Gypsy paving results and other scams

Buyer beware of paving scams

Earlier this year we visited Robert in North Austin, he wanted us to tear up his chip seal driveway, chips were everywhere, in the grass and in his home.  Tar was sticking to his tires and shoes.  Last fall a man stopped by, claiming he had left over paving materials from another job and made Robert an offer to pave his driveway for cash.  Robert was expecting a professional paving job, what he got was hot asphalt emulsion with a thin layer of 3/8 D-rock.

Over a month ago we visited Bill and Lois, two retirees, both amazing people who had served our country in the Air Force.  Their driveway was painted with a tar emulsion, seal coat.  The grass was growing up through the cracks and the ruts and pot holes were still there.  They paid $7,800 two months prior and the vendor was holding out on finishing the job.

Once a week we take a call from a Home Owners Association or private buyer complaining that their chip seal job they paid 0.75 cents/sq ft for is breaking up.  No state Department of Transportation and not even the Asphalt Institute1 recommends installing chip seal over road base.  Chip seal is designed to be installed over asphalt pavement that is near the end of it’s life.  Period.

Here’s how to spot gypsy pavers and other scams 2:  

• Selling door-to-door. Reputable asphalt contractors will rarely, if ever, sell their product door-to-door.
• Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job. Professional asphalt contractors know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material.
• Push you to make a quick decision. Trustworthy contractors provide a written estimate that will be valid for days or weeks. Never hire someone on the spot. Ask for references and check them.
• No contract offered. Insist on a written contract specifying in detail the work to be performed and the agreed total price, not just price per square foot.
• Cash-only sales. Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don't require cash-only terms.
• Deals that seem too good to be true. If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of work will also be quite low.

Watch this News report video for more tips.

Here's what Petraviam customers report:

“Very impressed with your crew. I can give you a check or credit card – which ever you prefer.”  Liz S via email April, 2018

“These guys are awesome!  Dave, who runs the crew is a perfectionist and they really do stand behind their work.  Very refreshing to work with such a diligent group of guys.  Keep up the good work.”  C
B on Yelp.

“This stuff is amazing.  I didn't believe it when a friend first told me that these guys were creating rock hard roads naturally.  Then I saw it first hand! It looks and feels like concrete at a fraction of the cost.  I really like that they only use natural materials, so very green as well.  I would definitely recommend Petraviam to anyone who is contemplating installing a new road or parking lot instead of asphalt or concrete.”  Leila K on Yelp.

Watch what ranchers and facility operators have to say.

Cold tar, asphalt emulsions, chip seal and asphalt contain Volatile Organic Compounds and other carcinogens.  Petraviam contains no VOC's or carcinogens.

Petraviam is a different paving company, built and staffed by passionate people, dedicated to paving a new way that is safer for the environment and provides the best value for our customers.  You won’t find a safer solution for your paving needs or a more dedicated team focused on your satisfaction. 

1. Asphalt Magazine, February 28, 2018, http://asphaltmagazine.com/improving-chip-seal-performance/
2:  http://www.atg.wa.gov/all-consuming-blog/don-t-fall-too-good-be-true-paving-jobs