Though the Covid-19 pandemic had a global impact, the asphalt paving and maintenance market is still on the rise.
With that in mind, there are still several challenges this industry is facing. Over the coming years, we’ll see various new trends, as well as old ones continuing. There will always be a need for commercial asphalt, so we can expect some changes that will further push the industry forward.
In this guide, we’ll cover some key commercial asphalt trends that every commercial contractor should know. Keep reading for more.
The Labor Shortage Will Continue
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the commercial asphalt industry is a shortage of manpower. Many companies are struggling to find workers, and this will likely continue for some time. As a contractor, there are a couple of things you can do to help keep up with commercial asphalt demand.
You may have a shortage of workers, so getting the most out of your equipment will help make up for this. Ensure all of your gear is well maintained so that you get the best ROI on everything you use.
Making use of technology and automation can prove very beneficial. This can help streamline various processes which will lighten the workload on your current team.
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Supply Chain Issues and Inflation Causing Disruption In Commercial Asphalt
Various industries have faced supply chain issues in recent years. While the commercial asphalt market wasn’t the first hit, it still suffers. For example, crack filler and line-marking paint have both been in short supply.
On top of this, inflation is causing commercial asphalt prices to rise which is an issue for companies and customers. This, along with labor shortages and supply chain issues, is making it harder for companies to provide clients with the services they need.
The Hiring of Gig Workers Will Become Standard
Finding quality talent is often difficult. With that in mind, traditional recruitment isn’t the only option.
Hiring temporary workers can be ideal in various situations. If you need extra hands on a single project, it doesn’t make sense to hire additional permanent employees. Temporary workers, however, can help you get a project finished on schedule, then you can go back to your regular team.
You can find these workers on online labor markets or through staffing firms. They generally won’t have the same skills and experience as your other employees. Despite that, they can help out with various tasks that will allow your team to work much faster.
More Demand for Paving Maintenance
If there was no change in demand for paving maintenance, the supply chain issues would have still been an issue. As demand has increased, however, things have become more difficult for contractors.
There are various areas in the US where HOAs are trying to have cracks repaired and roads sealed, but the materials simply aren’t available. More commercial construction activity across the country has also increased the demand for these services.
If supply chains can be improved so that the necessary materials are more easily available, you should be able to serve those in your area who need them.
Advancement in Commercial Asphalt and Paving Maintenance Technologies
To manage the challenges within the commercial asphalt industry, various organizations have been working on new technological advancements that could help. There’s currently space for creativity and innovation. Improvements in paving technology should help the industry to thrive.
3D Paving Control Systems
One of the key elements of a well-paved surface is that it’s smooth and even. 3D paving control systems are making this far more viable. With this tech, you don’t need to worry about laying an initial leveling course. You’ll achieve a quality, smooth surface with less material waste.
Nanotechnology
Several applications within the paving industry are starting to benefit from nanotechnology. PMTP (paver-mounted thermal profiling), for example, helps with quality control. It does this through things like temperature monitoring and minor crack repair.
Autonomous Motor
Self-driving vehicles are currently exploding in popularity. While people are mostly interested in them for personal use.
Despite that, they can serve various commercial applications too. Contractors are beginning to see how they can use self-driving vehicles for maintenance and paving. They will likely become far more common in the coming years.
Automated Asphalt Maintenance and Paving Site Measurements
Manually measuring work sites is time-consuming, but it’s necessary for accurate estimates. By automating this process, you can save a lot of time and get quotes to customers faster. This technology can also help speed up other tasks like sweeping, car park seal coating, crack sealing, and more.
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Impact of Regulatory Changes On Commercial Asphalt
Something that will affect all contractors is regulatory changes. This could happen in the next few years throughout the paving maintenance sector.
An example of this is that insurers no longer consider gender when determining premiums. As an industry consisting primarily of males in their 20s and 30s, greater costs are likely.
There’s also increased pressure to stop using products that could be harmful to the environment. This may lead to restrictions on things like refined coal tar sealants.
As a contractor, you must stay up to date with all regulations to ensure your business remains compliant at all times.
The Future of the Commercial Asphalt Industry
While the commercial asphalt trends above are what we’re currently looking at, things can always change. It’s important to stay up to date with trends and changes so that your business can continue to operate effectively. Working with property managers will help you stay on top of things.
Property Manager Insider is the leading online resource for property and facility managers. If you need to partner up with any other contractors, take a look at our Contractor Partnership page today.
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