• Writing a spec does several things for you.
  • Allows you to dictate the type and quality of the product used on your job.
  • Allows you to compare "apples to apples" between paving companies.
  • Lets the contractor know that you know what your talking about.
    
• There are several parts to a spec sheet which are important to include.
  • Indicate a deadline for receipt of bid - this ensures you are able to receive your bids within an acceptable
    amount of time.
  • Indicate other resources necessary - this includes such things as references, certificate of insurance, etc.
  • Define the area of work - this ensures that each contractor is biding the same area and that there is no confusion about what is included.
  • Total Area - each contractor should measure the job independently, but it is a good idea to do your own measurements so that everyone is in the same ballpark.
  • Include a timing schedule - it is important for everyone to know what you expect in terms of a start and a completion date.
  • Weekday or weekend - this can make a big difference in the price of a job (weekend work is generally more expensive).
  • Number of days to do job - factors such as the number of entrances to your parking lot and how full your
    parking lot gets will dictate this.
    
    Note: These last two items are very important. If you award your job to a contractor who has bid it as a one day job but in reality will take two days because you have to keep half of it open at all times, then the contractor will lose money. Many contractors are not willing to take that hit, so they may cut corners on sealcoat mix design, overlay thickness or digout thickness to compensate for their lost profit. The bottom line is that if you indicate the number of days the job will take, you will get a better job.

The following are some general guidelines you can include in you spec sheet for various types of work.

• Paving:
  • You should specify the use of a self propelled paver.
  • State the compacted asphalt thickness required (watch out for contractors who say they will lay the asphalt at 1.5" and roll - you are not getting 1.5" of compacted asphalt).
  • Use a 4 - 6 ton roller for breakdown compaction.
    
• Sealcoating:
  • You may want to specify to squeegee the first coat if the pavement has never been sealed before.
    This is a good idea but it is more expensive.
  • Spray application for second coat or both coats if previously sealed (once a lot has been sealed a squeegee coat actually leaves less sealer on the pavement).
  • Sealcoating is one area that it is very important to specify the material you want to use. There are many sealers available and they are not all created equally.
    
    Click here to download a free copy of a CSI formatted Specification for Jennite®.
    
    
• Repairs:
  • State type of repair to be done - there are several types for various applications.
    • Skin Patch (not recommended - won't last and may inhibit drainage)
    • Full depth asphalt - for areas that are cracked up and falling apart.
    • Full depth asphalt with crushed stone undercut - for areas that do not have a sufficient rock base installed.
    • Asphalt over concrete - for areas that are severely rutted and a soft sub-base.
  • State the depth of the dig-out - you may not be able to determine this, but if you can, you may save some money.
  • If you cannot determine the depth, you should state that all asphalt should be removed down to a solid stone base.
  • Make sure to indicate the thickness of the materials used for replacement (e.g. 6" 3500 psi concrete, 2" binder
    course asphalt, 1.5" surface course asphalt).
    
• Striping:
  • You should indicate whether the existing layout or a new layout will be used as well as the colors needed.