What does this asphalt paving punch checklist cover?

8 items across 3 sections, covering surface defects, edges and drainage, markings and signoff. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The GC's superintendent with the paving contractor on a callback, often after the first heavy rains.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

During closeout, after the surface has seen weather and traffic that reveal raveling, standing water and joint openings.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

6 of the 8 items call for photo evidence, 7 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails an asphalt paving punch inspection?

Birdbaths noted at final but never corrected, so they collect water and grit and start potholing at the low spot. Raveling at a cold joint patched at the surface while the open joint underneath keeps taking on water.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Asphalt paving

Asphalt paving punch checklist

Asphalt paving punch is where small misses become callbacks after the crew has demobilized. This checklist walks the finished work the way the owner and the next trade will see it, with the photo that closes each item instead of a note that reopens it. Work is commonly verified against the project geotechnical report and specifications. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Surface defects

Raveling and birdbaths located after rain
A close shot of each raveling area or standing-water spot plus a wide shot locating it on the lot, corrections scheduled rather than deferred.
Joint sealing intact and continuous
Longitudinal and transverse joints checked for openings, sealant continuous where specified, no raveling starting along a seam.
Mat surveyed for new cracks, scuffs and gouges
Whole area walked for cracking, tire scuffing at stalls and turns and equipment gouges since final; each one photographed and logged as its own punch item.
No photo
Repair method recorded for each correction
Every corrected defect listed with its location and the method used (crack seal, patch, mill and fill) before the item is closed.
No photo

Edges and drainage

Pavement edges checked for cracking and breakdown
Mat edges and the line against curbs and walks looked at after traffic, no edge cracking, breaking off or gaps letting water under the mat.
Drainage outlets clear of paving debris
Inlet grates, gutter pans or the pavement edge where water sheds free of spilled mix, millings and grit washed off the new surface.

Markings and signoff

Pavement markings complete and correct
Stalls, arrows, accessible spaces and crosswalks placed per the site plan, paint sharp and fully covered, no ghost of a corrected layout.
No remaining paving items before area signoff
All punch items per area closed with photos before the lot or drive is released to the owner.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Birdbaths noted at final but never corrected, so they collect water and grit and start potholing at the low spot.
Raveling at a cold joint patched at the surface while the open joint underneath keeps taking on water.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this asphalt paving punch checklist cover?: 8 items across 3 sections, covering surface defects, edges and drainage, markings and signoff. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The GC's superintendent with the paving contractor on a callback, often after the first heavy rains.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: During closeout, after the surface has seen weather and traffic that reveal raveling, standing water and joint openings.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 6 of the 8 items call for photo evidence, 7 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails an asphalt paving punch inspection?: Birdbaths noted at final but never corrected, so they collect water and grit and start potholing at the low spot. Raveling at a cold joint patched at the surface while the open joint underneath keeps taking on water.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 7 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.