According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, asphalt pavement is made up of stone, sand, and gravel that are held together with a material called asphalt cement. Asphalt is a popular material for roads, parking lots, driveways, and even walkways. If you're looking to have an asphalt surface installed, you may be looking to hire a paving contractor. Here are three questions you should ask your paving contractor prior to signing a contract for them to complete your job.

1. Does the Estimate Include All the Charges?

One of the first questions that you should ask a paving contractor is whether the estimate they provide includes all the charges you'll need to pay at the end of your project, or whether there are additional charges that are not included. Note that if you're having an old surface removed, you may be responsible for demolishing and removing it yourself. Additional charges for add-on services, such as asphalt sealing services, may also exist.

2. Do You Offer a Warranty?

Another important question that you should ask a paving contractor before hiring them is whether they warranty their work. A great asphalt company or contractor will stand behind their work with some form of guarantee. They will typically warranty their surface for a clearly stated period of time. If your surface starts to crack, sink or develop any other problems during that warranty period, they should come out and repair it. Be wary of companies who do not warranty their asphalt work.

3. What Are the Benefits of Asphalt for My Project?

The last question that you should ask a paving contractor is what the benefits of using asphalt for your specific project are. Asphalt is a great material, but it is not ideal in every situation. A great paving contractor should be able to tell you about the potential benefits and drawbacks of using asphalt for your project. This allows you to make an informed decision about using asphalt or choosing another paving material.

Asphalt is a popular material because it's cheaper than concrete but has many of the same or similar benefits. If you're looking to have an asphalt surface laid on your property, always ask a paving contractor for details about their estimates, warranties, and services. If you're ready to get started on an asphalt paving project, call Always Paving LLC today!