Driveway Sealers Provide For A Long Lasting Driveway

For the proper maintenance of an asphalt driveway you should include the application of an asphalt sealer. There are various kinds of sealers available on the market today and it can either be applied professionally or completed by the homeowner. Regular maintenance by adding a sealant to the asphalt driveway is done every three to four years to keep the road way looking great.

By sealing the asphalt driveway with a protective covering you go a long way toward preventing the material from deteriorating. The ultraviolet rays coming from the sun, leaked oils and grease, and road salts are all elements that can deteriorate the driveway. When all of these elements are combined, the binder material of the asphalt will surely deteriorate and its aggregate layer is going to be exposed to the natural elements. There are several types of driveway sealers but getting the right one for your situation is actually an easy task.

Sealers are of two basic varieties, the coal tar and the asphalt. The products are contained in an emulsion material which is generally oil-based. Sealers can also contain polymers, sand, latex, clay and other additives that are necessary to fill in the cracks and provide further protection against the harmful sun rays, oils and salt that come in contact in the surface of the driveway. The applications based on coal tar are actually produced from a by-product of the process of coal production and they are known to be the tougher application. Products made of coal tar will give off more toxic odors and they are not environmentally friendly like the products based on asphalt. The emulsion will bond with the asphalt driveway so that it gives protection. A majority of stains like oil and grease can also be removed easily if the driveway is sealed. A lot of asphalt based sealing products do have some coal tar but generally they are friendlier to the environment and slightly much easier to apply.

These do it yourself products can be purchased in all hardware stores, home improvement shops and a lot of retail stores. These products can be easily applied by using a roller and squeegee. This can also be done in just one day. The available asphalt sealers for professional pavement sealing business are generally of higher quality and of longer life. A homeowner has to make up his mind on when and how the driveway should be protected. This is something that should be done regularly.

If you would like more information on choosing the best driveway sealer and tips on how to do it then come by and visit our website Garage Floor Coating Tips.

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Concrete Driveway Installation And Asphalt Seal Coating Services

When it comes to your concrete driveway installation, this is not the best do-it-yourself project to tackle. Unless you have previously worked in the industry and are well versed in laying a new driveway with concrete, then it should be left to the professionals that have the right personnel and tools to do the job right. If just one major mistake is made you will have to end up demolishing two driveways instead of one, and nearly double the cost when you have hire a licensed contractor to come out and do the job again.

A double car garage driveway can run in cost from seventy eight hundred dollars up to ten thousand dollars without any cosmetic options. There are few times that a driveway will have to be replaced, but when the need arises, you want to know that your investment will be handled by a company that can produce a new driveway that will last for twenty to thirty years without major repair needed. If your old driveway was damaged by a physical accident or huge tree falling on it, the contractor will be able to help as a liaison between you and your insurance company concerning replacement costs, and minimum required specifications.

People who live in more rural areas will sometimes have asphalt driveways, instead of concrete. The reason for this is of course money, as they may fall outside the purview of city code requirements and can use the product of their choosing. There is however the fact that asphalt is not as tough and resilient as concrete, and needs maintenance on a regular basis. It is still less costly with the extra work, but there is one service that can be purchased to help your private road to your home last a little longer. Asphalt Seal Coating, as this provides a tier of protection against the elements, and will make the base pad last much longer.

Businesses who have asphalt parking lots are also the perfect candidate to have a yearly asphalt seal coating service performed, and of course new parking lot marking to spruce up the lot and make the overall property have a cleaner and more professional look. This coating method will also prevent oil and gasoline that leaks from automobiles when parked from weakening the asphalt, which can cause more cracks to appear after a hard freeze in the winter.

Rochester Asphalt specializes in the Asphalt Seal Coating field. For more information, visit their website www.rochesterasphalt.com or call them directly at 507-282-1229.

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Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Paving for Your Driveway

Driveways are an important part of any home. They enhance value by providing off-street parking and, if well-constructed, enhance the home's curb appeal. Additionally, they provide a place for basketball games, roller skating and other games. Most homes use either concrete or asphalt for their driveways because these materials are relatively durable and cost-effective. Of these options, asphalt paving is the more cost-effective and durable eco-conscious choice for driveways.

