Asphalt surfaces — whether they’re parking lots, roads, or driveways — play an integral role in our daily lives, helping us get where we need to go. While asphalt is strong and durable, it’s not indestructible. Regular asphalt maintenance is essential for longevity and safety. 

As you search for an asphalt maintenance company, it’s important to be aware of the risks of choosing the wrong contractor. In this blog post, we’ll discuss red flags to watch out for when hiring an asphalt maintenance company, ensuring you make the right decision for your property. 

1. Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance

A reputable asphalt maintenance company will have proper licensing and insurance. Without them, you’re not protected if anything goes wrong, whether it’s damages or accidents. Before deciding to work with an asphalt maintenance company, ask whether they’re licensed and insured to shield yourself from liability. 

2. Absence of References or Reviews

An essential part of your initial online search for an asphalt maintenance company is reading reviews from former clients. These reviews give you a good feel for the company’s reputation and allow you to assess the quality of their work. Check third-party review sites like Google or Yelp for unfiltered feedback. 

A lack of reviews, generic testimonials, and an unwillingness to provide references are all red flags. Reputable asphalt maintenance companies stand by their work and are proud to show the results of their previous jobs. 

3. Suspiciously Low Estimates

There’s nothing wrong with searching for a good price, but be careful of suspiciously low estimates. If you’re quoted a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Low bids can indicate subpar materials, hidden fees, or rushed work. 

Don’t underestimate the value of quality work. A job well done may come with a higher initial cost, but it’s worth it to avoid future expenses like premature repairs and excessive maintenance. 

A detailed, itemized estimate is a good sign, helping you avoid unexpected costs and showing you exactly what you’re paying for. 

4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

High-pressure sales tactics are another thing to watch out for. Limited-time offers and on-the-spot decisions are meant to make you act before you think, with disreputable asphalt maintenance companies hoping that you don’t have enough time to recognize the red flags. 

A reputable asphalt maintenance company will give you time to consider your options before making a decision. If you encounter aggressive sales tactics, stay calm and clear-headed. Tell them you’ll get back to them later after you’ve had a chance to think it over. 

5. No Written Contract

When hiring an asphalt maintenance company, you must have a clear, written agreement outlining the job’s scope, costs, and timeline. A good contract should detail every aspect of the job, showing you exactly what you’re paying for. It should also hold the contractor accountable for their work. 

Relying on a verbal agreement is a recipe for disaster, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete work. 

6. Poor Communication

Throughout the duration of the project, the asphalt maintenance company should maintain open lines of communication. It’s important for you to know the status of your project and be informed about how it’s going. A lack of responsiveness, vague or evasive answers, difficulty reaching the contractors, and unclear project timelines can signal future problems. 

7. Lack of Specialized Equipment or Techniques

Modern, well-maintained equipment is key to achieving high-quality results. If an asphalt maintenance company relies on outdated methods or inadequate tools, it’s best to steer clear. Before committing to working with a company, ask plenty of questions about their equipment and maintenance practices to ensure they’re adequate. 

8. No Guarantee or Warranty

If an asphalt maintenance company is reputable, they will stand behind their work by offering warranties or guarantees. A lack of assurances is a red flag warning you of subpar work and a lack of accountability. A good warranty should cover any problems that arise as the result of improper workmanship, relieving you of responsibility for future maintenance or repairs. 

Utah’s Premier Asphalt Maintenance Company

When you work with Precision Asphalt Maintenance, you won’t encounter any red flags. t We’re confident that when you take your time to perform thorough research, you’ll find that we provide the best asphalt services in Northern Utah, from pothole repairs and crack sealing to excavation and grading. Contact us today for professional, trustworthy asphalt maintenance services.

After you have your driveway, parking lot, or recreational area paved, you could have to deal with weeds poking through cracks or around the edges. Preventing weeds from sprouting around your paved area can be done in a few different ways. Learn more about how to keep your pavement looking brand new while also keeping plant growth out. 

How Weeds Grow Through Asphalt

Most weeds have deep roots that reach deep into the ground to get nutrients. The taproot of a weed is what often grows out of the asphalt so that it can get sunlight and water. Another common reason that weeds or grass come through asphalt cracks is that improper soil prep was done before application. If the ground is not sprayed or prepared before installing asphalt, then living things may cause damage within just a few weeks. 

1- Hire A Professional Asphalt Installer

Having proper asphalt application and installation is the first step to keeping weeds from growing. Professional installers will start with a well compacted base layer which will choke out any weeds that are still growing in the area. Even if you have asphalt installed by a professional, cracks are still possible. Having a team seal the cracks quickly and perform yearly maintenance will prevent cracks, damage, and weeds from spreading through the asphalt. 

2- Use A Weed Barrier

A weed barrier can be used to help prevent weeds or grass from growing through cracks. Chemical barriers can be applied around cracks and edges to keep weeds from spreading, while sand-and-water-activated barriers can block weeds from sprouting. These can also be applied to existing asphalt areas that are struggling with unnecessary growth or cracking. Adding an extra layer of protection can make the asphalt last longer and helps lower the risk of cracking. 

