Preparing for an asphalt paving project involves more than choosing a contractor and scheduling a date. Property access, drainage, site conditions, traffic plans, weather, and communication can all affect how smoothly the work progresses.
Whether you are paving a commercial parking lot, private road, HOA community, school, church, industrial property, or residential driveway, planning ahead can reduce disruptions and prevent avoidable delays. Utah’s changing temperatures, mountain weather, soil conditions, and freeze-thaw cycles make proper preparation especially important.
Learn more about Utah asphalt paving services, or contact Eckles Paving to discuss your upcoming project.
A paving crew prepares a Utah property for new asphalt installation.
What Happens Before an Asphalt Paving Project?
Before paving begins, the contractor should evaluate the project area and determine what preparation will be required. This may include measuring the site, inspecting the existing pavement, reviewing drainage, evaluating the base, identifying damaged areas, and planning equipment access.
The amount of preparation depends on whether the project involves new construction, removal and replacement, an asphalt overlay, or repairs to an existing surface. A parking lot with drainage problems and base failure will require a different plan than a stable surface receiving an overlay.
Understanding the project scope before work begins helps property owners plan for access restrictions, temporary closures, deliveries, employee parking, and other operational needs.
1. Schedule a Professional Site Evaluation
A professional site evaluation is one of the most important steps in preparing for asphalt paving. During this visit, the contractor can examine the pavement and surrounding property to identify conditions that may affect the project.
The evaluation may include:
- Measuring the proposed paving area
- Inspecting cracks, potholes, soft spots, and surface deterioration
- Checking the slope and direction of water runoff
- Evaluating curbs, gutters, drains, and concrete transitions
- Reviewing equipment and truck access
- Identifying utility covers and other structures
- Determining whether grading or excavation may be necessary
Provide as much information as possible during the evaluation. Let the contractor know about recurring puddles, buried utilities, previous repairs, underground irrigation, heavy vehicle traffic, or areas that have settled in the past.
2. Define the Project Scope Clearly
Before comparing proposals, make sure you understand what each contractor is recommending. Asphalt paving estimates can vary because contractors may propose different preparation methods, pavement thicknesses, repair areas, or drainage improvements.
Ask whether the project includes:
- Removal and disposal of existing pavement
- Excavation or soil correction
- Aggregate base installation or reinforcement
- Grading and compaction
- Asphalt thickness and number of lifts
- Drainage improvements
- Transitions to sidewalks, roads, gutters, and concrete
- New parking lot striping or pavement markings
- Traffic control and site cleanup
A detailed scope makes it easier to compare estimates accurately and understand what is included in the price.
3. Identify Drainage Problems Before Paving
Water is one of the biggest threats to pavement performance. Standing water can enter cracks, weaken the supporting base, and contribute to movement during Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Walk the property after rain or snowmelt and note where water collects. Look for low areas, clogged drains, runoff from roofs, damaged gutters, and water flowing onto the pavement from nearby landscaping.
Some drainage problems can be corrected through proper slope and professional grading. Other properties may require catch basins, drains, curbing, or additional parking lot drainage solutions.
Drainage concerns should be addressed during project planning rather than after the new asphalt has been installed.
4. Discuss Base and Soil Conditions
The pavement is only as stable as the material beneath it. Soft soil, poorly compacted fill, excess moisture, or an inadequate aggregate base can lead to settling, cracking, depressions, and potholes.
Utah properties can have significantly different soil conditions depending on their location. Mountain properties, construction sites, older parking lots, and areas with previous utility work may require additional evaluation or base correction.
If the existing pavement moves under traffic, repeatedly develops depressions, or has localized weak areas, tell the contractor before work begins. These may be signs of underlying failure rather than surface damage. Learn more about what causes soft spots in asphalt and how they are repaired.
5. Plan for Property and Equipment Access
Asphalt paving requires room for dump trucks, paving machines, rollers, skid steers, and other heavy equipment. Limited access can affect scheduling, production, and the approach used for the project.
Before the scheduled start date:
- Move vehicles, trailers, equipment, and stored materials
- Unlock gates and confirm entry instructions
- Trim low branches that could interfere with trucks or equipment
- Turn off irrigation near the work area
- Remove portable signs, planters, dumpsters, and other obstacles when possible
- Notify the contractor about overhead wires or restricted access points
For commercial properties, designate a staging area if one is available. The contractor can explain how much space will be needed and whether materials or equipment will remain at the property during the project.
