FAQ

We understand if you have questions about your commercial paving project. We’ve done our best to answer them, but if not, please reach out directly to the Pavement Network member who services your location.

Do you give free estimates?

Yes. Each company in the Pavement Network is an expert in their local market and provides free estimates.

Can I get and use one construction specification for all locations throughout the country?

Because there is such a dramatic difference in weather (freeze / thaw cycles) and soil types the design specifications for a parking lot that performs optimally will vary from region to region. Using a single spec would be just right for certain parts of the country. Consult the local Pavement Network contractor for specific design ideas to suit the unique needs for your individual properties.

How long do I need to wait before driving on a sealed lot?

We recommend waiting 24 hours or at least overnight.

How long will it take to complete my project? What's the process? Is it messy? Is it dangerous? Is it environmentally safe?

Only a trained professional can answer these questions. For larger projects, your Pavement Network contractor will provide you a detailed production schedule so that you can notify tenants or customers and minimize inconvenience while the project is being performed.  Pavement Network contractors also have access to Material Safety Data Sheets that will provide you information on all products we use.  Job site safety is of utmost concern to Pavement Network contractors, so we supply appropriate barriers to keep the work area safe.

Can I get quick budget numbers?

Absolutely. Pavement Network members are committed to providing our customers with accurate and timely bid and budget information. Please contact us for additional information.

What is the industry standard for warranty on pavement repairs?

The industry standard for warranty is one year after completion on materials and workmanship. More warranty is available on certain work items and, in some cases, work warranties may be less than one year.

How can the Pavement Network help me best utilize my budgeting pavement dollars?

Pavement Network representatives are experts in diagnosing pavement problems and the most cost effective ways to fix or maintain your pavement.  Developing a realistic budget must include knowledgeable and realistic assessments as to what type of repairs are being budgeted for.  Will your lot need crack sealing, asphalt patching, or a complete asphalt overlay?  Which areas are deteriorating most rapidly and are in need of repair first, second and third?  Helping you budget for future repairs is one of the most cost effective ways we can help you, because our service is generally free.

Why was the Pavement Network formed?

The paving industry is an industry where few contractors solicit and/or offer advice which can benefit either the customer or contractor. The time was right to build a network of quality conscious contractors who support each other and their customers. The benefit to you, the customer, is one point of contact across the vast portion of the US with knowledge to utilize the best practices to fix and maintain your parking lot.

How long will my parking lot last?

The design life of most new pavements is supposed to be 15-20 years if conditions are ideal. Pavements fail at different rates because of three factors:
  1. Thickness and type of pavement installed.
  2. Thickness and type of subgrade to meet the pavement (if the subgrade composition comprised of clay, compacted dirt, crusher run stone). Based on that material type the contractor/engineer can determine the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) strength coefficient of subgrade to support a given pavement. Lower CBR’s require thicker cross sections of pavement to support the pavement and provide appropriate longevity to asphalt.
  3. Frequency and type of traffic driving across a given pavement section will impact performance and longevity of asphalt. Remember, one trash truck driving across that given section of pavement is the equivalent of 10,000 cars driving across that same section of pavement! These variables will impact longevity of pavement and are critical in building or maintaining your pavement in a satisfactory condition.

How much will periodic maintenance cost me/save me in the long run?

When properly employed, routine maintenance (asphalt patching, crack sealing, seal coating) saves money in almost every situation when compared to doing nothing.  Doing nothing, in the short run, allows the pavement to deteriorate at ever accelerating rates, and you will eventually have to pay to completely rebuild the pavement.  Over the first 75% of its design life, a pavement only deteriorates approximately 40%.  During the next 12% of it’s lifetime, it deteriorates another 40% which is explained in a pavement life cyle curve.  By performing maintenance before its precipitous drop in pavement quality, maintenance is less expensive and keeps your lot looking good for your tenants and customers to use.
For a detailed pavement evaluation, all Pavement Network contractors are licensed users of a patented computer analysis model called the Pavement Profile System which we use to analyze current conditions and predict failure rates and costs into the future.  For more information, contact your Pavement Network representative.

Can I receive discounts for doing multiple locations?

The Pavement Network is always interested in developing a multi-region, working business relationship with customers of properties across the country. If you have a portfolio of parking facilities and are looking for a “one stop shop” to analyze, propose, schedule and execute either maintenance, preventative maintenance or rehabilitation projects associated with your parking lots, then please raise that request with the given Pavement Network member. All Pavement Network members are interested in referral business and would offer competitive pricing for performing properties in multiple regions around the country.

How do I prepare for the project?

Each project is different, but your contractor should provide you with a realistic schedule date and a map (if necessary) to highlight the exact areas of work to be performed on a given date. We will also help you design notices that can be distributed to those people who will be affected by the project.

Is there an “added cost” for using a Pavement Network contractor?

NO. Using the Pavement Network assures you will be working with a contractor who is familiar with the unique pavement conditions of your property and is recognized as an expert in the local market. Many of our customers find this has saved them time and money locating a competent professional for their pavement services.

What are the handicap parking space requirements for a commercial pavement?

