Explore all the steps that go into having your parking lot paved.

Having a parking lot paved is a big deal; it’s an immediate facelift for your business or organization, but it’s also a big investment. Tucker Paving has been in the asphalt and concrete paving industry for thirty years, and we know that the process can be overwhelming for those who haven’t gone through it before. Take a look at what you can expect when you’re having your parking lot paved.

Before Paving 

While paving a parking lot might seem like a straightforward and simple thing, be wary of anyone who gives you quotes for the job without seeing it first. An experienced paving company will need to see the parking lot in person for a number of reasons. These include:

  • To gauge the condition of the parking lot, including looking for cracks, potholes, etc.
  • To look for issues with damage, drainage, structural issues, etc.
  • To take measurements that will be needed to estimate the manhours and materials needed to get the job done.
  • To discuss with you, the owner, concerning your needs and preferences to get the scope of the work to be done.

The company’s paving team then goes to the drawing board to crunch the numbers and design a parking lot that meets your specifications. This includes factors like the traffic your parking lot will see, the layout of the parking spaces, accessibility features, and the placement of signs, lights, parking blocks, and more. They will then contact you with their completed quote.

Preparing for Paving

Depending on what your parking lot needs, there are some pre-paving tasks that will need to be completed to prepare the site. This can include:

  • Clearing the site of debris, the old asphalt, or other structures.
  • Grading the site to create a level surface.
  • Installing or repairing utilities like drainage systems.
  • Excavation to remove unstable ground or other factors that will affect the foundation.
  • Installation of a base layer of crushed stone or gravel to act as a strong foundation for your parking lot.

During Paving

Once the base is ready, paving can begin. It starts with mixing the asphalt pavement to the exact requirements for your parking lot based on factors like climate, traffic, and more. Then, specialized paving equipment lays down the asphalt and compacts the asphalt for a level surface.

After Paving

The asphalt first needs to cure before anything heavy, like a vehicle, can be placed on it. During this time, the asphalt company will add in features like parking blocks, signs, and strippage paint for the parking spaces, directional arrows, handicap accessible spaces, and more. An experienced asphalt paver will also set you up with a maintenance schedule to keep your parking lot in good working order for many years to come.

Tucker Paving has 30 years of experience in the concrete and asphalt paving construction industry, and we offer asphalt and concrete repair and replacement and more. Call us at (863) 299-2262, or contact us online, for your next project!