Pavement replacement, like any similar job that requires heavy machinery, can be a bit daunting to plan. It’s not the kind of project you can do yourself with the help of a YouTube tutorial—you’re going to need to hire professionals.
But how do you know which paving company has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right? And what logistical steps do you need to take before the workers start in order to guarantee a smooth construction process? In this blog post, we’re telling you everything you should know about pavement replacement.
Step 1: Identify the Road Requiring Pavement Replacement
This point may seem obvious—you must know where the pavement is damaged if you’re looking for a pavement replacement. However, many people start the project with only a general idea of the areas suffering from deterioration, without considering that some of them may only need simple paving services like a repair job.
For example, many people deal with fine cracks in their asphalt paving by filling them in with a sealer. Even in the case of more significant damage, such as a pothole, it’s possible to repair the area using asphalt patch, which you can find at your local home improvement store.
A road requires pavement replacement when it has significant damage and is nearing the end of its lifespan. Asphalt roads tend to need replacing every 25 years or so, although this depends on factors such as exposure to freezing temperatures and frequency of maintenance. Concrete roads, on the other hand, tend to last 30 years or more.
Step 2: Ensure Safe Traffic Diversion During the Project
Once you’ve nailed down which precise areas require pavement replacement, you’ll find yourself with a logistical puzzle to work out: how can you divert traffic during the project and cause as little disruption as possible to people’s commutes? Can you provide paving solutions without first creating more problems?
Planning an effective detour route requires expert knowledge of the traffic flow in the area and a great consideration for the safety of both workers and drivers, since design flaws (such as lack of signage) can cause serious accidents.
Step 3: Assess the Extent of Pavement Damage
If you have the chance, it’s a good idea to take note of the kinds of damage that are present in different parts of the road and pass on that information to potential paving contractors. For example, besides potholes and hairline cracks, some other types of wear and tear that often plague asphalt roads are rutting, raveling, and upheaval.
The process of identifying the different kinds of damage and determining whether a portion of the road needs replacement or repair can be a bit confusing if you don’t have much experience with pavement replacement. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to make an accurate assessment, request a consultation from a professional—the best paving companies are always happy to advise you.
Step 4: Estimate the Timeframe and Inform Neighbors
When planning a pavement replacement project, it’s very important to inform residents of the area with as much anticipation as possible. Nothing frustrates people like being caught off guard by a detour, especially if they don’t know how long the construction is expected to take.
When you inform neighbors of the project and give them a provisional timeline, be sure to err on the pessimistic side in your estimation of how long it will take. Take into account that pavement replacements can become delayed if the weather doesn’t cooperate (even high humidity with no precipitation slows the drying process of pavement).
Step 5: Select the Ideal Contractor for Your Pavement Replacement Project
Choosing one of the best paving contractors is the most crucial decision you’ll make throughout the course of your pavement replacement project. The success of the entire undertaking largely depends on their expertise, workmanship, and commitment to delivering a quality result.
New England Paving has been trusted with pavement replacement and repair projects for over two decades. Whether we’re fixing up someone’s driveway or repaving a public road, we give every project the attention it deserves and make sure our client is satisfied with the final result.
Don’t Hesitate: The Perfect Time for Pavement Replacement is Now
If you’re dealing with a paved area that’s reached the end of its lifespan, it could be a safety hazard to those who walk or drive over it. So don’t put off the project any longer—contact New England Paving today and request your free estimate for a pavement replacement.