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was created in 1990 and impacts all buildings that are open to the public. It does not cover private residences or apartment buildings.  For more information please visit:

Where can I find additional information on pavement design?

Each region of the country varies as to the proper specification necessary for adequate design. Please contact your Pavement Network representative who is well versed in the conditions of the soils in your area and can help specify a proper design for your pavement project.

What is the best time of year to have repairs and maintenance performed on my lot?

Sealcoating: Sealcoating is best performed during the warmer months, late spring through early fall. Sealers need warm temperatures (above 50 degrees) to cure properly. The ground must be dry when the sealer is applied.
Paving: Asphalt paving is best performed when the ground is dry and air temperatures are above 45 degrees.  The warmer the weather, the more time we have to work with the material to achieve a smooth finish.  Temperatures of 75-90 degrees are optimal for achieving a smooth finish with a minimum of visible seams.  Cold weather paving, in temperatures below 45 degees, can be performed, but the finish is generally rougher than warm weather paving and compaction can be less than optimal due to quick cooling of the material.  Generally, cold weather paving should only be performed in emergency situations (such as, in order to obtain an occupancy permit to occupy a building).
Crack Sealing: Crack sealing can be performed in all temperatures but the pavement must be dry.
Concrete: Concrete is best installed when temperatures are above freezing. Certain additives are often put in the concrete mix in cooler weather in order to accelerate curing.
Striping: Striping is best performed in temperatures above 60 degrees when using latex paints. Cooler weather striping is possible, but paint may not cure as well, and as such may not last as long.

When I have crack sealing performed, should the cracks be routed first? If so, how large?

We do recommend routing the cracks. This insures proper cleaning and adhesion (sealing) thus allowing sufficient material to accommodate pavement movement. Rout size should be at least 1/2” by 1/2” for parking lots and minimally 3/4” by 3/4” for streets and roadways.

A crack is just a crack, right? What if I don't fill that crack this year? Is that really such a big deal?

Water is just water until it freezes, when it expands by 150% in volume, displacing and cracking the asphalt further. In cold weather states, the freezing and thawing of pavements cause their rapid deterioration if water can easily penetrate the surface.  In warm weather states, water can still accelerate the deterioration of pavement if allowed to easily penetrate the pavement and erode the subbase. Crackfilling is the least expensive and most cost effective way to prevent or slow down pavement deterioration.

What can I do on my own to get the most out of my pavement?

Undertake an annual maintenance evaluation. If you see depressions in the asphalt with multiple cracks, you might have base failure. Make repairs. If you see sand building up around your drainage basins, sealcoat the asphalt, it is becoming oxidized. The fine sand in the blacktop is raveling out and becoming brittle.  Have cracks filled as often as is practical.  Finally, correct drainage problems that are annoying, hazardous, and allow water to seep into and slowly destroy the pavement.

If my pavement was professionally installed, why do I need to worry about maintenance?

Even the best of surfaces are subject to the wear and tear caused by time, weather and traffic. No paved surface is permanent. By undertaking a program of planned pavement maintenance, considerable savings in rehabilitation costs may be achieved. Your pavement surface will remain sound, usable and safe. Extensive downtime needed to repair deep cracks and potholes will be reduced or eliminated. Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of existing pavements, and it will help to protect your paving investment.

What are some tricks contractors use when writing proposals that allow them to cut corners on my project, and how can I avoid them?

Crack filling: Specify routing, it provides a uniform depth and width allowing the filler to bridge and bond the crack.
Sealer: Specify ASTM D3405 minimum sealcoat. Specify five pounds of sand per gallon.
Patching: Specify full depth minimum of four inches.
Look out for:
  • Vague, ambiguous terminology in a proposal.
  • A quote that is 20% or more lower than other vendors.
  • Estimates which recommend against correcting the cause of the problem.
  • ”Inspect what you expect”. Is the work being performed the way it was specified?

How do I know I'm getting value for my money? How am I saving with Pavement Network?

Pavement Network contractors try to be as specific as possible in recommendations and layout specifications that are easily measurable by the customer when the job is being performed.  If you are not sure what specifications your project needs, your Pavement Network professional will be glad to write specs for you.  You can then use these specs to obtain competitive “apples to apples” bids.

“Being a part of the Pavement Network has brought considerable value to Pavecon.  The momentum and knowledge base within The Group is unmatched.  There is an unattainable value to the relationships we hold between the companies in the Ownership groups as well as the Operations and Administrative Groups.  Throughout the years, members have had a safe space to share ideas and collaborate with others in the country who are building great businesses just like them.  The relationships and ideas shared have greatly increased Pavecon’s ability to enhance its business model and provide a better environment in which its business can operate in, and its employees can work in. Aside from that unattainable value, there is ample and equal value in the ever-developing group purchasing agreements with large national vendors.  The agreements the Network currently has in place have saved Pavecon more than $14k in Q1 this year alone.  That in itself has made our membership worth it.  Pavecon plans to be a contributing member of the Pavement Network as long as possible. For Pavecon, it is an easy decision.  We look forward to many more years of membership!”

Daniel Kilman

Pavecon Ltd Co.

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