Getting ready for a new Asphalt Driveway or major Paving project around your house takes a bit of forethought, especially out here along the Front Range where our native expansive clay soils and wild temperature swings can make short work of poor installation. Whether you are dealing with a crumbling surface in Briargate or looking to pave a long rural approach out in Black Forest, knowing what to expect keeps the project moving without delay. Here is how Alpha Asphalt Company tells homeowners to break down the Asphalt Paving process from start to finish.
The Timeline: What the Schedule Looks Like
Most residential Asphalt jobs do not happen overnight, but they also will not drag on for weeks. Once you have your Paving contractor locked in, the typical timeline breaks down like this:
- Initial site evaluation and quoting: 1 to 3 days.
- Permitting and utility locates: Usually takes a week or two depending on local backlogs.
- Actual tear-out and prep work: 1 day.
- Paving and compaction: 1 day.
- Curing time before you can park on it: 3 to 7 days.
Alpha Asphalt Company always looks at the weather forecasts before scheduling. If a late spring snowstorm or heavy afternoon monsoon rolls across El Paso County, we push things out because laying hot mix on frozen or saturated sub-grade is a recipe for early failure.
How to Prepare Your Property
You do not need to do the heavy lifting, but clearing the way helps our crews work efficiently. Move all vehicles, trailers, and basketball hoops off the Asphalt Driveway and street apron well before the equipment arrives. Turn off any automatic sprinkler systems near the work zone for a couple of days so the sub-base has a chance to dry out. If you have pets, keep them safely indoors because the loud machinery and open gates can be stressful. At Alpha Asphalt Company, we always coordinate with you on where to park your cars outside the work zone so you are not stranded.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Never sign a contract until you have straight answers to a few important questions:
- Are you licensed and insured to work specifically in Colorado Springs and El Paso County?
- What thickness will the aggregate base layer and the final asphalt mat be?
- How do you handle sub-grade preparation for expansive local soils?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
A trustworthy Paving contractor will gladly walk you through these details without dodging the issue. Taking these steps early ensures your Asphalt Paving investment stands up to local winters and stays solid in Colorado Springs.