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Paving inspection checklist

A paving inspection checklist for new asphalt parking lots, drive aisles, driveways and paths, filled in on a phone during and after paving. Record the proof roll and compaction tests with the required value from your specification, air and surface temperature against the specification minimums, the tack coat and each mix delivery ticket. Then add each paved area: thickness checks, straightedge gap, joints, edges, falls and a water test for ponding, with defects measured from photos. For a routine safety check of an existing road or car park, use the highway inspection checklist.

For owners' representatives, site engineers, paving contractors, general contractors and inspectors checking new asphalt (or concrete and paver) paving before it is accepted.

  • Proof roll and compaction tests entered against the required value from your specification
  • Air and surface temperature at placement against the minimums in your specification, plus five tack coat checks
  • Mix delivery tickets with a label scan, mix check and delivery temperature against your specification range
  • Each paved area as a space: thickness checks, straightedge gap, joints, edges, falls, water test and measured defects
  • Line marking and accessible parking checks, actions with owners and dates, and two signatures
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What should a paving inspection checklist include?

A paving inspection is useful when every check is tied to the contract: the compaction result next to the required value, the temperatures next to the specification minimums, each load's ticket and delivery temperature, and the thickness and straightedge readings next to the plan values. A water test then shows what the eye misses, and a photo with a measured size turns a puddle into a repair the contractor can price.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Standard Specifications 2026, Division 400 Asphalt Pavements, FHWA, Tack Coat Best Practices (Tech Brief FHWA-HIF-16-017) and 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, section 502 (ada.gov).

How to inspect new asphalt paving

Have the specification, drawings and mix design to hand. The form uses your values; it does not supply its own.

  1. Check the subgrade and base

    Watch the proof roll, note any soft areas and how they were fixed, and enter each compaction test with the required value from the specification.

  2. Record the conditions and tack coat

    Before paving, take the air and surface temperatures and enter the specification minimums. Check the surface is clean and dry and the tack coat is even and has broken.

  3. Log each load

    Scan or type each delivery ticket, check the mix against the specification, and record the delivery temperature with the specification range.

  4. Inspect each paved area

    Add each area, enter the plan thickness and up to four checks, the straightedge gap, and work through joints, edges, falls and inlets. Flood the area and record any ponding left.

  5. Finish and sign

    Check line marking and accessible parking, give each defect an owner and a date, choose the decision and sign with the paving contractor.

What makes a paving inspection useful

Each paved area: thickness checks, straightedge gap, falls and the water test

Row C, bays C-10 to C-13: cores 3.4, 3.6 and 3.5 in against 3.5 in plan (0.25 in allowed), all fine. Straightedge gap 1/2 in against 1/4 in allowed in front of the curb. After the water test, a pond about 14 ft by 6 ft and 1/2 in deep stayed in front of inlet CB-3. Action: mill and replace the surface course to restore the fall, repeat the water test, then stripe row C.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Striping the lot before the water test, so a low spot is found by the first rainstorm and the new markings are lost in the repair.

What happens next

Send the actions to the paving contractor, re-test the repaired area with water and a straightedge, and accept the paving once the actions are closed.

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Every question in the paving inspection checklist template

An inspection record for new asphalt paving, with concrete or paver areas where the job has them: subgrade and base with proof roll and compaction tests against the specification, air and surface temperature against the specification minimums, tack coat, mix delivery tickets with delivery temperature, each paved area with thickness checks, smoothness, joints, edges, falls and a water test for ponding, defects measured from photos, line marking, actions and sign-off. 7 sections and 173 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or owner: the project's customer

Inspection details

Fill in before you walk the job.

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or ownerShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspected by*Short answer
  • Area or phase inspectedShort answer

    For example east parking lot, phase 1.

  • Type of work*Choose one
    • New pavement
    • Overlay or resurfacing
    • Patching or repair
    • Pavement replacement
  • Stage of the inspectionChoose one
    • Before paving (subgrade and base)
    • During paving
    • After paving, before line marking
    • Final, before acceptance
    • Re-inspection after repairs
  • Paving contractorShort answer
  • Contractor foreman or superintendentShort answer
  • Specification and drawings inspected againstShort answer

    For example spec section 32 12 16, drawings C-201 rev 2 and C-501.

