Any business owner will tell you that first impressions are an essential part of drawing in new customers. What does your current parking lot say about your business?

Is it clean and free of debris, cracks, and potholes? Or do customers feel bumps and cracks as they find a place to park on the faded, worn cement?

Consider the importance of making a great first impression and add a line item in your 2021 budget to install a new asphalt parking lot. While a parking lot installation can be a daunting process, doing your research and educating yourself on the do’s and don’t of asphalt installation can help you ease your worries.

With over 75 years of experience, here are three things we think every business should know before installing a parking lot:

1. Look for Experienced Asphalt Parking Lot Contractors

There are many qualities to look for when choosing the right contractor to serve your asphalt paving needs. However, some of the most important qualities are their experience doing projects of a similar size and scope and their focus on quality customer service to meet your needs.

Parking lot construction zoning laws and standards can vary city to city. Before moving forward with any construction, make sure to get approval from the city and obtain any required permits. A reputable asphalt contractor in Milwaukee or Madison will know how to start your project, and should be able to answer any questions you might have regarding asphalt paving.

More Information On Getting A Good, Local Paving Estimate:

• 6 Key Things Every Good Paving Estimate Should Include
• 3 Things To Look For In An Asphalt Driveway Quote

In addition, a reputable contractor will have no problem showcasing their work and providing you with case studies and client testimonials. In addition, you should do your research to see how they rank amongst the competition -- whether it is reviews from the Better Business Bureau or on their own company website, you should get a sense of their attention to detail and customer service. Are they providing educational material to help you make informed decisions? Do they have online request a quote forms, making it easy for you to get the information you need.

2. Understand the Importance of the Sub-base 

The top layer of a new asphalt surface is going to look beautiful, but it is what lies underneath that could cause problems.

Proper installation of a parking lot sub-base is the most important step in ensuring the structural integrity and proper drainage of any asphalt surface. The sub-base supports the asphalt pavement, and helps prevent shifting, cracking and sinking of the paved surface.

Similarly to asphalt pavement, the sub-base needs to be able to withstand changing climate and other factors that might affect its durability. Depending on its condition, a process called stabilization can be done to fortify the sub-base of a parking lot before laying asphalt. A well-installed sub-base increases the longevity and durability of any asphalt parking lot. 

To learn more about preparing a sub-base, and the installation steps that should happen before and after, read this blog.

3. Think How ‘Green’ Asphalt Can Be

Did you know that asphalt is one of the most recycled products in the country? In fact, out of more than 100 million tons that is used each year to rebuild roads, 95% is derived from recycled asphalt. Additionally, other waste products such as oil, asphalt shingles, and concrete can be repurposed into new asphalt pavement. Another example of how ‘green’ asphalt paving can be is the use of porous asphalt.

At Wolf Paving, we often use porous or permeable asphalt pavement for new parking lot surfaces. Porous asphalt is a paved surface that allows water to permeate through the surface, rather than runoff the sides of the pavement. As a result of the permeable nature of porous asphalt, the pavement prevents pooling water and also works as a filtration system. As water enters the pavement and flows through, toxins are removed by the sub-base. This allows for the cleaner, uncontaminated water to flow back into the ground as nature intended.

Download this FREE whitepaper to learn the difference between permeable pavement and porous asphalt!

According to an article published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Converting one acre of old-style concrete or asphalt parking lot to a porous design captures up to 435,600 gallons of storm-water.” Using porous asphalt helps reduce sewage overflow and has a positive affect on the local environment.

How's your 2021 budget looking? Take a minute to review our top nine asphalt paving budget tips for property managers!

We hope you found this information helpful in your decision to develop an asphalt parking lot. If there are any questions you might have, or things you might want to add, feel free to contact us!

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs. It’s not too early to request a quote. Get on our list for spring projects! Call Wolf Paving today! For the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.