With over 30 years of experience, General Pavement Management (GPM) is a leading commercial paving contractor in both the Central Coast of California and throughout Southern California.

Asphalt is the most popular material in America for paving and you will learn more about why and how it can meet your needs in this article.

Asphalt is both flexible and durable, but not all asphalt is the same. You wouldn’t want to install the same asphalt used on a freeway on a quiet parking lot.

This is why it’s important to have experts ensure you get the right material to best address the needs of your particular project. Using the right material will improve durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness.
There are many types of asphalt, but hot mixes are typically used for most projects. The most common distinctions are the size of aggregate (rock) and the asphalt mix design. Typically, a larger aggregate provides more robust strength for areas that regularly experience heavy traffic loads. Examples include truck depots and distribution centers. Smaller aggregates are desirable for “normal” car traffic, and the overall appearance is more aesthetically pleasing. Other differences can include water permeability, specialized modifiers & additives, and aggregate materials. The costs also vary but GPM will be able to help determine the best solution for your unique project and budget.

Asphalt vs. Concrete

Asphalt paving costs depend on the project, but generally, it’s a more cost-effective solution compared to concrete. Asphalt will also cure faster, which will allow for a shorter waiting period before usage. Since asphalt uses specialized binders, it makes the material more flexible and less likely to crack. However, concrete offers more variability in color, textures, and patterns, and requires less maintenance over time.

The climate can also affect each material differently and may determine which is used. Some asphalt mixes can soften in extreme heat, and concrete can be more easily damaged in colder climates with frost heaves.

Asphalt is often a top choice since it can be installed and used more quickly than concrete. Also, when repairs are needed, it can usually be done faster. Overall, initial investment for concrete is greater than asphalt, but requires little or no maintenance. Asphalt is more versatile but should be maintained every 3-5 years with a sealcoat and occasional repair. Properly installed and maintained, both asphalt and concrete will last for approximately 30 years.

Repair & Installation

The GPM asphalt team has the expertise to understand your needs and recommend a practical repair or installation plan that fits your budget. Some of the services we offer include:

• Overlays are commonly recommended as part of a repair or maintenance project. It is an installation of asphalt on top of the existing surface, extending the life of the pavement and delaying complete reconstruction. An overlay can be completed with or without a geotextile fabric layer.
• “Full Depth Reclamations” (FDR), which involves taking the section requiring repair and pulverizing both the asphalt and its granular subgrade to produce a uniform, “stabilized base course” (SBC). FDR gives you a permanent fix (definitely not a “band-aid”). Since this technique recycles existing material, it is considered one of the “greenest” techniques. Asphalt is one of the most recycled materials in the United States, which means it’s an environmentally-conscious option to implement.
• Mill & Fill, which consists of removing existing pavement with a milling machine to a depth of 1-2”. The milled material is hauled to a recycling facility. New asphalt mix, often containing some recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), is installed to replace the milled out material. Mill & Fill repairs can last 10-12 years.
• Sectional Patching is a solution for projects that do not require complete reconstruction or an overlay. Sectional patching is often a reasonable solution to extend the life of your pavement. The worst areas will be removed and replaced for a cost-effective solution.
• Removal & Replacement which is needed once asphalt reaches the end of its life cycle. At that point, the only realistic solution is to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. There can also be severe subgrade failure resulting in the need for additional grading and base material. An ongoing maintenance program will greatly defer this costly option.

Asphalt paving methods will be determined based on your specific project. Since both the equipment and labor needs can vary, it’s recommended to talk to an expert to determine the best solution. Choosing the right contractor can ensure that you’re laying the proper groundwork, which is essential to minimize maintenance and repairs down the road. GPM uses the latest asphalt technologies which include using recycled materials.

Whether you’re paving project is for an HOA, shopping center parking lot, or commercial road, we have the solution for you. The GPM asphalt team has the expertise to understand your needs and recommend a practical repair or installation plan that fits your budget.

The Process

From the moment you contact us, GPM takes the weight off your shoulders by going the extra mile. We provide planning, stakeholder notifications, site preparation, materials, equipment, scheduling, regulatory compliance, and more.
We perform all asphalt paving jobs with impeccable speed and efficiency, reducing downtime for tenants and owners. Our goal is to deliver top-notch asphalt paving that is aesthetically pleasing, bears traffic conditions and provides lasting performance.

The GPM difference

Ensuring that your parking lots, streets, and driveways are safe to use and stay in good condition is a critical part of commercial and industrial asphalt paving projects. GPM is here to help with new projects, repairs, patching, and reconstruction.

Through starting with high-quality materials, implementing best practices and our trained team with a high level of expertise GPM ensures client satisfaction.

Each of our locations provides top-tier services for ranch roads, wineries, homeowners associations, shopping centers, and commercial spaces. We come in on time and on budget and have enjoyed over 30 years of successful service to residential communities, commercial properties, and industrial facilities from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo.
From start to finish, we are committed to providing the highest quality services. Our warranty is double that of the industry standard, and we always provide detailed proposals so clients fully understand expectations.

Whether it’s a new installation or an overlay, getting good results with asphalt requires the best materials, the right tools and equipment, thorough worker training, and considerable experience.

Contact us for a complimentary assessment plan and cost proposal.