Reliability You Can Trust
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Asphalt prices got you down? In the last couple months of this season, asphalt prices have jumped to unexpected levels. Why is this happening? Well it’s directly tied to crude oil. When oil producers refine crude they are left with different types of petroleum products ranging from fuels to lubricants. After fractional distillation, residual oils are left over. In simple terms, that oil is asphalt. The surface you see on your roads, parking lots, and driveways is not actually asphalt alone. Rather it is the mixture of asphalt and different varieties of stones and aggregates. Asphalt is the glue or cement that holds the mix together. This mixture is what composes blacktop or pavement.
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So what can you do keep from spending too much? As of August 1st asphalt has already increased by over 70% for the 2008 season. There are several options to consider when choosing asphalt:
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- Do you really need to pave your surface this year? -
Trends have been showing that oil prices are starting to drop. Asphalt
prices should reflect that same drop as prices keep falling. Spring
time usually is the slowest of the season for paving contractors in St.
Louis.
- Is the thickness of asphalt outlined in your
design too much? - In many cases you can get by with a thinner surface
depending on what the pavement is subjected to. How long will you own
the property? – You don’t want to invest too much into something you
may be selling soon.
- Ask about cash discounts, or bulk
discounts. - If you have several properties, or neighbors that may be
interested in paving you can realize savings because of reductions in
labor or mobilization costs. If you have a smaller job, most
contractors will give discounts for being paid in cash.
- Keep
your design simple. - Jobs with complex additions or multiple hurdles
will undoubtedly raise the price of your job. Be sure that your rock base exceeds standards
for what your pavement will be subjected to. In St. Louis most
problems related to pavement defects are because of a poorly designed
base. This will save you money in the long run no matter what asphalt
prices are.
- Are your bids from different companies alike? – Ask for the allotment of material or the current price of asphalt. This will keep your bidders honest when they quote thicknesses.
- Maintain
over replace? – Be careful here. In most cases if you can stand to go
one or two more years before paving you shouldn’t waste money on sealcoating . What you spend on sealing is just taking money away from your paving budget. Patching is a good alternative to replacing an entire surface.
Unfortunately when asphalt prices go up the consumer is usually the one
to absorb the increase. Today’s profit margins are tighter than ever
for contractors. Higher insurance, fuel, and material costs have a
negative impact on bottom line. So it’s best to take the advice from
the above list to make sure you get the best product for your money.
See Article at MyFox News St. Louis
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