When you pay for asphalt paving in Austin, you expect to get professional results you’d be proud to show off. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Unlicensed and inexperienced contractors can do a shoddy shod, resulting in asphalt paving that looks less-than-stellar. That’s why working with a trusted asphalt paving company like RDC Paving is important to get the job done right.

So, how do you know if you’re getting great results or getting ripped off? Here are a few telltale signs that help you differentiate between good and bad work.

Does Subgrade Preparation Matter for Asphalt Paving in Austin?

If you don’t see your asphalt paving company taking time to prepare the site and subgrade, it’s time to seek a contractor with more experience. Asphalt pavement can’t lay on raw soil. It’s like any other structure. Your asphalt paving company needs to create a stable foundation!

The subgrade refers to the material that sits beneath your asphalt paving. Any asphalt paving company with experience will know that subgrade preparation is one of the most important parts of the job. Why? A poor subgrade can lead to major structural issues. Without proper preparation from an Austin asphalt paving contractor, your pavement will succumb to potholes, alligator cracking, severe buckling and more.

When paving asphalt, contractors must prepare the subgrade based on your needs. The foundation affects the pavement’s load-bearing capacity, so you should discuss these details with your asphalt paving company before any work commences.

Should I Be Concerned with Paving or Overlay Thickness?

The standard thickness of new asphalt is three to four inches, not counting any subgrade material. It can vary slightly based on how you plan to use the pavement. However, three to four inches is the norm. You can expect at least two inches of new asphalt paving for overlays. Keep those thicknesses in mind.

If you see your Austin asphalt paving contractor do anything less, raise the red flags! Thin paving won’t provide the support you need. Unfortunately, unscrupulous “contractors” try to save money by paving thin, but that scam will cost you later.

Will an Asphalt Company Clean Up the Edges of My Pavement?

The devil’s in the details! While you might not give it much thought when you see a team paving asphalt, the edges matter when paving asphalt. It’s not just about aesthetics, either.

Unclean edges can quickly disintegrate. Raveling can occur, and the issue will spread inward. Uncompacted and untidy edges can also become an entry point for water, leading to huge headaches sometime in the future. Make sure your commercial asphalt paving company provides smooth, clean edges for maximum durability.

Should I Pay Attention to Transitions Between Paving in Austin and the Road?

Like the edges, any transitions to new surfaces should be clean. The one you should pay attention to most is the transition to the road. Transitions should be smooth and seamless. Otherwise, they can create an uncomfortable experience for drivers or cause damage to vehicles. Your commercial asphalt paving company should focus on that transition, ensuring no bumps or noticeable issues.

How Can I Ensure My Asphalt Paving is Done Correctly?

The best thing you can do is go to a residential and commercial asphalt paving company that knows what it’s doing!

RDC Paving is an asphalt company with over a decade of experience helping property owners throughout Austin and Central Texas. We use the latest techniques and keep updated on changing technologies to ensure we deliver the best results possible. At RDC Paving, we don’t cut corners or skimp on quality. Setting high standards is in our company’s DNA!

We have that top-quality mentality with everything we do. Our services include new asphalt paving, repairs, milling, overlays and sealcoating. You can also turn to us for concrete work, repairs, parking lot maintenance and striping.

Call (512)920-9155 today for a free quote. If you’d like, you can also use our online contact form or email us at ryan@rdcpaving.com. We’re ready to show you why we’re Austin’s best asphalt company!