Cracking asphalt is frustrating to look at every time you pull into your garage in Northglenn, CO. Planning a driveway paving project can feel complicated if you have never done it before. M5 Distribution wants to make sure the job gets done right, stays on schedule, and does not cost a fortune. Here is a straightforward look at how to map out your asphalt paving project so you do not run into surprises halfway through.
The Project Timeline: What to Expect
Most residential driveway paving projects do not take as long as you might think, but weather and curing times dictate the pace. When we work on projects here in Northglenn, CO, we usually tell homeowners to expect a total timeframe of two to four days of actual on-site work, depending on whether we are tearing out old material or laying fresh asphalt over a prepped sub-base.
- Day one typically involves demolition, hauling away old material, and grading the subgrade.
- Day two focuses on laying down and compacting the aggregate base layer to handle our local clay-heavy soil.
- The final day is all about laying down the hot mix and rolling it to a dense finish.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to drive on a brand-new asphalt surface right away because asphalt needs time to cure. Depending on the temperature outside, you will need to keep cars off the new asphalt surface for at least a few days.
Preparing Your Property
A little homeowner prep goes a long way toward keeping the driveway paving job running smoothly. Before our crew shows up, make sure your vehicles are moved out of the garage and parked down the street. You will not have access to your driveway for several days, so plan your parking accordingly. It is also smart to turn off automatic sprinkler systems that might spray near the work zone and clear out any items stored right along the edges of the driveway. If you have pets, keep them safely tucked inside away from the noise and heavy equipment.
Important Questions to Ask Before Signing
Never sign a contract until you have gotten straight answers from your asphalt contractor. M5 Distribution always encourages homeowners to interview multiple crews for asphalt paving. Make sure you ask about base depth because skimping on the aggregate base is the number one reason driveways fail prematurely when dealing with the expansive soils found around neighborhoods like Northglenn Greens. Ask if they handle their own permits, what kind of warranty they offer on workmanship, and how they handle proper drainage so water flows away from your foundation instead of pooling against it.
Taking the time to plan upfront saves you headaches and keeps your asphalt paving investment solid for many years in the Northglenn, CO climate.