While sealcoating or fixing cracks can sometimes be a way to bring new life to a parking lot, sometimes a new paving job is needed. Reasons for a new paving job may be extensive damage, alligator cracks, or any damage to the sub base. With these kinds of damage, it quickly becomes more cost efficient to do a new paving job, rather than sealcoat. 

Here are the top factors that affect costs, and what you may need to know in order to calculate these factors into the cost of paving your parking lot.

Existing Pavement

What is the type of existing pavement? The material used in the existing pavement and the condition of the pavement determines how to proceed.

If the existing pavement is concrete for example, we will recommend rubbilization or cracking and seating. Rubbilization breaks the concrete down into small pieces that can be used within the current project. Cracking and seating furnished tiny cracks throughout the concrete to prevent future joint cracking. Both methods can save you a lot of money as well as being environmentally friendly. If the existing pavement is asphalt, we may recommend asphalt milling to remove the surface in an environmentally friendly way.

Ground Condition

The condition of the ground will affect what preparations need to happen before paving can begin. For instance, grading may be needed to smooth down an area, or draining may be desired to prevent water buildup. If the pavement has rutted or has extensive potholes a repair of the subgrade may be needed.

Materials Desired

Materials used in the sub-base and asphalt mix also affect the cost of paving. RAP will bring the cost down, while if you need a specialty mix the price may increase.

Deadline and Schedule

Are you on a tight deadline? Do you need work to be rushed? The timing of the project will affect costs. If this is a project to be completed only at night or on particular days of the week cost is likely to increase. Rush jobs that need very quick turnaround may also have a higher cost.

Shape of Lot

If the paving lot is to be an unusual shape, with lots of angles that need to be worked around, cost will increase. That said, a simple square without obstacles will dramatically bring down cost!

Accessibility

How easy is it to get workers and equipment to your lot? The harder it is for workers and equipment to get you, the more cost is likely to be affected. This is especially important for parking lots in the city where trucks and large equipment may have trouble maneuvering.

If you like to get a better idea of costs for your project you might want to check out a cost calculator. All you have to do is input measurements and the cost calculator will do the rest!

The cost of a parking lot can be affected by a lot of factors. Experience pavers will know to take these into consideration before giving you a quote for final cost. If you’re trying to determine cost for yourself, do not neglect to look into these issues.