When it comes to parking lot paving in Brighton, CO, skipping the prep work is one of the fastest ways to waste time and money. Whether you’re a property manager off Bridge Street or a business owner near Prairie Center, your asphalt surface will only be as strong as the groundwork beneath it. In a place like Brighton—where we deal with shifting clay soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and intense sun—cutting corners on prep is just asking for trouble.
Here’s the prep work you should never skip if you want your asphalt paving to last through Brighton’s seasons and stand up to traffic wear.
Key Takeaways
- Brighton’s expansive clay soil needs stabilization before paving or it can crack with moisture shifts and dry spells.
- Poor drainage near spots like Barr Lake State Park leads to water damage unless the lot is graded and drained right.
- Old pavement must be fully removed in Brighton or reflective cracks and instability will show up fast.
- Strong base compaction is key in windy, freeze-prone areas like the Brighton bluffs for long-lasting asphalt.
- Brighton requires permits and ADA compliance, especially near schools and public areas like downtown or Eagle Ridge Academy.
Key Prep Steps You Should Never Skip Before Paving a Parking Lot in Brighton
Before a single layer of asphalt goes down, the prep work sets the tone for how long your lot will last. In Brighton—where soil shifts and wild weather are the norm—skipping key steps can mean cracks, drainage issues, or full repaving way too soon.
Here are the six most important things to get right from the start.
1. Soil and Subgrade Evaluation
Before the parking lot paving starts, the ground underneath needs a thorough check. Brighton’s soil composition is mostly expansive clay, which swells with moisture and shrinks during dry spells. This movement can crack or warp pavement if the subgrade isn’t properly stabilized.
What to do:
- Test soil compaction and moisture content.
- Remove any soft or organic material (especially near the South Platte River basin where the water table can be higher).
- Stabilize with road base or lime treatment if needed—especially common in developments around Bromley Lane and North 42nd Ave.
2. Proper Grading and Drainage Planning
If water sits on your asphalt, it’s game over. In Brighton, heavy summer storms and spring snowmelt can flood low-lying lots—particularly near the Barr Lake State Park area or off Weld County roads. Standing water seeps into cracks, freezes, and accelerates damage.
What to do:
- Ensure the subgrade is sloped properly—typically 2%—to direct water away from the paved surface.
- Install French drains or catch basins if your lot is flat, like many found near the Prairie Center Shopping District.
- Plan drainage before paving to avoid costly rework later.
3. Removing Old Asphalt or Concrete
Brighton isn’t exactly brand new—many commercial lots still have remnants of old concrete pads or multiple asphalt layers hidden beneath the surface. In many cases, crack filling and sealcoating are smart, cost-effective ways to extend your pavement’s life and improve appearance.
But when you’re aiming for long-term stability—especially in high-traffic areas or lots with a rough history—full removal and proper resurfacing may be the better investment.
Why?
Because paving over unstable or deteriorated layers without addressing the base can lead to reflective cracking and structural issues down the road.
This is especially true along the Front Range, where temperature swings, freeze-thaw cycles, and shifting soils put added pressure on pavement.
What to do:
- Saw-cut and remove old pavement completely.
- Haul away debris and inspect the subgrade for damage or moisture.
- Backfill and compact with quality road base—common practice in industrial zones near Brighton Blvd.
4. Base Layer Compaction
This step can’t be rushed. The base layer is what your asphalt depends on for strength and longevity. In areas like Brighton where freeze-thaw cycles are rough—especially near the bluffs and open fields where winds whip through—the base must be solid.
What to do:
- Use 3–6 inches of Class 6 road base or equivalent.
- Compact in multiple lifts using a vibratory roller.
- Test for density—95% compaction is the standard.
5. Permits and Local Code Compliance
Every city has its own paving regulations, and Brighton is no exception. From driveway widths to ADA compliance, skipping the permit process can delay your project or force costly changes later—particularly near schools like Eagle Ridge Academy or public buildings downtown.
What to do:
- Check with the City of Brighton Building & Permitting Department.
- Ensure ADA ramps, markings, and signage meet current standards.
- Coordinate with utility companies if your lot has manholes, sewer covers, or electrical access points.
6. Planning for Temperature and Weather Windows
Colorado weather doesn’t wait for anyone. Asphalt paving in Brighton should be timed to avoid extreme heat or unexpected cold snaps. The window from late April through early October is ideal, but even then, early morning paving helps avoid material cooling too quickly.
What to do:
- Monitor forecasts—wind off the Front Range can cool asphalt fast.
- Avoid paving if temps dip below 50°F at night.
- Schedule around local events like the Brighton Summerfest to minimize traffic and parking disruptions.
Get a Lot That Lasts—Not One That Cracks Next Season
Skipping prep steps might save a few bucks upfront, but it can cost thousands in repairs or full repaving within just a few seasons. Especially here in Brighton, where the soil and weather aren’t forgiving, proper prep is everything.
Let’s Build It Right the First Time
Your parking lot is one of the first things customers see—don’t let it crack under pressure.
At ABC Asphalt, Inc., we take the time to do things right, from soil testing to final striping. Whether you’re managing a strip mall off 120th Ave or improving your church lot near Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park, we’ve got the experience to pave with confidence.
We handle:
- Full parking lot prep and paving
- Soil and base stabilization
- Drainage planning and grading
- ADA-compliant layout and striping
Need a quote or a second opinion?
Give us a call today and let’s talk about your project—we’ll help you get a durable, smooth lot that holds up to Brighton’s toughest conditions.