  • Testing firm, if anyShort answer
  • CheckThis record is a site inspection by the owner, engineer or contractor. It is not an acceptance test, a density or thickness certificate or a building department inspection. Every required value (temperatures, compaction, thickness, smoothness, falls) comes from the contract specification or the drawings and is entered by the inspector.
  • Walk Cam: paving walk-roundWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

  • Weather on siteAnswer

Subgrade and base

  • GuidanceCheck the base before any asphalt goes down. Enter each compaction test with the required value from the specification; the form does not supply one.
  • Proof roll seen?Yes or No
  • Equipment used for the proof rollShort answer

    For example loaded tandem dump truck, as the specification allows.

    Shown when “Proof roll seen?” is Yes
  • Soft or yielding areas found, and what was doneNotes
    Shown when “Proof roll seen?” is Yes
  • Subgrade proof rolled, soft or yielding areas dug out and replacedChoose one

    Record the proof roll below. Mark Not checked if you did not see it.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Base course material and thickness as the drawings and specification requireChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Base graded to line, level and cross section, no ruts or loose materialChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Base compaction tests done at the frequency the specification asks forChoose one

    Enter each result below with the required value from the specification.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Inlets, frames, cleanouts and utility covers set to the finished pavement levelChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Curbs, edge restraints or forms in place where the drawings show themChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Compaction tests
    Repeat for each test. Each one asks:
    • Test location*Short answer

      For example bay row C, station 1+50, 10 ft from the east curb.

    • LayerChoose one
      • Subgrade
      • Aggregate base
      • Other
    • Test methodChoose one
      • Nuclear density gauge
      • Sand cone
      • Other, as the specification names
    • Result (% compaction)*Number
    • Required by the specification (% compaction, minimum)Number

      From the specification or the geotechnical report.

    • Tested byShort answer

      Testing firm or technician.

    • Against the required valueWorked out by the form
    • What was done (retest, rework)Notes
      Shown when “Against the required value” is “Below the required value”
  • Tests enteredWorked out by the form
  • Below the required valueWorked out by the form
  • Test reports (PDF or photos)Photos
  • Base checks needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Photos of the subgrade and basePhotos

Weather and tack coat

  • GuidanceState specifications set minimum air and surface temperatures for placing asphalt, often by mix type, and do not allow placing on a wet surface. For example, Kentucky's 2026 specification, subsection 403.03.01. Enter the minimums from your contract.
  • Paving dateDate
  • Time of the readingsTime
  • Air temperature (°F)Number
  • Specification minimum, air (°F)Number
  • Surface temperature of the base or existing pavement (°F)Number
  • Specification minimum, surface (°F)Number
  • Readings below the specification minimumWorked out by the form
  • Was the surface wet, or did it rain during paving?Yes or No
  • What was doneNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tack coat materialShort answer

    As the specification or the supplier names it.

  • Application rate required by the specificationShort answer
  • Surface swept clean and dry before tack coatChoose one

    FHWA: the goal of surface preparation is a clean, dry surface.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tack coat applied evenly over the whole area, no bare streaks or puddlesChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tack allowed to break before paving (brown turning black)Choose one

    FHWA describes the break as the moment the tack turns from brown to black as water separates from the asphalt.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Vertical faces of curbs, gutters, structures and existing pavement at joints tackedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • No tack tracked onto curbs, sidewalks or finished areasChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tack coat checks needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Photos of the tack coatPhotos

Mix delivery tickets

  • GuidanceAdd each load as it arrives. Check the mix against the specification and record the delivery temperature with the range from your specification or mix design.
  • Delivery tickets
    Repeat for each ticket. Each one asks:
    • Ticket number*Short answer
    • Time arrivedTime
    • Delivery ticketScan a label: ticket number, mix type, net weight, time loaded, truck number

      Optional. Scan the ticket to capture the numbers.

    • Mix type or mix design number*Short answer

      As printed on the ticket, for example surface mix, design 26-114.