6. Create a Traffic and Parking Plan
Most paving projects require temporary closures. Property managers should plan how employees, customers, residents, delivery drivers, and emergency vehicles will enter or move around the property.
Depending on the size and layout of the site, the project may be completed in phases. Phased paving can preserve limited access, but it may require additional coordination and clear communication with everyone who uses the property.
Before work begins:
- Choose alternate parking areas
- Notify tenants, employees, residents, and vendors
- Reschedule deliveries when necessary
- Post temporary closure notices
- Confirm emergency and fire access requirements
- Arrange safe pedestrian routes around the work area
Schools, churches, HOAs, retail centers, and industrial properties may benefit from scheduling paving during lower-traffic periods.
7. Coordinate Utilities, Irrigation, and Landscaping
Identify utility covers, cleanouts, valve boxes, drains, irrigation lines, and other features within or next to the paving area. These items may need to be protected or adjusted to match the elevation of the finished pavement.
Sprinklers should be turned off before paving so the work area and base remain dry. Irrigation overspray can also affect freshly placed asphalt and should be redirected away from the surface.
If landscaping changes, utility work, or concrete improvements are planned, discuss the construction sequence with the paving contractor. Completing work in the correct order can prevent newly installed pavement from being cut, damaged, or crossed by heavy equipment.
8. Prepare for Utah Weather and Seasonal Changes
Weather can affect paving schedules because asphalt must be placed and compacted under suitable conditions. Temperature, wind, precipitation, elevation, and the size of the project can influence the available working window.
Mountain communities near Park City and Heber may experience cooler temperatures and earlier winter weather than projects along the Wasatch Front. Spring moisture and changing fall temperatures can also affect site preparation and scheduling.
Property owners should allow some flexibility around the proposed paving date. A dependable contractor will monitor conditions and communicate when weather requires a schedule adjustment.
9. Confirm the Project Schedule and Communication Plan
Before work starts, confirm the estimated start date, expected duration, work hours, and areas that will be closed. Larger projects may involve separate preparation and paving phases completed by different crews.
Choose one representative who can answer questions and approve necessary field adjustments. For an HOA, school, commercial property, or construction site, this may be a property manager, board member, superintendent, facilities manager, or general contractor.
Also confirm how unexpected conditions will be handled. Excavation can sometimes reveal wet soil, buried debris, inadequate base material, or damage that was not visible during the initial inspection.
10. Notify Everyone Who Uses the Property
Clear notice helps prevent vehicles or pedestrians from entering the work area. Send the first announcement several days before the project and provide a reminder shortly before work begins.
Your notice should explain:
- The planned project dates
- Which entrances or parking areas will be closed
- Where temporary parking is available
- When vehicles must be removed
- Who to contact with access questions
- When the pavement is expected to reopen
For properties with multiple entrances or buildings, a simple map can make the closure plan easier to understand.
11. Plan Parking Lot Striping and Accessibility
If a commercial parking lot will be paved, confirm the striping layout before the project reaches its final stage. Consider parking stalls, fire lanes, crosswalks, directional arrows, loading areas, stop bars, and accessible parking spaces.
A new layout may require different measurements or markings than the previous parking lot. Discuss accessibility requirements and traffic flow with the contractor before striping begins.
Eckles Paving provides parking lot striping in Utah for commercial properties, schools, HOAs, churches, industrial facilities, and other paved areas.
12. Understand What Affects the Project Cost
Every property has different paving needs, so the final cost depends on the conditions and scope of the project. Major pricing factors may include:
- Total square footage
- Required asphalt thickness
- Condition of the existing pavement
- Excavation and disposal requirements
- Aggregate base repairs or replacement
- Grading and drainage work
- Site access and equipment limitations
- Traffic control and project phasing
- Distance from asphalt production facilities
- Striping, concrete, or other additional work
Larger projects may have a lower cost per square foot because equipment, transportation, and crew expenses are distributed across a larger area. However, extensive base failure, difficult access, or complex drainage work can increase the overall cost.
What to Expect on Paving Day
The exact process will depend on the project, but paving day typically involves a coordinated sequence of material delivery, placement, compaction, edge work, and cleanup.
Keep vehicles and pedestrians away from the construction zone. Fresh asphalt is hot, and moving equipment may have limited visibility. Only enter the work area when directed by the crew.
Dump trucks may arrive throughout the day to keep the paving operation moving. Blocking the designated truck route can delay material delivery and affect production.
How Long Should You Stay Off New Asphalt?
