Blogs
FLY BY NIGHT COMPANIES
You’ve seen them before – those bright colored plastic yard signs promoting a local seal coater that you’ve never heard of, or the pair walking door to door to ask you about your driveway projects. They may offer you a “good deal” because of some extra product left over from another big job, but often times their prices are actually much more than you’d pay from an established paving company like Magic Valley Paving. Though tempting, these fly-by-night companies are often not worth the risk.
These companies swoop in for a few weeks, cash your check and then disappear. If, or more oftentimes when, something goes wrong with the work and you realize it was not actually completed to your satisfaction, they’re nowhere to be found. You’re left with a slimmer bank account and a shoddy driveway. It can be a homeowner’s nightmare.
Sealcoating Scams: More Common Than You'd Think
Stories of homeowners and businesses duped by these companies are all over the news. From Idaho Falls to southern Wisconsin, the Midwest is rife with scam asphalt companies looking to make a quick dollar.
Our advice is to always ask for a written proposal, and verify the company name by calling the numbers, asking for referrals and even requesting a certificate of insurance. Often times, these fly-by-night companies use faux addresses and have business phone numbers that are never answered and don’t offer the option to leave a voicemail. The bottom line? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. No matter who you contract with for your commercial or residential paving needs, we want to help our friends and neighbors get the best possible product.
At Magic Valley Paving, we pride ourselves on our quality of work and attention to detail. We are a licensed and insured paving company from Kimberly, ID – and we aren’t going anywhere. Contact us today!
How Seasonal Weather Damages Asphalt
Spring is on its way. For asphalt parking lots and roads, chances are winter has left a pile of damage in its wake. Asphalt that is not well maintained has a greater chance of being damaged by winter weather. As the snow melts, it can reveal unpleasant surprises such as cracks and potholes that seasonal weather has left behind.
So, what can you expect when the snow is gone? These are some of the ways last season may have damaged your asphalt, and how we can help.
Asphalt Cracks
Cracks are bound to develop over time in asphalt due to oxidation, traffic, and general deterioration. If any cracks were present before winter, chances are they’ll be worse in the spring. Cracks allow for water, chemicals, and other debris to infiltrate the asphalt and cause the cracks to expand. As water seeps underneath the asphalt through the cracks, it weakens the foundation and allows for further deterioration.
Puddles
If you’re noticing more puddles than usual, they could be the result of rutting and grade depressions. These damages occur due to the heat from vehicle tires softening the pavement or poor compaction during installation. Puddles are not only an inconvenience to drivers, but also a hazard to your asphalt: water damage can weaken and deteriorate the material.
Potholes
Where there are puddles, there are often potholes. Winter freeze-thaw cycles often allow water to seep into the cracks and foundation of your asphalt. When the water freezes again underneath, it expands and compromises the structure of your driveway, road, or parking lot. While most potholes start small, water and wear from vehicles will make them bigger over time. Potholes can damage vehicles as well as present hazards for pedestrians. They’re also ugly: nobody wants a lot full of holes.
How Magic Valley Paving Can Help
At Magic Valley Paving, we’re proud to provide quality service for your pavement problems. We can address cracks, potholes, and broken pavement, or even demolish and regrade the land to pour a new surface if your asphalt is beyond repair. Repairing and maintaining your pavement regularly can help extend the life and appearance of your surfaces.
Ready to get started? Contact us online or call 208-423-5376!