When you're building a parking lot for your business, a lot of small factors help determine the quality of the finished product. Your parking lot paving company has several steps to follow to make sure the asphalt will be smooth, sturdy, and easy to maintain. Talk to your paving company to make sure they're considering each of these factors.

How to Make Sure Your Parking Lot Asphalt Is Well Made

1. Gravel Base

Just like a home needs a foundation, asphalt needs a sturdy compacted layer of gravel to rest on. Gravel is harder to wash away than dirt and is also flexible. This ensures the asphalt has plenty of support to prevent it from cracking, but also has some give to it which helps prevent damage under the weight of large vehicles.

2. Drainage

Even with gravel underneath it, asphalt is in danger of having its foundation eroded if too much water flows through and under it. Water resting on the surface can also seep into the pavement and, through a cycle of repeatedly freezing and thawing, can cause cracks which will gradually expand until they crumble the pavement. Drainage solutions, including drains, grates, gutters, and a properly graded surface to guide the water, can prevent these problems or at least slow the process down.

3. Smooth Surface & Joints

After the asphalt has been laid, your paving company should compact and flatten the surface of the parking lot. This helps the surface look uniform and attractive. It also makes it smoother to drive on and safer to walk on, improving the comfort of your customers and reducing your liability for any parking lot injuries. Not only should the surface of the new pavement be compact and smooth, but if it connects with any older areas of pavement, your provider should make sure that the areas where the edges meet are even.

To create a quality asphalt parking lot following these principles, contact Ron Webb Paving & Snow Removal in Anchorage, AK. For 40 years, this fully licensed and insured company has provided reliable service, including snow removal using environmentally safe products for commercial clients. Call (907) 349-3724 or visit the website to get started on your project.