Your paving contractor should provide reopening instructions based on the weather, pavement design, traffic type, and work completed. Do not assume the surface is ready simply because it looks dry or cool.
Once the area reopens, avoid unnecessary sharp turns, stationary steering, heavy concentrated loads, and parking in the same position for extended periods while the asphalt is still new. These actions can leave marks or depressions, especially during hot weather.
Plan for Long-Term Pavement Maintenance
New pavement still requires ongoing care. Keeping the surface clean, maintaining drainage, repairing cracks, and addressing damage early can help protect the investment.
As the asphalt ages, maintenance may include professional crack sealing, parking lot sealcoating, localized patching, and restriping.
Inspect the pavement after winter and watch for snowplow damage, new cracks, drainage problems, or areas where water collects. If damage develops, an early evaluation can help determine whether the surface needs maintenance or more extensive asphalt repair services.
How to Choose a Utah Paving Contractor
Look for a licensed and insured contractor with experience completing projects similar to yours. The contractor should be willing to inspect the site, explain the proposed preparation, and provide a clear scope of work.
Ask potential contractors about:
- The preparation included in the estimate
- The planned pavement thickness
- How drainage and weak base areas will be addressed
- The equipment and crews assigned to the project
- Traffic control and project phasing
- Communication if unexpected conditions are discovered
- When the new pavement can reopen
Be cautious when an estimate is significantly lower but does not clearly explain base preparation, thickness, compaction, drainage, or other essential work.
Why Choose Eckles Paving?
Eckles Paving has more than 35 years of experience completing asphalt paving and pavement maintenance projects throughout Utah. Our experienced crews use professional equipment to serve commercial properties, HOAs, schools, churches, industrial facilities, municipalities, developers, general contractors, and homeowners.
As a licensed and insured Utah paving contractor, Eckles Paving can coordinate paving with grading, drainage improvements, asphalt repair, concrete work, sealcoating, crack sealing, and parking lot striping. Our team focuses on dependable communication from the initial site evaluation through project completion.
Eckles Paving has also earned more than 1,300 five-star reviews and maintains a 5.0 Google rating.
Utah Areas We Serve
Eckles Paving serves properties throughout Utah asphalt service areas, including Utah County, Salt Lake County, Davis County, Weber County, Cache County, Summit County, Wasatch County, Tooele County, Morgan County, and Box Elder County.
Our primary service locations include Utah County and Mapleton, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Park City and Heber, Ogden, and Logan. Project availability may depend on the location, size, scope, and type of paving work required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I schedule an asphalt paving project in Utah?
Contact a paving contractor as early as possible, especially for larger commercial projects or work planned during the busiest spring, summer, and fall months. Early planning provides more time for site evaluation, budgeting, tenant notices, traffic planning, and any necessary drainage or base improvements.
Do I need to remove all vehicles before paving begins?
Yes. Vehicles, trailers, equipment, dumpsters, and other movable objects should be removed from the designated work area before the crew arrives. Confirm the closure boundaries and removal deadline with your contractor.
Can a business remain open during an asphalt paving project?
Many businesses can remain open if safe access is available. Larger parking lots may be completed in phases to maintain limited parking or entry. The contractor and property manager should coordinate traffic, pedestrian routes, deliveries, and emergency access in advance.
What happens if rain or cold weather is forecast?
The contractor may adjust the schedule if conditions are unsuitable for paving. Temperature, precipitation, wind, elevation, and project size can affect asphalt placement and compaction. Some schedule flexibility is normal for Utah paving projects.
Should drainage be repaired before installing new asphalt?
Drainage problems should be evaluated before paving. Depending on the cause, the solution may involve grading, slope corrections, drains, catch basins, curbing, or repairs to the supporting base.
Can asphalt be installed over existing pavement?
An asphalt overlay may be appropriate when the existing pavement and base remain structurally stable. Widespread base failure, severe movement, drainage problems, or extensive deterioration may require milling, excavation, or removal and replacement instead.
When can vehicles drive on newly paved asphalt?
Reopening time depends on the weather, pavement design, type of traffic, and work completed. Follow the contractor’s instructions and keep vehicles off the new surface until permission is given.
Request a Free Asphalt Paving Estimate
Good preparation begins with an on-site evaluation and a clear project plan. Eckles Paving can assess your pavement, discuss access and drainage concerns, and recommend an approach based on the property’s conditions and intended use.
Request a free estimate from Eckles Paving to begin planning your asphalt paving project in Utah.
