Asphalt surfacing is a significant investment for any property owner, whether you’re managing a commercial site, industrial yard, or residential driveway. While it may be tempting to cut costs by taking a DIY approach or choosing the cheapest quote available, the truth is that improper installation can lead to expensive, long-term problems.
At Bendigo Road Tech, we’ve seen first-hand how avoidable mistakes can undermine the lifespan, safety, and performance of asphalt surfaces. Hiring a professional asphalt contractor ensures your surface is built to last and compliant with local standards — avoiding costly rework down the track.
Here are seven common asphalt surfacing mistakes you can avoid simply by working with a qualified expert.
1. Poor Site Preparation
The foundation is everything. Without proper excavation, grading, and soil compaction, your asphalt surface will be prone to cracking, sinking, and water pooling.
What a professional does differently:
- Assesses soil conditions before starting
- Removes vegetation, topsoil, and unsuitable material
- Ensures a stable subgrade with the correct compaction ratio
- Builds in appropriate drainage to prevent water damage
Skipping this step or doing it poorly often leads to premature surface failure, no matter how well the asphalt is laid.
2. Using the Wrong Asphalt Mix
Different applications require different asphalt blends. What works for a light-duty residential driveway won’t perform under the stress of heavy vehicle traffic in an industrial yard.
A professional will:
- Choose a mix suited to traffic load and environmental conditions
- Ensure appropriate thickness and aggregate size
- Adjust the formulation to suit Bendigo’s climate and site location
Choosing the wrong mix can result in early cracking, raveling, or rutting.
3. Inadequate Drainage Planning
Drainage issues are a leading cause of asphalt damage. Without a clear path for water to escape, it can seep under the surface, erode the base, and cause instability.
Professionals like Bendigo Road Tech:
- Assess site slope and install fall and grade where required
- Incorporate stormwater solutions such as kerb drainage or subsoil drains
- Avoid flat spots that encourage pooling
Proper drainage protects your investment and ensures surface longevity.
4. Poor Edge Support
Weak or unsupported edges are vulnerable to crumbling and separation over time, especially where vehicles frequently enter or exit.
Professionals prevent edge failure by:
- Compacting the base material beyond the paved edge
- Installing edge restraints if needed
- Creating a slight angle to allow for water run-off
This attention to detail reduces cracking and increases structural integrity.
5. Inconsistent Compaction
Compaction determines how well the asphalt binds and how well it performs under pressure. Uneven or under-compacted surfaces are prone to air pockets, surface depressions, and rapid wear.
Skilled contractors:
- Use commercial-grade rollers and compaction tools
- Compact each layer — base, binder, and surface — separately
- Ensure even density throughout the surface area
Consistent compaction leads to a smoother, more durable finish.
6. Rushing the Job or Ignoring Curing Time
One of the most common mistakes made by less experienced contractors is rushing the process. Asphalt must be laid and compacted at the correct temperature — and then allowed to cure properly before use.
A professional team will:
- Monitor mix temperature from transport to laying
- Compact the material within the ideal timeframe
- Advise when the surface is safe to walk or drive on
Premature use can damage the surface and compromise strength.
7. Skimping on Maintenance Advice
Even a perfectly laid asphalt surface needs occasional upkeep. Fly-by-night operators may leave without explaining how to maintain your new surface.
At Bendigo Road Tech, we:
- Provide expert advice on sealing, cleaning, and minor repairs
- Offer scheduled maintenance services
- Help you plan for long-term value and durability
Preventative care saves time and money — and we make sure you’re equipped with the right information from day one.
Conclusion
Asphalt surfacing may seem straightforward, but the truth is it requires precision, experience, and knowledge of local site conditions to get right. Cutting corners during the installation process often leads to issues that are far more expensive to fix than they were to avoid.
By hiring professionals like the team at Bendigo Road Tech, you can steer clear of these common and costly mistakes. Based in Bendigo, VIC, we deliver expertly laid asphalt and bitumen surfaces designed to perform in real-world conditions — from high-traffic areas to residential driveways.
If you’re planning a surfacing project, contact Bendigo Road Tech today. We’ll provide a tailored solution that gets it right the first time — saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Call us on: 03 5609 3573
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