Durability is one of the main arguments for not choosing concrete. The difference in the two materials is a result of the ways in which they are made. Concrete is made of water, cement and an aggregate like crushed rock or sand. Cement binds the mixture, which dries into a stiff mass that is susceptible to cracks if the underlying surface is not smooth. Alternatively, asphalt paving is flexible to accommodate surface imperfections while remaining extremely hard and durable. This material is made using a binder of a crude oil derivative called bitumen, which binds the aggregate. The mixture is applied hot and pressed into place. In addition to being less likely to crack, asphalt paving is less subject to flaking or spalling caused by poor installation or the application of salts used to melt ice during the winter. It's also important to note that concrete is more susceptible to staining and weathering.

Lower ownership costs are another reason to opt for asphalt paving. The material costs less to install and maintain over the life of the driveway. Installation takes one to two days and the driveway is ready for use about two days after completion. Maintaining your surface is also cheaper and easier. Sealant applications should be made every three to five years to prolong the life of your driveway.  With proper maintenance and depending on where you live, your surface can last thirty years or longer. On the other hand, concrete takes longer to install and can take up to a week to be ready for use. Costs with concrete can also add up if the homeowner wants to create a custom color, pattern or finish.

Asphalt paving is also a better choice for eco-conscious homeowners, as the product is 100 percent recyclable. Approximately 80 percent of this material is recycled when removed, more frequently than paper and plastic. Additionally, the aggregate can be made from recycled tire rubber, glass, foundry sand, slag and pig manure, pavement and shingles. Use of these materials is estimated to save hundreds of millions of cubic yards of landfill space each year. Further, using reclaimed products reduces the need for virgin binder to be used and allows the material to be applied at a lower temperature, which reduces energy demands and emissions.

Many homeowners take their driveways for granted, especially if their home came built with one already in place. However, homeowners should consider the many benefits of asphalt when installing a driveway themselves.

When NJ residents want quality asphalt paving that will last for years, they contact McFarlane Paving. Learn more at http://mcfarlanepaving.com/driveway-installation-nj.html.

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How to Tell if Your Parking Lot or Driveway is in Trouble

Improving the appearance of your place of business, creating a convenient passage from car to entrance for your customers, and removing liabilities are major factors in maintaining any asphalt surface.

Taking care of your parking lot or driveway involves a regular cycle of sealcoating, sealing cracks and, possibly, patching a few potholes. Maintenance should be performed approximately every 4 years.

Be careful when choosing the type of sealcoating to be done. Some contractors actually apply a "homemade" sealcoat produced in their own backyard. You are better off to use a product from a leading producer to assure a standard of quality to get the job done right.

There are also various methods of application for sealcoating. Unfortunately, many contractors have switched to the spray application for ease of work. But the spray application tends to go down very thin and won't achieve a proper seal, nor does it last very long. The "gravity-fed" application is far superior. The sealcoat is actually poured onto the asphalt surface and brushed to a smooth finish.

Plan your budget to take care of the regular cost of maintenance. Remember, once your parking lot or driveway is over 20/25 years old, you are probably going to have to finance the installation of a completely new surface.

Take 5 minutes to go outside to your parking lot or driveway and ask yourself the questions below.

The result might surprise you:

The parking lot at my residence or business shows signs of...

Thin cracks, 1/4" or less in width?

Wide cracks, 1/4" or more in width?

Sections or patches of extensive cracking, "Webbing" or "Alligator Skin Cracking"?

Oxidation, the surface appears dry, exposed and unprotected?

Small potholes, 12" in diameter or less? Large potholes, larger than 12" in diameter?

Raveling, the surface is covered in fine gravel? Pitting, thumbnail-sized holes, 1/4" deep?

Center areas have collapsed or sunk?

Sections of asphalt are breaking away?

The edges of the parking lot are breaking away?

Faded parking stripes and/or crosshatching?

If you found one or more of the problems listed above, your parking lot could be in need of maintenance. Proper maintenance will stop the deterioration and save you a lot of money in the long run.

This article was written by Clay Jordan, owner and manager of Central Paving, Inc. in Phoenix, AZ. - www.centralpavingworks.com Clay Jordan, 43, is one of two owners of Central Paving, Inc. He owns the company together with his brother, Gary. The company has been around for over thirty years, the two brothers acquired ownership about 22 years ago. They specialize in asphalt repair, maintenance and installation.

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Is Your Parking Lot ADA Compliant?

Accessible parking spaces to be 9’-0” wide with adjacent 5’-0” wide aisle on passenger side. Perimeter of access aisle to be painted blue. Within border hatched lines at 36” on center. “NO PARKING” to be painted in each access aisle in 12” high letters.

