins when they arrive at your business.

    Keeping your parking lot in good shape will extend the parking lot shell life and maximize available parking space for your customers.

    3. Keep Customers Safe

    Safety is always a top concern for business owners. Customer safety begins in the parking lot of your business.

    Cracks, potholes, crumbling asphalt, and other hazards increase the chances of slips or falls. This increases the chances of an accident happening on your property that you’ll be responsible for.

    A poorly maintained parking lot that has gaping cracks or holes can lead to pooling water. If the drainage isn’t working as it should, puddles of water will start popping up.

    Puddles are unsightly and annoying for customers. They can also be dangerous and lead to slips and falls.

    Parking lot maintenance can prevent these hazards and lower the risk of accidents on your property.

    4. Reduce Liability

    A damaged parking area increases the chances for mishaps to occur. Cracks, holes, and other forms of damage can lead to serious falls and injuries.

    Someone hurrying to or from their car or pushing a cart or baby stroller may not notice a dip or pothole in front of them. When someone is injured due to your negligence, you could be liable for their medical bills—at a minimum.

    Making necessary repairs and scheduling regular asphalt maintenance can keep your parking area in good shape and reduce your chances of liability.

    5. Meet Compliance

    As a business owner, you must comply with The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide parking for physically challenged individuals.

    A well-maintained parking lot has a smooth, clean surface, and markings for handicapped parking are clear.

    Without these reminders, busy patrons may try to park as close to your building as possible, making it harder for those with physical challenges.

    A parking lot will only pass ADA inspection if it’s in good shape. It should be smooth with no risky cracks or potholes. Striping and crosswalks must be highly visible as well.

    6. Save Money

    Putting off asphalt maintenance isn’t a smart way to save money. Over time, the weather, traffic, and general wear and tear on your parking lot will cause damage.

    The longer you wait, the worse it will get and the more you will spend on repairs. Scheduling regular maintenance can prevent or minimize potential problems.

    It’s cheaper to keep the lot in good shape than to perform significant repairs down the line. Regular maintenance of your asphalt parking lot surface will save you money over time and extend the life of your parking lot.

    7. Improve Curb Appeal

    Do you take the time to make sure the landscaping looks neat and attractive around your building? Your parking area is part of the landscape of your business.

    Customers notice when it’s in bad shape, which can affect their perception of your business. Curb appeal matters. The parking area of your business should be smooth and neat and appear inviting to your visitors.

    Heavy traffic and general wear and tear degrade asphalt over time. Without regular maintenance, it can become unsightly and affect the look and property value of your business.

    Amp up the curb appeal of your business with regular asphalt maintenance.

    Invest in Parking Lot Maintenance Today

    As a business owner, you have many areas of concern regarding your business. Parking lot maintenance is probably not at the top of your to-do list.

    You may not realize the parking area of your business makes a big first impression on your visitors. Keeping it in great shape can create a cleaner, safer space and reduce liability issues for you.

    If you’re considering investing in parking lot maintenance for your business, we can help! At Dixon Paving & Milling Inc., we offer new pavement construction and asphalt repair and maintenance.

    Contact us today to learn more.

  • What’s the Difference Between Asphalt Milling and Resurfacing?

    What’s the Difference Between Asphalt Milling and Resurfacing?

    asphalt resealer

    What’s the Difference Between Asphalt Milling and Resurfacing?

    Keeping your asphalt parking lot or driveway smooth requires knowing what process can help. Here is the difference between asphalt milling and resurfacing.

    Asphalt milling and asphalt resurfacing keep the world moving and businesses running. Often, people take for granted exactly what that means.

    According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, or NAPA, the United States has approximately 3,500 asphalt production sites. These sites produce about 350 million metric tons of asphalt annually.

    Basically, that’s a lot of asphalt and a lot of work to keep our roads, driveways, and parking lots working the way they should.

    If you have driveways or parking lots for your commercial property that are causing you and others around you concern, you need to learn more about asphalt milling and asphalt resurfacing. It is vital to understand how and why they can do the job while reducing downtime for the property.

    If you are seeking the road to repair, keep reading. We shed some light on how to keep your business running.

