When you’re investing in a new asphalt driveway or parking lot in Indianapolis, you’re not just paying for materials and labor — you’re trusting a contractor with the long-term look and function of your property. That’s why the guarantees your asphalt company offers matter.

Some promises protect your wallet and peace of mind.

Others? They’re red flags in disguise.

Let’s break down what reliable asphalt companies in Indianapolis should guarantee — and what you should steer clear of.

Key Takeaways

• A strong workmanship warranty should cover one full year to protect against Indianapolis weather from winter freeze to summer heat.
• Good asphalt work includes clear guarantees for grading, drainage, materials, traffic load, and weather delays common in Central Indiana.
• Some guarantees, like lifetime coverage or price matching, often mean lower quality or missing permits in places like Lockerbie Square.
• Clear, local-backed guarantees help homeowners and businesses get asphalt that lasts across neighborhoods from Brownsburg to Irvington and beyond.

A Clearly Defined Workmanship Warranty That Covers the Full Seasonal Cycle

Indianapolis has one of the most punishing freeze-thaw cycles in the Midwest. The constant shift between cold winters and humid summers can wreak havoc on poorly installed asphalt.

A trustworthy contractor should offer a workmanship warranty that spans at least one full year. This makes sure your pavement holds up through both a January deep freeze and a steamy July thunderstorm.

Whether you’re near White River State Park or out in Speedway, this kind of warranty is your best protection against surface cracking, raveling, or early deterioration.

Material Quality Assurance Based on Indiana DOT Standards

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has strict material specifications for asphalt mix designs, and for good reason. Subpar materials can break down quickly under the pressure of heavy traffic and seasonal stress.

A reputable asphalt company in Indy should guarantee that their mixes meet or exceed INDOT specs, especially if you’re paving a commercial lot near Keystone at the Crossing or a high-traffic alley in Fountain Square.

This kind of guarantee shows they’re using the right aggregate blend and binder content for local conditions.

Drainage and Grading Guarantees That Prevent Water Pooling

If you’ve ever driven down East 10th Street after a heavy rain, you know how easily water can pool on flat pavement. Inadequate drainage is one of the most common causes of premature asphalt failure in Indianapolis.

Look for a company that guarantees proper grading and water runoff management. This is especially important in areas like Nora or Broad Ripple, where older infrastructure can make drainage more complex.

A grading guarantee means your contractor has accounted for slope, curb interfaces, and water flow, not just surface aesthetics.

Timeline and Completion Date Guarantees — Weather Adjusted

Central Indiana’s weather is unpredictable.

A few days of unexpected rain can delay a paving job, but that doesn’t mean contractors should leave you in the dark. Reliable companies provide a realistic project timeline with built-in allowances for weather delays.

For instance, if you’re paving a lot near the Indiana State Fairgrounds during spring rains, your contractor should communicate expected weather delays up front and offer a firm completion window.

This kind of guarantee respects your time and schedule.

Traffic Load Guarantees for Commercial Asphalt Jobs

If you’re resurfacing a parking lot near Mass Ave that’s going to see delivery trucks and daily customer traffic, your asphalt needs to be engineered for load-bearing capacity.

An experienced company should guarantee that their asphalt thickness and base design will support your specific traffic levels, not offer a one-size-fits-all solution.

This is especially important for properties near warehouse corridors like those off South Emerson Avenue, where heavy commercial use is the norm.

Guarantees to Avoid from an Asphalt Company in Indianapolis

Some guarantees might sound great on paper, but here in Indianapolis, they don’t hold up. Before you hire anyone, keep an eye out for these common guarantees that often cause more headaches than help:

“Lifetime” Asphalt Guarantees That Ignore Local Climate

If a contractor in Indianapolis promises your asphalt will last forever, that’s a giant red flag. Between snow plows, winter salting, and 90-degree summer days, no pavement in Central Indiana can last indefinitely without maintenance.

A “lifetime” guarantee often sounds good, but usually includes so many loopholes that it’s meaningless, especially when the contractor disappears in a year or two.

Stick with warranties that reflect real conditions in neighborhoods like Garfield Park and Meridian-Kessler.

Vague “Satisfaction” Guarantees with No Scope

Be cautious of contractors who promise vague things like “100% satisfaction” without defining what that means.

• Will they fix edge crumbling?
• Re-grade puddling spots?
• Repair surface ruts if they appear after a couple of months?

If you’re paving near Butler University or around Washington Township schools, you need specifics. Empty satisfaction claims often come from companies that rely on quick jobs and slick sales tactics rather than long-term reputation.

“No Permit Needed” Guarantees

Some smaller asphalt jobs in Indy don’t require permits, but plenty do, especially in commercial zones or historic neighborhoods like Lockerbie Square.

If a contractor guarantees you won’t need any permits or skips the topic altogether, they may be cutting corners. Proper permitting ensures compliance with city grading ordinances, stormwater runoff laws, and ADA accessibility where needed.

Skipping this step can land you in trouble with the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS).

“We’ll Beat Any Price” Guarantees

It’s tempting to save money, especially if you’re resurfacing a long driveway in the Geist Reservoir area or patching a large church lot in Pike Township.

But a “lowest price guarantee” often means the company is cutting quality—thinner asphalt layers, inferior aggregate, or rushed labor.

In the long run, you’ll likely spend more on asphalt repairs than you saved upfront.

Reputable companies stand by the value of their work, not a race to the bottom.

Get Long-Lasting Asphalt You Can Trust in Indianapolis

If you’re planning a paving project in Indianapolis, the right guarantees can protect your investment and give you confidence that the work will last through snowmelt, summer heat, and everything in between.

At Hendricks County Paving, we back every project with clear, honest guarantees — including full seasonal coverage, INDOT-spec materials, and proper drainage assurance. Whether you’re paving a driveway in Brownsburg or resurfacing a lot on the west side of Indy, we deliver results that last.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to schedule a quote or learn more about our residential and commercial paving services.