Don’t Get Paved Over: Your Complete Guide to Paving Contractor Warranties

When you’re investing thousands of dollars in a new driveway or parking lot, understanding your paving contractor’s warranty can mean the difference between peace of mind and costly repairs down the road. With warranty periods ranging from as little as one year to as long as 25 years, and coverage varying dramatically between contractors, knowing what to look for is essential for protecting your investment.

Types of Paving Warranties You Should Know About

Not all paving warranties are created equal. Different types of warranties exist, including workmanship, materials, and performance warranties. Understanding these distinctions helps you evaluate what level of protection you’re actually getting.

Materials Warranties cover defects in the paving materials themselves—the asphalt, concrete, or pavers used in your project. Typically, materials warranties for paving products like concrete or pavers can range from five to ten years, with some high-quality products offering even longer coverage. However, asphalt driveways may have shorter warranties, often around one to five years for materials coverage.

Workmanship Warranties protect against installation-related problems like improper grading, inadequate compaction, or poor drainage that leads to premature failure. A workmanship warranty covers any issues that may arise from the installation process itself. Workmanship issues might include improper grading, uneven surfaces, or inadequate compaction, all of which can lead to drainage problems, sinking, or cracking. A solid workmanship warranty protects the homeowner by requiring the paving contractor to rectify any installation-related issues, often at no additional cost.

Performance Warranties are the most comprehensive, covering both materials and workmanship while guaranteeing the pavement will perform to specific standards over time. The warranty period for short-term performance warranties generally ranges from 5 years to 10 years depending on the pavement type and the design of the project. These warranties include specific agency pavement performance criteria to be achieved.

How Long Should Your Warranty Last?

Warranty duration varies significantly across the industry. The length of asphalt warranty may vary from contractor to contractor, but a typical warranty is for 1 year. However, many quality contractors offer much longer protection periods.

Typical guarantees offered by many pavers are for 1-2 years. At Beckage Sealcoating, our standard limited guarantee for asphalt is 5 years. Some contractors go even further—each driveway we pave comes with a 5-year guarantee for alligator cracking and breakup. We are guaranteeing that our driveways will not show alligator cracking or break up over the first 5 years.

For government projects, on projects designed by the highway agency, the typical warranty periods vary from 1 year to 4 years in duration. However, residential customers working with quality contractors should expect longer warranty periods that reflect the investment they’re making in their property.

What Should Be Covered Under Your Warranty

A comprehensive paving warranty should cover the core elements that determine your pavement’s longevity and performance. Performance indicators including rutting, cracking, and durability are used on materials and workmanship warranties.

Your warranty should specifically address:

• Structural failures like cracking, settling, or breakup due to inadequate base preparation
• Drainage issues that cause water pooling or flow problems
• Material defects that cause premature deterioration
• Workmanship problems including improper installation, inadequate compaction, or thickness issues

When working with a reputable paving contractor new jersey, you should receive clear documentation of exactly what’s covered and for how long. We’re fully licensed and insured, with a 5-year warranty backing every project we complete.

Common Warranty Exclusions to Understand

Understanding what’s NOT covered is just as important as knowing what is. While warranties provide valuable protection, it’s important to understand their limitations. Common exclusions in paving contractor warranties include: 1. Normal wear and tear: Gradual deterioration due to regular use is typically not covered.

Typical warranty exclusions include:

• Acts of nature: Damage resulting from flooding, natural disasters. Acts of nature that can cause damage to you pavement are as follows and these will not be covered under this warranty: ground movement, drought or compaction of the earth’s soils, root systems of surrounding landscapes, (this includes all vegetation) oxidation through ultraviolet rays, and ground water under pavement causing undue moisture of pavement base.
• Misuse and abuse: Damage caused by impact or exposure to/from any foreign substance or another mistreatment of paved surfaces, such as but not limited to motorcycle stands, dumpsters, jacks, kickstands, and even things like lawn chairs.
• Chemical damage: Oil or gas spills that damage asphalt not covered under any warranty.
• Normal wear and tear: Naturally occurring degradation of material due normal wear and tear.

Many warranties exclude damage resulting from factors outside the contractor’s control, such as extreme weather events, heavy vehicle loads beyond the paving’s intended use, or improper maintenance by the homeowner. For example, if a homeowner drives a commercial truck onto a residential-grade asphalt driveway, any resulting damage may void the warranty. Other common exclusions include cracks caused by natural settling of the ground or root growth from nearby trees.

How to Evaluate and Compare Warranties

Always ask for detailed information about warranty coverage, duration, and claim procedures. When comparing contractors, don’t just look at warranty length—examine the breadth of coverage and the contractor’s reputation for honoring warranty claims.

Key questions to ask include:

• What specific problems are covered under the warranty?
• What is the claims process and response timeframe?
• Is the warranty transferable if you sell your property?
• Are there maintenance requirements to keep the warranty valid?
• Does the contractor have the financial stability to honor long-term warranties?

If asphalt contractor does not offer a warranty for their work, this is a good sign you should stay away from that company. A contractor willing to stand behind their work demonstrates confidence in their materials and installation methods.

Maintaining Your Warranty Coverage

In some cases, warranties may require the homeowner to follow specific maintenance guidelines to keep the warranty valid. This might include applying a sealant to asphalt surfaces every few years or performing regular cleaning to prevent stains and erosion on pavers. Being aware of these requirements helps homeowners maintain their paving properly and ensures they remain eligible for warranty coverage if issues arise.

Proper maintenance not only keeps your warranty valid but extends your pavement’s lifespan significantly. Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your warranty valid and extending the life of your pavement.

The Bottom Line on Paving Warranties

A comprehensive warranty from a reputable contractor is your insurance policy against premature pavement failure. A paving contractor warranty is crucial for protecting your investment in an asphalt paving project. While warranty terms vary widely across the industry, quality contractors typically offer 3-5 year coverage that includes both materials and workmanship.

Remember that the cheapest bid often comes with the shortest warranty period and most exclusions. Compare multiple contractors: Get quotes and warranty information from several reputable contractors. Read the fine print: Carefully review all warranty terms and conditions before signing any agreements. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to ask for better warranty terms or additional coverage if you feel it’s necessary.

When evaluating paving contractors, consider the warranty as a reflection of their confidence in their work. A contractor offering a comprehensive, long-term warranty is making a statement about the quality of their materials, installation methods, and long-term commitment to customer satisfaction. Your pavement is a significant investment—make sure it’s protected with warranty coverage that gives you genuine peace of mind.