New asphalt paving for driveways, parking lots, and roads in Redmond, WA involves clearing the site, grading the subgrade, and building a proper base so the pavement holds up under years of traffic and weather. This service is for homeowners, property managers, and developers installing new pavement on residential or commercial property. Proper installation prevents the problems that show up years later — cracking, potholes, and drainage failures — by getting the base and grade right before the asphalt is ever laid.
What This Service Involves
Paving starts with clearing and grading the site to the correct slope, then building a compacted aggregate base thick enough to support the expected traffic load, followed by laying and compacting the hot-mix asphalt in proper lifts. In Redmond's wet climate, this also typically includes extra attention to drainage and base compaction the plans may not show at first glance, since standing water is one of the fastest ways asphalt fails early.
When Needed
Any new asphalt project needs this before paving begins — new driveways, parking lots, roads, and commercial lots all start here. It's also needed when an existing surface has poor drainage, an unstable base, or subgrade that hasn't been properly graded and compacted.
Why Problems Happen
Redmond sits in the Pacific Northwest's wet climate, with frequent rain and freeze-thaw cycles that stress pavement over time. Skipping proper base compaction or drainage planning is one of the leading causes of early asphalt failure in this region — cutting corners here doesn't show up as a problem until months or years after the pavement is laid, when cracking, potholes, and sinking start to appear.
What Affects Cost
Site size, how much grading and base prep the site requires, current soil conditions, drainage needs, and access for equipment all factor in. A lot with poor drainage or a soft subgrade takes more site work than a flat, well-draining lot ready for paving.
What to Expect
Most site prep happens before you see any asphalt go down — grading and base compaction typically take a few days depending on lot size and soil conditions, with the base tested and approved before the asphalt is laid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need site prep even if my lot looks flat?
Yes — a lot that looks flat can still have poor drainage, a soft or uncompacted subgrade, or low spots that aren't visible until water starts pooling under load. Proper grading and base prep prevent the pavement from cracking or sinking prematurely, even on sites that appear ready to pave.
How does Redmond's climate affect new asphalt specifically?
Redmond's frequent rain means drainage and base compaction matter more here than in drier climates — water that isn't properly diverted will saturate the base beneath the asphalt, and winter freeze-thaw cycles can then expand and crack a poorly-compacted foundation. Getting the grading and drainage right up front is what prevents most of the early cracking and potholes we see.
How long does site prep take before paving can start?
Typically a few days to two weeks depending on lot size, current grade, and soil conditions.
Can you handle both residential and commercial paving?
Yes — we handle everything from single driveways to full commercial parking lots, with equipment and crews sized to match the scope of your project.