3- Have Frequent Seal Coating

Regular maintenance is needed for all types of exterior materials including asphalt. Whether you are cleaning a home or maintaining asphalt, taking part in maintenance tasks will prevent cracks and chips. Seal coating is a common task needed to protect asphalt. It helps extend the life of the pavement, keeps it smooth, and deters cracks from occurring. Sealing small pores and cracks is done with seal coats and can help keep other damage from occurring. Yearly seal coating prevents thermal expansion and contraction, prevents chemical damage, and helps you avoid costly repairs. 

Weeds are less likely to damage your asphalt space when you take part in seal coating, cleaning, and repairs. Pressure washing is another way to save your asphalt from noxious weeds. The high-pressure water and cleaning solutions can damage the roots of the weeds, which will prevent them from spreading.

4- Stop Seeds From Spreading From Surrounding Areas

Once cracks form in the asphalt, the surrounding landscape can contribute to unnatural growth in these small spaces. Your yard and flower beds can spread seeds with the wind or when watering to the cracks in asphalt. You can use mulch borders that will prevent the weed growth from spreading into your asphalt. Decorative rocks, metal edging, or any other barrier will keep the soil where it should be. 

Professional Asphalt Services From Our Team

Precision Asphalt Maintenance has a large team of motivated professionals who are willing to show you the benefits of quality asphalt. Our mission is to provide you with better pavement and walkways and have many satisfied customers. We provide residential and commercial asphalt paving, seal coating, asphalt repair, crack sealing, line striping, pothole repair, excavation, and more.

 
Although we offer competitive pricing, our quality never suffers. Having satisfied customers is important to the future of our company, so we ensure that every member of our team offers great customer service. PAM continues to grow and learn more about asphalt applications. Whether you need to repair cracks, want new asphalt around your commercial space, or are looking to rid your asphalt of weeds, our team can help. Reach out to us to schedule your service today, or get a free estimate!

In the cold months of winter, the beauty of a snow-covered landscape can quickly turn into a major headache for property owners, especially those who are responsible for maintaining asphalt surfaces. Not only do snow and ice pose safety hazards, but they can also lead to damage and cause your asphalt to deteriorate. 

To ensure the longevity of your asphalt surfaces and protect the safety of those who use them, it’s essential to know the most effective ice and snow removal methods. Keep reading to explore some of the best ways to get rid of snow and ice this winter.

Snow Plowing

One of the most common and effective methods of ice and snow removal is snow plowing. Snow plows are designed to clear large quantities of snow quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for maintaining asphalt roads and parking lots. You may think snow plows are only available to municipalities and professional services, but there are options such as pickup truck attachments that can be helpful for homeowners, schools, and businesses.

For the best results, make sure your snow plow is properly sized for your specific needs. A plow that’s too small won’t work as effectively, and one that’s too big could damage your asphalt. You’ll also need to properly maintain your plow, which includes keeping the blade sharp, lubricating the moving parts, and ensuring that the hydraulics are in good working order.

Deicing Chemicals

Deicing chemicals are commonly used to combat ice formation on asphalt surfaces. They work by lowering the freezing point of water and melting existing ice. Rock salt is the most widely used deicing agent because of its availability and effectiveness, but it can corrode asphalt and harm vegetation. Calcium chloride is more effective at lower temperatures than rock salt and is less damaging to asphalt, but it can be more expensive. Another option is magnesium chloride, which is more environmentally friendly and fast-acting, but comes with a higher cost and doesn’t work at temperatures under 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whichever deicing chemical you decide to use, make sure you apply the right amount. Excess chemicals can harm both your asphalt and the environment. If possible, you’ll want to apply it before the storm hits to prevent ice from forming in the first place. 

You should also monitor weather conditions closely, since different deicing agents work better at different temperatures. With a little bit of planning and care, you can effectively protect your asphalt surfaces from the damaging effects of ice and snow.

Snow Shoveling

For especially tight spaces where mechanical equipment can’t reach, manual snow shoveling is your best bet for ice and snow removal. When shoveling snow by hand, it’s important to use the right technique to avoid injury and minimize damage to the asphalt. 

For safe and efficient shoveling, opt for a shovel with an ergonomic handle and a non-stick blade. As you shovel, bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles to reduce strain on your body and avoid back injuries. For especially heavy snow, clear it in layers instead of all at once.

Snow Blowing

Snow blowers are another effective tool for ice and snow removal, especially for smaller locations such as sidewalks and driveways where plowing is not feasible. They use a powerful fan to discharge snow away from the cleared area and are effective for use on asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces. 

Snow blowers are most effective on fresh, light snow, so for maximum effectiveness, use them promptly. If the snow is too heavy or packed, consider other methods like plowing. Different snow blowers may have different operating instructions, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to protect your equipment’s longevity.

Make Snow Removal Easier With Professional Sealcoating Services

Professional sealcoating services from Precision Asphalt Maintenance can make the snow removal process easier by protecting your asphalt from damage. Sealcoats make asphalt much easier to clean and prevent water penetration, making snow removal a breeze. They are an ideal solution for Northern Utah parking lots and roads, since the freezing and thawing cycles are hard on asphalt surfaces. 

At Precision Asphalt Maintenance, we are experts in all things asphalt. Whether you need paving, repair, crack sealing, line striping, excavation, grading, or other asphalt-related services, we have the right solutions for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a quote. With our help, your asphalt surfaces can last for years to come.