Before immediately jumping into a new asphalt project or completing maintenance, it’s natural to wonder just how much it’s going to cost. However, after searching, you might have found a variety of answers that didn’t clear things up very well. If you’re hoping to discover what commercial asphalt services cost (and why they vary), you’re in the right place. Our team at Doctor Asphalt has worked in a plethora of places and has seen it all.
In this blog, we’ll cover what commercial asphalt services include, why costs vary so much, how to lower costs, and more.With the right parking lot layout and a professional company like Doctor Asphalt at your side, you might not even have to shut down your lot. Keep reading to find out how it works and how to reduce downtime while getting the proper fixes your space needs.
What Do Asphalt Services Include?
Whether you’re maintaining your parking lot or repairing it, you may already know you need asphalt services. However, you might not know what services are offered or what you might need. Some of the most common asphalt services include:
- Pothole repair, patching, and crack sealing
- Sealcoating
- New pavement installation
- Foundational repairs
- Overlay paving or resurfacing
- And more
When trying to figure out asphalt maintenance costs, it’s important to realize what needs to be done to refresh your parking lot or pavement. Homeowners and business owners who have kept up with the maintenance won’t be paying nearly as much as someone who has ignored the cracks and broken pieces for years. The fact of the matter is that asphalt services will include so much more to repair and maintain it when it’s been neglected.
Related: The Benefits of Regular Asphalt Maintenance for Commercial Properties
Why Do Asphalt Costs Vary So Much?
Asphalt costs vary depending on the company, service, and extent of maintenance or repair needed. Typically, costs vary depending on the level of expertise an asphalt specialist has, and higher-quality repairs tend to come with a higher price point. Whether the company is a large corporation or an independent shop also affects the prices. However, the biggest gauge for how much your asphalt construction, maintenance, or repair is going to cost is how much work you need and what kind of work is needed. If there are a few cracks that need to be repaired, it’s going to cost significantly less than repairing a crumbling parking lot that hasn’t been maintained properly and requires some serious work.
How to Budget for Asphalt Services
The best way to budget properly for asphalt services is to start maintaining your pavement early on. Many customers assume that once new asphalt is put in place, it’s good to go until the day it starts cracking or crumbling. However, the best way to ensure you have the proper budget for asphalt repairs is to start maintenance shortly after your initial pavement installation and keep up with annual and seasonal fixes. Sealcoating is one of the most common and beneficial maintenance measures that can be performed. The cost is going to vary based on several factors, but in general it will cost around $.20 - $.50 per square foot for sealcoating a commercial parking lot.
Find out More About Asphalt Maintenance on a Budget: Top Cost-Saving Methods
How to Maintain Asphalt and Lower Annual Costs
The best way to save money on asphalt and ensure it lasts longer is to keep up with routine maintenance. While it might seem unnecessary to do, maintenance keeps your original asphalt in its best condition for a lot longer. That way, you’re not spending an arm and a leg to redo your asphalt as often. The longer you go without maintaining your pavement with asphalt services, the more money you’ll have to spend to get it looking great again.
Here’s a timeline you can adhere to keep your pavement in pristine condition for longer (and budget appropriately for each stage in the asphalt lifecycle):
- Year 1: Fresh asphalt won’t need maintenance immediately, but clearing debris and removing oil spots should be your first priority after a new pavement installation.
- Year 2-5: After the first year or two, homeowners and business owners ensure that the first sealcoating application is in the budget. This waterproof coating helps restore the initial appearance of the asphalt, enhance strength and durability, and protect the topmost asphalt layer.
- Years 5-7: To promote longevity, sealcoating should be done every few years. At this point, cracks may start to form, and sealcoating ensures that everything is sealed up and better protected.
- Years 7-15: At this stage, cracks may be more common, and asphalt may start breaking. When you first notice a broken section in your asphalt, it’s important to place a maintenance call before the problem gets worse. Minnesota and Wisconsin winters only exacerbate the problem once it starts.
- Years 15-25: This is towards the end of your asphalt’s average life—even with the best maintenance in place. At this point, you might need more than sealcoating. An asphalt overlay might be in the budget.
- Years 25+: If your asphalt makes it anywhere past 25 years, it is likely overdue for some serious work or complete restoration. When maintenance isn’t kept up with, you might need to consider budgeting for this sooner rather than later.
Overall, pavement can last for decades with the proper upkeep. If your asphalt is in a current state of disrepair, our experts at Doctor Asphalt can help.
Comparing Asphalt Bids and Costs
Oftentimes, homeowners and business owners will choose the lowest quote to save money. However, there’s so much more that goes into the quality, application, and longevity of your pavement other than the cost of asphalt maintenance. When sealcoating commercial parking lots or getting other maintenance needs checked off your list, it’s important to think about the quality of the work done, too. The best options for maintaining your pavement are going to be the perfect mix of great reviews, quality handiwork, and a price that’s on par with the average for other services done in your area.
Get High-Quality Commercial Asphalt Services with Doctor Asphalt
After learning what commercial asphalt services cost (and why they vary so much), you might be ready to invest in high-quality pavement for your commercial business. When you install high-quality asphalt, you’ll have longer-lasting results that can be used for years to come—especially when you pair it with yearly maintenance.
If you’re ready to invest in high-quality commercial paving or maintenance services, our team at Doctor Asphalt can help you get started. Reach out to us today to learn more about our premium pavement and maintenance services, specifically designed to last longer and hold up to Wisconsin and Minnesota climates.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
