When it comes to asphalt pavement, timely maintenance is the key to unlocking an extended life for your pavement. In fact, a proactive maintenance program can often double the life of your asphalt pavement — and as an added bonus, your pavement will also be more attractive. Preventive maintenance procedures are normally inexpensive, but they can help you avoid costly, disruptive or time-consuming repairs in the future.
Budgeting Needs for Asphalt Paving and Maintenance
The issue that many people face when budgeting for their asphalt needs, however, is that they are uncertain what procedures they are most likely to need in the coming months. This can result in a budget that is inadequate to address everything that should be done, so the pavement is left to suffer through another year. If you are trying to decide how to compile a budget for your asphalt needs, these tips might help.
Take a Good Look at Your Pavement
Faded asphalt needs sealcoating to refresh its color as well as for the protection it provides. Sealcoating should rank high on your list of priorities. Typically, sealcoating needs to be reapplied every 24 to 36 months, but your actual needs require less frequent or even more frequent applications.
Water penetration is a leading cause of foundation failure, which usually results in premature failure of the asphalt pavement. Cracks, especially those that are more than 0.25 inch in width, and potholes are the main culprits in water penetration. Budget for having these problems repaired just as soon as is feasible.
A parking lot with all car stops securely in place, well-defined parking spaces and crosswalks, appropriate signage and legible traffic flow markings is a safer environment. If your car stops are out of place or your markings are worn and faded, you might want to budget appropriately.
Transmission fluid, oil, gas and similar liquids can damage asphalt pavement. Leaks should therefore be handled promptly. Your budget should include the funds to have these leaks removed by a contractor or to purchase the supplies for your staff to remove them.
Determine the Cost of Needed Work
Property managers use a variety of ways to decide on the amount to budget for the work they will need.
• Some properties have sufficient historical data to arrive at a rough estimate for the upcoming year.
• Some managers choose a qualified asphalt contractor to provide them with a list of all recommended work as well as an estimate.
• Some people present the contractor with a list of issues and ask only for estimates for each line item.
• Some managers arrive at the budget by “committee,” asking at least two contractors to reach a consensus on the necessary work and the anticipated cost.
• Some people ask multiple contractors to submit estimates individually and then base their budget on the average cost for each item.
Another option may be for you to ask an asphalt contractor about a preventive maintenance plan. He will inspect your property and offer a quote for the specific services he believes you will need. This can simplify your budgeting process and may be more cost-effective as well.
At MH Greeson Paving, we provide a wide range of asphalt maintenance services, including sealcoating and pavement repairs. Our crews have extensive training and experience, ensuring that you will receive quality work at reasonable rates. We serve the greater Atlanta area as well as most locations in North Georgia. Ask us for a free quote by submitting the form you will find on our website or by calling us at 770-335-2983.
