Are you interested in working with an asphalt paving contractor that offers a warranty for quality pavement repair? There are a lot of factors to consider before choosing the right contractor and accepting warranty terms. The Federal Highway Administration defines an asphalt warranty as “a guarantee of the integrity of a product and the maker’s responsibility for the repair or replacement of the deficiencies.” While warranties are helpful, you should understand how to handle them and get the most out of your investment. Especially in New England, where the weather plays a significant role in the wear and tear of your pavement, warranties are useful in easing the burden and worry for asphalt customers. Here are the important things to consider ahead of time.
How to Get the Most Out of an Asphalt Warranty
Know What Is Covered
You will need to familiarize yourself with exactly what your warranty is expected to cover. There are different types of warranties as well. The most common types of warranties when it comes to asphalt paving repair are performance warranties and contractor warranties. Most asphalt installers will offer their version of a quality warranty directly through their company. These typically guarantee any issues that arise from faulty installation or defects due to poor application or other factors within their control. And they could also be limited to only the surface or could be for the entire pavement area. After all, deterioration can occur if a contractor does not apply the paving properly. But, the acceptance of these types of warranties is up to the company’s discretion. The contractor may also issue a performance warranty that ensures the asphalt’s durability over time and a standard contractor warranty. These vary drastically from one contractor to another, and you should always make sure to go over the specifics with your team before signing any contracts.
Performance Warranty Timelines
One of the most critical aspects of an asphalt warranty is the timelines associated with the work covered. Even if you agree to a warranty, you should know if it is a short-term or long-term performance warranty. Contractors will only cover some asphalt repair services during a short period with a short-term performance warranty. This is generally between five to 10 years. Short-term performance warranties typically cover the minimum materials and construction options to keep your pavement functional and safe.
On the other hand, long-term performance warranties are more along the lines of 10 to 20 years of coverage. The FHWA says that these warranties have an “additional responsibility to meet the minimum materials, structural, and mixture design requirements for the pavement.” These are the types of specifics that are important to know as a paving customer.
Do Your Part
Every warranty will expect that you, as the paving customer, have a plan in place for asphalt maintenance services. If you don’t do your part to have at least yearly inspections and repairs, it could void any warranties that you hold with your asphalt and paving company. Things like cracks and asphalt potholes should be addressed immediately. At Cassidy Paving, we can work with you to install your asphalt the right way the first time. We offer warranties on all full-depth constructions for up to 5 years. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 to discuss your repair and installation options.