    How Asphalt Milling Works

    When thinking about asphalt pavement restoration, an affordable solution can be asphalt milling. It is often an alternative for total demolition and repaving, as it is cheaper.

    In this process, it will grind up the asphalt surface. This can be a couple of inches or a total depth of removal. The result is a smooth, even surface.

    Asphalt milling includes a cold milling machine driven by a human. It digs up the existing asphalt surface. The device has rows of metal cutting teeth.

    On a large drum that rotates the cutting, the teeth mount diagonally. The asphalt passes through a machine’s grinder that crushes it.

    Asphalt Milling vs. Resurfacing

    Essentially, asphalt millings are asphalt that is crushed. Since you are using a recycled product, people know millings as environmentally friendly for paving material.

    Asphalt resurfacing first removes the top layer of the existing asphalt and then replaces the surface. This is typically between one to two inches in thickness.

    Asphalt parking lots and driveways become damaged from wear and tear. Unfortunately, cracks in asphalt happen.

    Sealcoating can be preventative maintenance that provides a patch for the issue. If you want to correct the damage, particularly if you notice potholes and pooling water, you are better off resurfacing than seal coating.

    Benefits of Asphalt Resurfacing

    Asphalt is typically the material of choice for many commercial property owners for their parking lots and driveways. That is because of its many benefits, like:

    • Durability
    • Flexibility
    • Water-resistance
    • Minimal maintenance

    With constant use, asphalt will still get worn, and the effects are depressions and cracks in asphalt. That is why parking lots and driveways need resurfacing.

    Safety

    Cracks and depressions in an asphalt driveway or parking lot can lead to injuries. Covering cracks in the asphalt and filling in depressions by resurfacing helps keep the property (and the people on it) safe.

    Aesthetics

    A significant value of asphalt resurfacing for commercial property owners is that it looks brand new. Constant use and fading from sun exposure can hurt the aesthetic value. Asphalt milling and resurfacing rejuvenate the appearance of a driveway or parking lot.

    Extends the Life

    Owning a commercial property comes with a responsibility to maintain it. On its own, an asphalt driveway can last approximately 30 years.

    Proper milling and resurfacing contribute to a longer life span. It will extend the lifespan of the road or parking lot to eight to fifteen years. Without it, all that will happen is more cracks and continued deterioration, unfortunately.

    Prevents Over-Sealing

    Applying seal-coating as a protective topcoat to asphalt is okay if you do not do it too often. Too much sealing can lead to extensive cracking.

    Resurfacing is the perfect alternative to sealing. You can apply a new asphalt layer that, in the future, can be sealed for extra protection.

    Less Downtime

    Replacing the asphalt of a parking lot or driveway takes a long time, which means that it will be unavailable to the public for a longer duration than it would if you chose to resurface.

    Faster completion equals less downtime. This can be critical as it relates to your revenue.

    Save Time and Money

    It is essential to resurface at the right time. When you do, you avoid cracks and depressions, which lead to more deterioration.

    Ultimately, this will all lead to a higher price than the cost to fix it. Asphalt milling and resurfacing is a way to lower the cost overall to repair your parking lots and driveway while also allowing them to have a longer life span.

    Requirements

    If you think that asphalt milling and resurfacing is the right solution for you, there are a few requirements you need to consider. One condition is that up to 30% of the pavement needs a repair. Surfacing will not be a practical solution if you have over 30% in need of repair.

    You want the foundation to be structurally sound. Plus, it should be under 20 years old. Cracks in asphalt should not be wider than one-quarter of an inch.

    The cracks should be shallow, too. If they are bigger, that could mean that you have problems that need more repair than just asphalt resurfacing.

    Dixon Paving and Milling: An Introduction

    If your commercial asphalt parking lot or driveway needs repair, we can help. Dixon Paving & Milling Inc. is a well-established paving company serving the southeastern United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.

    We pride ourselves on providing services with lasting results. Asphalt milling and asphalt resurfacing will benefit your property in more ways than one.

    Are you ready to take on a new project? Contact us today to discuss the paving needs for your commercial property.