Managing first impressions is a necessary part of running a business. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or services, your storefront either draws people in or drives them away. First impressions do not just come from the shop window and logo. Everything from the parking lot to the official transportation you use contribute to your brand.
If your parking lot has cracks and potholes, it might make people think you do not care about your company’s image. If you’re looking to revamp your store, installing an asphalt parking lot is a good place to start. Here are three things you should consider when hiring paving services for your brick-and-mortar store’s parking space.
Do you have the best contractor for the job?
Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between a parking lot that serves you for now and one that lasts for years. Your contractor should have both technical skills and experience in similar projects.
Since cities have different zoning laws and standards, it helps to get someone who knows the specifics of constructing a parking lot in your area. You know you’re getting the right paving contractor if they can provide you with case studies and testimonials of projects they had completed in your city. It helps if they have a BBB rating or some other certification that attests to their dedication to customer service.
Do you know the state of your sub-base?
New asphalt will always have a smooth top layer, but the lower layers frequently cause problems. Fixing the sub-base is the most crucial step of a parking lot installation. Without ensuring sub-base stability, your asphalt surface’s structural integrity is in jeopardy. When the asphalt pavement has proper drainage and support, you can prevent cracking, shifting, and sinking on the surface.
Like your asphalt pavement, a sub-base needs to be durable. It has to withstand factors like changes in climate and drastic shifts in weather. Before asphalt laying, your parking lot might require a process called stabilization. This procedure fortifies the sub-base and increases the durability and longevity of your parking lot.
Have you considered ‘green’ solutions?
Asphalt is one of the most recycled products around. Construction companies use 95 million tons of recycled asphalt to rebuild roads every year. Manufacturers can also convert other ‘waste’ products like asphalt shingles, concrete, and oil into asphalt pavement. Furthermore, another ‘green’ option is using porous asphalt.
This type of asphalt lets water permeate the surface instead of running off the sides. This type of porous material has a dual purpose; one, it prevents water from pooling. Two, it acts as a filtration system, eliminating toxins as they pass through the sub-base and letting clean, uncontaminated water flow back into the ground. Ask your paving services what the options are for your property.
Conclusion
When installing new pavement for your parking lot, you have to consider several things. Aside from getting the right contractor for the job, you also have to find the best materials for your parking lot. From the sub-base to the surface asphalt, you should find the most suitable solutions for updating your property’s overall look.
With over 20 years of experience in the paving industry, you’re sure to get high-quality work from Dan the Paver. We are paving contractors in New Jersey, serving the Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties. Contact us today to learn more about our services!