Source: http://ada.ashdownarch.com/?p=78

If your parking lot is not, or if you're not sure, give Vaca Vet Striping a call! 707.592.8331 

We specialize in striping for shopping centers, business complexes, apartments, and private roadways. Whether you have a small job of just two parking stalls or a multi-acre parking facility, V.V.S. will provide professional and timely work.

Vaca Vet Striping Testimonial

"Vaca Vet Striping did great job on our parking lot here at Kelly Moore Paints in Vacaville." 

- Joseph H. 

Vaca Vet Striping understands the importance of quality asphalt maintenance and the importance of leaving a lasting impression to prospective tenants, home buyers, customers and the general public.

V.V.S. strives to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. We provide services in Solano, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Our services include city, county, and state roads, highways, airports, commercial parking lots, driveways and racetracks.

How its Made - Paving Asphalt

How its Made Paving Asphalt

Show created by Gabriel Hoss.

Crack Sealing Asphalt Pavement

Maintaining a commercial facilities parking lot is important to the safety of your buildings' visitors and important to the overall appearance of your business. No one wants to pick their way through a pothole filled parking lot to go shopping. Businesses with weeds growing through the asphalt, standing water or crumbling pavement appear to be un-kept and mismanaged. Your parking lot is the first impression your customers get when it comes to your business. It's important to properly maintain the area by sealing cracks and making asphalt repairs as needed.

Why Does Asphalt Crack?

There are several reasons for cracks in the asphalt. First, asphalt cracks are more prevalent in dry weather. When the ground under the asphalt dries, it can cause the asphalt to pull apart and cracks can occur in your asphalt pavement.

Trees are also a cause of some asphalt cracks. Overtime, the roots of the trees will grow under the asphalt as they seek out moisture. It's normally moist under asphalt, so they are attracted to this area. As the root removes the moisture, the pavement can separate as in the first example. Also, roots can cause bulges in the asphalt pavement if they grow in an upward fashion. To avoid this from happening, the planning of landscape area and trees should be in conjunction with the planning and paving of your parking area.

Applying Crack Sealer

Ask your paving company to take a look at any cracks you have in your parking lot. Sometimes, after a little rain the cracks may close a bit and become almost unnoticeable; however, if this isn't the cause, your paving contractor can apply a crack sealer. A crack sealer should be applied to cracks before sealcoating to prevent them from growing and further damaging your asphalt parking lot.

To keep your asphalt parking lot and driveway in pristine condition, asphalt cracks should be filled and asphalt repairs be made very year. Additionally, your parking lot should be seal coated every two to three years. Sealcoating will help protect the asphalt from the harmful effects of the weather as well the damaging effects of petroleum-based products like gasoline and oil.

As we just discussed, if asphalt is not property seal coated or, not sealed at all, cracks can start forming in the asphalt. If the cracks are not managed and filled every year, this can then lead to potholes making it necessary to perform an asphalt repair.

Maureen McHale is a marketing consultant located in Longwood, Florida. With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. Services include: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website for a free estimate for your paving and sealcoating needs or call 866-934-7623.

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Why Choose Vaca Vet Striping?

Over 30+ years of experience. Licensed, bonded and insured.

Sealcoating is economical to install and highly cost-effective to use. Sealcoat costs pennies per square foot compared to the dollars needed to repair or replace damaged asphalt.

With one application, existing pavement becomes more eye-appealing with a uniform black color and a non-skid texture. A new, dark surface and clean appearance means increased property value, marketing potential, and buyer acceptance.

When used as part of a preventive maintenance plan, seal coating dramatically extends the life of asphalt pavement – saving you money over the long-term.

Benefits of Sealcoating a Parking Lot

Cracks and potholes are inevitable when dealing with asphalt pavement; however, neglecting to seal coat your facilities asphalt pavement can lead to an accelerated cracking and pothole situation reducing the pavements service life.

Dry weather and freezing weather, although freezing temperatures is not usually a big problem here in Florida, can have a degrading effect on asphalt pavement. Other environmental issues such as tree roots, vehicle traffic, gas, oil, sand, and litter also work to crack and damage asphalt. Properly maintained parking lots, those that receive regular sweeping service, crack filling, pothole repair and sealcoating, are prone to outlast those parking areas that are left to "fend for themselves" against these elements.

The Benefits

There are many benefits to sealcoating, such as:

· Minimize Repair - Sealcoating minimizes the need for asphalt repairs.
· Weatherize - Sealcoating helps weatherize asphalt and stops weather damage.
· Limit Oxidation - Sealcoating prevents the oxidation of asphalt.
· Curb Appeal - Sealcoating improves the look of asphalt pavement.
· Damage Resistant - Sealcoating helps asphalt resists damage from gas, oil, and salt.