    • Mix the specification or drawings call for hereShort answer
    • Mix on the ticket matches what is specified for this area?Yes or No
    • Quantity (tons)Number
    • Mix temperature at delivery (°F)Number

      Measured at the truck or paver hopper.

    • Specification range: lowest (°F)Number

      From the specification or the mix design. Leave blank if none.

    • Specification range: highest (°F)Number

      Leave blank if none.

    • Delivery temperatureWorked out by the form
    • Where it was placedShort answer

      For example bays A to C, binder course.

    • What was done with the loadNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Loads recordedWorked out by the form
  • Tons deliveredWorked out by the form
  • Loads outside the range or wrong mixWorked out by the form

Paved areas

  • GuidanceAdd each area (a row of bays, a drive aisle, the driveway, a path). Enter the plan thickness and the allowance from the specification, then up to four thickness checks. After paving, flood the area with water and record any ponding left after the time your specification or engineer sets.
  • Areas
    Repeat for each area. Each one asks:
    • Area*Short answer

      For example Parking bays row A, Drive aisle north, Driveway, Path to entrance.

    • Type of areaChoose one
      • Parking bays
      • Drive aisle
      • Accessible parking and access aisle
      • Driveway
      • Path or sidewalk
      • Loading area
      • Road or entrance
      • Other
    • SurfaceChoose one
      • Asphalt
      • Concrete
      • Concrete or clay pavers
      • Other
    • Where is it?Short answer
    • Courses inspected in this areaTick all that apply
      • Base course
      • Binder or intermediate course
      • Surface course
      • Single lift
    • Photos of the areaPhotos
    • Plan thickness (in)Number

      Compacted thickness from the drawings for the course or courses you check.

    • Allowed under the plan thickness (in)Number

      From the specification. Enter 0 if none is allowed.

    • How thickness was checkedChoose one
      • Cores
      • Depth probe behind the paver
      • Measured at the edge
      • Other
    • Thickness check 1 (in)Number
    • Check 2 (in)Number
    • Check 3 (in)Number
    • Check 4 (in)Number
    • Thickness checks below the plan thickness less the allowanceWorked out by the form
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Largest gap under the straightedge (in)Number

      Surface smoothness, checked with the straightedge the specification names.

    • Gap the specification allows (in)Number
    • SmoothnessWorked out by the form
      Shown when “Largest gap under the straightedge (in)” is answered
    • Surface uniform in texture, no segregated (coarse, open) patchesChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No roller marks, shoving, tearing or scuffingChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Longitudinal and transverse joints tight, straight, level and compactedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Edges straight, compacted and supported, no crumbling or slumpingChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Falls toward drains and inlets as the drawings showChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Inlets, frames and covers flush with the new surface, no lips or gapsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Curb line and gutter flow line clean, no asphalt left on curbsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Water test done (area flooded with water, then checked)?Yes or No
    • Water left ponding after the water test?Yes or No
      Shown when “Water test done (area flooded with water, then checked)?” is Yes
    • Ponding: length (ft)Number
      Shown when “Water left ponding after the water test?” is Yes
    • Ponding: width (ft)Number
      Shown when “Water left ponding after the water test?” is Yes
    • Ponding: deepest point (in)Number
      Shown when “Water left ponding after the water test?” is Yes
    • Where is the ponding?Short answer
      Shown when “Water left ponding after the water test?” is Yes
    • Photos of the pondingPhotos
      Shown when “Water left ponding after the water test?” is Yes
    • Defects in this area
      Repeat for each defect. Each one asks:
      • Defect*Choose one
        • Crack
        • Segregation (coarse, open patch)
        • Roller marks or shoving
        • Depression (birdbath)
        • Raveling or loose stone
        • Bleeding or fat spot
        • Edge break or slump
        • Joint open, raised or uneven
        • Tack tracking or staining
        • Other
      • Where is it?Short answer
      • Length (ft)Number

        Tape it, or measure from a photo with a known size (a 10 ft straightedge, a parking stripe) in the same plane. A photo measure is an estimate.

      • Width (ft)Number
      • Depth (in)Number

        For a depression, the gap under the straightedge.

