You are ready to upgrade your driveway or fix that cracked mess. A solid Asphalt surface adds curb appeal as well as value to your home. Our team has seen too many folks in Richland make some common blunders when they are planning or hiring for an Asphalt project. These mistakes can turn a good idea into a real headache. They can also often lead to a much bigger bill down the road. We want to talk about what you need to know to avoid that regret.
Ignoring the Foundation (Literally)
One of the biggest mistakes our team sees is not even about the Asphalt itself. It is about what is underneath the Asphalt. People often forget that Asphalt is only as good as its base. Here in Richland, we have a lot of sandy loam soil. If that sub-base is not prepped right, you are asking for trouble. A weak or uneven base leads to cracks as well as sinking as well as drainage issues pretty fast in Richland, WA.
- What to watch out for: A contractor who rushes through the site prep is a red flag. A contractor who does not talk about soil compaction is also a red flag. Our team also looks out for contractors who do not suggest proper grading. If they are just going to lay new Asphalt right over an existing, failing surface without addressing the root cause, that is a huge red flag for your Asphalt project.
- How to avoid regret: Ask detailed questions about their site preparation process for your Asphalt project in Richland. They should be talking about excavation as well as proper grading to make sure water drains away. They should also talk about compacting the soil as well as the aggregate layers. A good base is usually 4 to 12 inches of well-compacted crushed aggregate. This depends on what kind of traffic your driveway sees.
Falling for the "Leftover Material" Scam
This one is a classic. Unfortunately, it pops up in the Tri-Cities every so often. Someone knocks on your door. They say they just finished a big job down the street. They have