The Long-Term Cost Savings of Professional Asphalt Paving
When it comes to paving a driveway, parking lot or access road, the initial quote typically is the only one that matters. The question that is often not asked is the cost of the pavement over the next 15-25 years. A poorly constructed surface that is easy to install will cost significantly more in patching and early replacement than a well constructed surface.
We create asphalt roads for the Lower Mainland’s climate and load conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles. In this article, we will examine the cost savings over time which professional asphalt paving offers in the way of fewer repairs, longer service life, reduced liability risk and increased property value.
1. The True Cost of Asphalt Paving vs. Frequent Repairs
The most significant benefit to professional paving is the longevity. Many bargain jobs appear to be OK for 12 months or two years, but cracks, potholes and raveling surfaces typically appear shortly after the asphalt is laid.
Common problems with poorly installed asphalt include:
- Nonsmooth surfaces that trap water and washout the foundation
- Inadequate base preparation which results in early cracking and settlement.
- Areas of weak asphalt mixes that fail under the load of the vehicles.
These are the gaps that appear within the first few months of the year in an area where rain is consistent throughout the year. Water penetrates into the base, taking advantage of any surface cracks.
Cost comparison:
- Major repair or resurfacing on a low cost job can be expected within the next 5-7 years.
- Properly maintained, a professionally installed surface can last for 20 years or longer.
Those are the savings that come between those two timelines. It is easy to see that it’s cheaper to get one project completed correctly than to rush two.
2. How Professional Installation Prevents Costly Damage
The majority of long-term savings occur before the asphalt is even installed. The professional installation includes:
- Thorough site preparation: a proper preparation of the base with removal of weak or unstable subgrade should ensure that the pavement will be supported properly.
- The right asphalt mix: Selection of the mix and thickness appropriate for the type of traffic it is expected to handle from family cars to delivery trucks.
- Precision grading and drainage: Forming the land for water to run off, not sit on.
Water is the number one cause of asphalt failure and it is a factor that needs more attention in the damp west coast climate. Even surface puddles can enter small areas of cracks, break loose the base of the building, and cause big problems when you need to make repairs. Planned slope and drainage is much easier (and therefore less expensive) to do at the beginning than if the water has damaged the property.
3. Lower Maintenance Costs with Routine Care
A properly constructed asphalt pavement requires less maintenance and the cost of maintenance is less than the cost of major repairs. Regular maintenance prevents big problems.
Key Maintenance Practices That Extend Asphalt Lifespan
- Sealcoating:Applying a protective coating periodically to reduce penetration of moisture, oil stains and UV damage.
- Crack sealing: Sealing cracks early to prevent water from entering the base.
- Regular cleaning: Debris, moss and fluids such as oil removal protects surface.
- Timely pothole and patch repairs: Prevention is the key to patching up the failure before it grows.
Savings insight:
- Hairline cracks are very easy to overlook and can become a costly fix of thousands of dollars in just a few seasons.
- Rather than repaving, you can get many years of use from a pavement through sealcoating and crack sealing, at much lower cost.
Saving a small amount of money annually will help to preserve a large investment you already made in the surface.
4. Increased Durability = Fewer Replacements
One of the biggest expenses of owning a pavement is its maintenance using a repavement technique. The life of the asphalt surface is extended to 20 years or greater when properly installed and well-maintained. This can be done in half the time if it has been inadequately constructed.
Consider the difference:
- If not well done, it can require full resurfacing in 5-10 years.
- Regular maintenance and a high-quality installation can extend its lifespan by approximately 200%!
Each replacement that you avoid will save you money on materials, labor, and the hassle of your driveway or parking lot being out of service. That also allows fewer closed lots and loss of customers for businesses.
5. Enhanced Safety Reduces Liability Costs
When deciding on paving costs, safety should not be taken lightly as damaged pavement poses actual risk. Trip and fall incidents, vehicle damage and injury claims can result from cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces, and result in insurance and legal costs.
By hiring a professional paving service, you can benefit from:
- Smooth, even surfaces to minimise trip hazards
- Good drainage, to minimize the amount of slippery water and winter icing
- Clear lanes and stalls to increase parking safety for traffic flow
A clean and tidy surface is one of the easiest things for property managers, strata councils and business owners to do to reduce their liability risks. The payback of avoiding one claim is in the simplicity of doing it the right way the first time.
6. Curb Appeal & Property Value Enhancement
One of the first things that people notice about a property is the pavement. A clean, smooth well-lined surface communicates that the property is well-maintained.
For businesses:
- A well-kept parking lot provides a good first impression and customer welcome.
- A smooth surface decreases car damage and customer complaints.
For homeowners:
- A great driveway can enhance the value of your home and help contribute to an improved resale price.
- A clean and even pavement brings a shine to the whole property.
Good pavement pays off long after the day it’s installed since property value is a long-term consideration.
To Sum It Up : Why Professional Asphalt Paving Is a Smart Investment
Professional asphalt paving isn’t simply just about the cost of the quote. It has to do with where you spend it over the length of the surface. Quality materials together with proper base preparation, good drainage and regular maintenance all help to reduce the risk, delay replacement and reduce repair costs.
The work we do at Nasib Paving is more about creating a pavement that will last in the Metro Vancouver environment to keep working year after year after year. We offer you reliable results you can count on – from a new driveway to a commercial parking lot or a complete resurfacing.
Get a Free Asphalt Paving Consultation Today!
Ready to upgrade your pavement and save more in the long run? Contact Nasib Paving today for a free consultation and a clear, honest quote for your project.