      • Area (sq ft)Worked out by the form
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Photos of the defectPhotos
      • Proposed fixNotes

        For example cut out and replace, infrared repair, seal the crack. Agree it with the engineer.

    • Defects recordedWorked out by the form
    • This area: items needing actionWorked out by the form
    • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Areas inspectedWorked out by the form
  • Area items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Thickness checks below planWorked out by the form
  • Areas with pondingWorked out by the form
  • Defects recordedWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

Line marking and clean-up

  • Line marking layout, arrows and symbols as the drawings showChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Marking applied after the wait time the specification or paint maker givesChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Accessible spaces and access aisles marked; access aisles marked to discourage parkingChoose one

    ADA 2010 Standards 502.3.3. Mark Not applicable if there are none.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Accessible parking signs fitted, van spaces signed "van accessible"Choose one

    ADA 2010 Standards 502.6. Mark Not applicable if there are none.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Accessible spaces and access aisles nearly level, no curb ramp projecting into themChoose one

    ADA 2010 Standards 502.4. Mark Not applicable if there are none.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Site cleaned up: spoil, spilled mix and tack removed, drains clearChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Barricades or cones kept in place until the surface may take trafficChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Guidance2010 ADA Standards 502.4: accessible parking spaces and the access aisles serving them must be at the same level, with no changes in level; slopes not steeper than 1:48 are allowed.
    Shown when “Accessible spaces and access aisles nearly level, no curb ramp projecting into them” is “Action needed”
  • Checks needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Records receivedTick all that apply
    • Delivery tickets
    • Compaction test reports
    • Core or thickness results
    • Mix design
    • As-built survey or levels
    • Warranty
  • Photos of the finished pavingPhotos

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: safety or stop paving
      • Before the next course
      • Before line marking
      • Before acceptance
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Accept the paving
    • Accept once the listed actions are done
    • Not accepted: re-inspect
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Inspector nameShort answer
  • Inspector signature*Signature
  • Paving contractor nameShort answer
  • Paving contractor signatureSignature

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A completed paving inspection checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

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Paving inspection checklist FAQs

Is there a minimum temperature for laying asphalt?

Yes, but it comes from your contract or state specification, not from a single national rule. For example, Kentucky's 2026 road specification (subsection 403.03.01) sets minimum air and existing surface temperatures by mix type in a table, and does not allow asphalt to be placed on a wet surface. The form has fields for the air and surface temperatures you measure and the minimums your specification gives, and counts any reading below them.

Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Standard Specifications 2026, Division 400 Asphalt Pavements.

Why does the tack coat matter?

The FHWA tech brief on tack coats says poor tack coat practice weakens the bond between asphalt layers, which is linked to slippage cracking and delamination. It says surface preparation should give a clean, dry surface, and describes the tack breaking as the moment it turns from brown to black. The form checks the surface, even coverage, the break, tacked joint faces and tracking.

Source: FHWA, Tack Coat Best Practices (Tech Brief FHWA-HIF-16-017).

How do I record ponding on a new parking lot?

Mark the water test as done for the area, then answer whether water was left ponding. If it was, enter the length, width and deepest point (with a tape, or length and width measured from a photo as an estimate), pin it with GPS and add photos. The form counts the areas with ponding and adds them to the items needing action.

What does the form check on accessible parking?

It checks that accessible spaces and access aisles are marked, signed and nearly level. The 2010 ADA Standards (section 502) require access aisles to be marked to discourage parking in them, signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility and "van accessible" on van spaces, and spaces and access aisles at the same level, with slopes not steeper than 1:48 allowed.

Source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, section 502 (ada.gov).

Can I use it for concrete or paver areas?

Yes. Each area has a surface choice (asphalt, concrete, pavers), and the area checks, thickness checks, water test and defects work for any of them. The tack coat and mix ticket pages are written for asphalt, so mark them Not applicable on a concrete-only job.

Does a completed form prove the paving meets the specification?

No. It is the inspector's record of what was checked, measured and found on the day, with photos. Compaction, density and core results come from the testing firm, and acceptance is the owner's or engineer's decision under the contract. The form records those results and the decision; it does not certify them.

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