Common Asphalt Repair Mistakes in Albany NY — And How to Avoid Them
If you’re searching for Albany NY paving contractors or asphalt repair near me, you’re probably repairing your driveway or parking lot—or planning to. But hold on—many local pavement problems come from mistakes made beforethe asphalt is laid, or short-term fixes that don’t last. We see them all the time in the Capital Region. Avoid these common pitfalls, and save yourself time, money, and headaches later.
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1. Skipping Proper Base Preparation & Drainage ❌
One of the most common errors by so-called “paving contractors” is improper base prep. They start paving over clay-heavy soil without excavation or grading. The result? subsidence, cracking, potholes—all within a few freeze-thaw cycles.
✅ Fix:
Excavate down at least 6”, add compacted, well-graded crusher run gravel, and direct water away from your pavement. Egan Paving always includes this in our driveways and parking lots.
2. Letting Cracks Go Unrepaired
Even small fissures allow moisture in. That moisture gets trapped, freezes, and expands—leading to fatigue or “alligator” cracking in your pavement.
✅ Fix:
Opt for professional crack sealing quickly—don’t wait until they spread. Regular inspections by reliable Albany NY pavers can help you catch them early.
3. Using Poor-Quality Asphalt Mix
For durability, especially in colder climates, it’s essential to use the right mix. Cheap contractors often skimp with low-grade asphalt that softens in heat and hardens in winter.
✅ Fix:
Egan Paving uses locally optimized pavement mixes designed to resist summer rutting and winter cracking—ideal for Albany and the Capital Region’s climate.
4. Underdimensioned Asphalt Layers
A rule of thumb for driveways is 3” binder + 2” finish. But many lowballers lay just 2” total—or worse. These thin layers wear out fast, leading to rapid and expensive failure.
✅ Fix:
We strictly build to spec, often exceeding thickness requirements. It’s not just sturdy—it also means longer lasting.
5. Ignoring Joint Quality and Compaction
Pavement joints, such as edges and seams, are failure points. Poor compaction or sloppy finishing leads to edge crumbling and visible cracks fast. ()
✅ Fix:
Our crew gives joints special attention: proper compaction, clean edges, and drainage protection to prevent joint deterioration.
6. Overusing Sealcoat Too Soon
While sealcoating is useful, timing matters. Experts advise waiting 12–18 months after asphalt installation before applying seal, then reapply only every 2–3 years. Too much too soon, or too deep a coat, reduces lifespan and creates slick surfaces.
✅ Fix:
Unless your pavement is aged or repair-heavy, Egan focuses on proper prep, not quick cosmetic coating.
Real-Life Consequences from the Capital Region
Homeowners who got the cheapest quote often say:
“My driveway puddles water immediately.”
“It started cracking in a pattern—just two years in.”
“We had to repave already—and that cost double.”
These mistakes aren’t rare—they’re predictable, and they’re avoidable.
Partnering with Reliable Paving Contractors
What should you look for in an Albany NY paver?
Will they walk your site and explain drainage needs?
Will they share base depth, compaction, asphalt thickness details?
Can they show you the mix specs and compaction methods?
Do they leave edges, seams, and joints visibly solid and completed?
When they do, you’re on the right track.
Why Egan Paving Stands Out
Local expertise across Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Colonie
Full-depth prep with drainage included
Proper thickness, high-grade asphalt
Skilled crew focused on compaction and clean joints
Straightforward pricing with no hidden shortcuts
👉 Talk to Albany’s most trusted pavers now »
🔗 Internal Resources:
Residential Paving
https://www.eganpaving.net/services/residential
Commercial Paving
https://www.eganpaving.net/services/commercial-paving
Asphalt Repair
https://www.eganpaving.net/services/asphalt-repair
Contact Egan Paving
https://www.eganpaving.net/contact
By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing experienced Albany NY paving contractors, you set your pavement up for decades-long durability—not just a few seasons. Ready to build smarter? Let’s talk.
