Commercial Paving

Costs depend on scope, asphalt depth, base repair, drainage work, grading, traffic control, and permitting. Accessibility, phasing for active facilities, and required heavy equipment increase labor and mobilization costs. Value comes from proper design—fixing base issues up front, choosing appropriate mix and thickness for expected loads, and planning phased work to minimize downtime. Ask for itemized bids and life-cycle cost comparisons (initial spend vs. expected years of service).

Project duration depends on size, complexity, curing windows, and weather. Work is staged: selective closures, night or weekend paving for open sites, and temporary striping or access ramps to maintain traffic flow. Rapid-setting mixes and coordinated sequencing (base, drainage, final paving) reduce closure time. You’ll receive a site-specific traffic control plan and clear communication about access windows, expected noise, and safety measures to balance productivity with construction needs.

Poor drainage is the most common long-term culprit. Solutions include regrading, adding or replacing catch basins, installing edge drains, and improving subgrade permeability. Sometimes a paved area needs a shallow slope adjustment or curb inlet relocations. Correcting drainage is prioritized before final paving—otherwise water will rapidly deteriorate the new surface. Expect a photos-backed plan explaining how drainage fixes extend pavement life and reduce liability from potholes or ice in winter.

Mix choice is tailored by traffic type—heavy truck lanes require denser, higher-stability mixes while parking stalls can use standard mixes. For coast-proximate Jacksonville, NC, mixes may be chosen for resistance to oil and frequent loading. Proper binder grade, aggregate size, and compaction targets affect rutting resistance, fatigue life, and winter performance. A good contractor explains tradeoffs (cost vs. performance) and specifies mix designs matched to your expected axle loads and climate.

Sealcoating protects asphalt from oxidation, UV, and petrochemical staining but won’t fix structural base failure. It’s most effective on pavements with intact surfaces (minor hairline cracking only) and slows deterioration when applied every 2–4 years. Proper preparation—crack routing/filling and cleaning—is critical. Sealcoat also improves aesthetics and skid resistance slightly. For commercial lots, a maintenance schedule combining crack sealing and periodic sealcoating is the most cost-effective life-extension strategy.

Expect a workmanship warranty covering compaction and surface issues for a defined period (commonly 1–3 years), with manufacturer-backed guarantees for specific materials when applicable. Warranties rarely cover pre-existing subgrade collapse or damage from utility excavation after completion. Good contracts define inspection timelines, acceptance criteria, and process for warranty claims. Ask for examples of previous warranty resolutions and request written scope for what triggers remediation versus what’s considered normal settling.

We begin by verifying as-built plans, contacting utility locators, and coordinating with local permitting authorities. If relocations or temporary openings are needed, we sequence work to avoid re-paving areas likely to be dug up. Permitting timelines are built into schedules and the bid includes known permit fees. Clear communication about any underground conflicts mitigates change orders. We also document pre-construction photos of utilities and pavement conditions for accountability.

Routine annual inspections, timely crack sealing, targeted pothole repair, and sealcoating every few years are core tasks. Maintain proper drainage and remove oil or fuel spills quickly to avoid binder degradation. Keep planters and irrigation away from pavement edges to prevent undermining. Log heavy-load events and schedule inspections after storms. Simple record-keeping of maintenance dates and observed issues helps contractors recommend timely interventions that cost far less than reconstruction.

We create a site-specific traffic control and pedestrian safety plan that sequences work to keep critical access open. This may include temporary lanes, phased parking closures, clear signage, flaggers, and night work. Safety extends to materials handling and dust control to limit customer exposure. We coordinate with property managers and tenants to schedule deliveries and emergency access. Regular onsite supervisors ensure the plan is followed and adjustments are communicated promptly.

Post-installation, we document compaction tests, elevation grades, and final surface smoothness. Follow-up includes 30–90 day inspections to confirm settlement behavior, plus scheduled preventive maintenance visits. We offer maintenance plans with prioritized items (crack seal, sealcoat, targeted repairs) and emergency response options for potholes or storm damage. Written maintenance plans with timelines and cost estimates help property managers budget and maximize pavement ROI over its expected service life.