Montana Paving Contractor

Paving Contractor - Whether you need a simple driveway or a 100 car parking lot, hiring a paving contractor is a must. Without the right licensing, insurance and heavy equipment, getting a quality paving job just isn’t going to happen. And with such a huge investment, it’s in your best interests to find the right person for the job.

Asphalt paving is also known as hot mix asphalt and consists of an aggregate topped with a hot mix of pressed asphalt. Asphalt must be carefully mixed in the proper proportions and delivered to the site hot. While simple patch jobs can be done with cold asphalt and a hand tamper, a complete paving project needs hot delivered materials and heavy equipment to properly adhere to the base aggregate.

Prior to installing the hot asphalt layering, the paving company will need to remove the layers of grass, clay and soil at least six inches into the subsoil. The excavation must then be backfilled with an aggregate like limestone or crushed granite. It is then compacted to support the weight of the vehicles that will be above it. After compaction, a layer of liquid tar is applied to create a strong bond between the aggregate and the layers of hot asphalt mix. Once the hot asphalt is applied, a roller or compactor is used to flatten the surface evenly.

When hiring any asphalt company, it’s a good idea to verify their licensing, insurance and bonds with your local building department. They will not only provide you with the details about your prospective asphalt company, but they can also let you know what permits and inspections may be required to make your paving job legally happen.

While proper licensing and up to date insurance ensures your prospective paving contractor is legit, it doesn’t mean that they will do a good job. Always ask for at least 3-5 contactable references before allowing them to bid on your job. Visit the jobsite and follow up with a phone call to make certain that your paving contractor has a long list of happy customers. This will give you an idea of how they run their business, what their final products look like and if they have the experience to get the job done right.