Asphalt paving Boston is one of the most common methods for getting new pavement installed, but it’s not the only option. There are several types of paving materials you can choose from, and a driveway contractor or paving professional can help you decide which material is best for your home. A Boston paving company may also be able to help you with other parts of your property, such as sidewalks or patios.
A spokesman for the state Department of Transportation says the agency is working to make pavement more environmentally friendly. That includes recycling old roadway material and buying asphalt made in a less carbon-intensive way. The department is also testing products such as porous asphalt, which lets rain seep through paved surfaces instead of pooling on them.
When it comes to cool pavement, the big issue is that unshaded paved areas radiate heat into the air at night. That can prevent people from sleeping well, resulting in a range of health problems including heart disease and diabetes. Researchers are looking into ways to counteract that, including planting more trees and coating paved surfaces in white or light-colored paint.
This block of Chelsea streets is one of a number the city is using to test urban cooling techniques. In late September, a machine that looked like an asphalt paving Boston oversized floor sander rolled slowly down the street. Its tiny metal beads pummeled the top layer of black asphalt, leaving it light gray. The process is called shot blasting, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to change the color of asphalt.
It’s expensive, though. The special mix of lighter stones and the spraying cost Chelsea about $55,000. The cost would be four times higher if the material was added to a standard asphalt mix. The city is hoping to find a cheaper method, such as adding tan or gray dye to the mixture.
While some people say that scuff marks aren’t that bad, others say the pavement looks dirty. Some say they wish they had searched the owner’s name before hiring Priority 1 Paving because a similar business owned by Pusateri was ripped off by an employee who stole more than $1 million from customers. Pusateri was convicted of fraud in Worcester County and spent three years in prison. He now owns a construction company in Shrewsbury.
When searching for a Boston paving company, homeowners should look for an experienced pro who is licensed and insured. They should also make sure the company has a positive reputation in the community and is willing to address any complaints. They should also ask if the contractor is certified by an industry association and what type of warranty they offer. If a homeowner isn’t satisfied with their project, they can try to resolve the issue with the company or file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office.