Ask the Professionals

Pavement contractors bear the burden of pavement maintenance for most commercial facilities. They provide a range of services from crack filing, to resurfacing, pothole repair, and other types of asphalt repairs. But, one of the most important duties that paving contractors perform is sealcoating.

With proper and timely application, sealcoating completed on a regular basis, hand-in-hand with crack filing, and asphalt repair, can extend pavement life past the post where the cost to benefit ratio of added pavement life exceeds the cost of conducting the maintenance itself!

A properly installed, high-quality sealcoating product will protect your parking lots' asphalt from fuel, oil, weather and traffic wear. If asphalt is not property seal coated or, not sealed at all, cracks can start forming in the asphalt, which can then lead to potholes. Depending on your environment, most asphalt pavement should be seal coated every two to three years. For the best results, sealcoating should only be done by a professional paving and sealcoating company.

Cost of Sealcoating

Asphalt pavement sealing costs are determined by more than just a calculated method based on square footage. There are many variables to determine the cost of sealcoating such as: number of cracks to be filled, potholes to be repaired, number of coats needed, and how much hand work is needed. Ask your paving contractor to come out to your commercial facility to inspect the area to be seal coated and to give you a free quote.

Maureen McHale is a marketing consultant located in Longwood, Florida. With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. Services include: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website for a free estimate for your paving and sealcoating needs or call 866-934-7623.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Vaca Vet Striping Would Like to Wish You and Your Family a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Vaca Vet Striping Helps Bring Local Company Up To Code

Vaca Vet Striping brought a local Vacaville company up to code with the Fire Marshall by painting necessary curbing with red paint and signage and repainting handicap stalls per ADA requirements.

Peak Parking Lots

Q: We will be closing on a building within a month. It has a parking lot that is beginning to show its age, probably about 20 years old. What sort of preventative maintenance is appropriate for parking lots?

A: The average life of a parking lot is generally from 20 to 30 years, but that depends greatly on its overall maintenance during its lifetime. You did not mention its present condition, but it is common that a parking lot undergo a major renovation that includes an overlay or complete resurfacing after 17 to 20 years, so yours is probably due.

The original construction of the lot (the quality of the installation, materials, foundation, and drainage), and its continuing maintenance are the major factors influencing its eventual life. If there are problems with the original construction, they will generally show up early in the form of fatigue cracking, depressions or rutting. The original design should take into account high traffic or areas that might bear extra weight, such as loading zones. Environment also causes parking lot failure, particularly water infiltration. Sunlight, water infiltration and a freezing/thawing cycle all contribute to parking lot failure.

A planned maintenance program is the best way to ensure that your parking lot reaches its peak life span. This includes regular sweeping (sand works just like sandpaper on wood), crack sealing, filling potholes and seal coating. There should be an urgency in sealing cracks and filling potholes. The longer they are unrepaired, the more extensive damage as water infiltrates. Winter repair may be temporary, but it should be done quickly. If necessary, a more permanent repair of cutting and replacing should be done in the spring.

Pavement will age regardless of how it was installed. Within three to four years a parking lot begins to "ravel", which means the surface is getting rougher. This is the time to seal-coat, and we recommend seal-coating no less than once every four years. This is the time to fill any cracks, which are disastrous to the long term life because they allow water intrusion into the pavement, as well as any potholes. And obviously, re-striping will be necessary after a complete seal-coating.

There is no magic available to indefinitely extend the life of a parking lot. But with a planned maintenance program, you can extract the maximum life, probably avoiding a costly total lot replacement by at least 10 years. This is truly one of those cases in life where spending a relatively small amount of money upfront will substantially reduce your overall cost.

David G. Hunt, MCR, CCIM, SIOR is the president of Hunt Corporate Services, Inc. and Hunt Construction Services, Inc. He has thirty-nine years experience in commercial real estate on Long Island, New York. Do you have a question regarding commercial real estate? Email your question to Commercial Real Estate Q & A, at email@huntcorp.com for possible inclusion in a future column.

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Protecting and Prolonging the Life of Pavement

The surprisingly reasonable installation cost of asphalt pavement as opposed to concrete puts property owners in a position to spread out maintenance cost over a twenty or thirty year time frame.

Over time most roadways and driveways need asphalt maintenance to keep them in usable condition. The biggest enemies to pavement are water and the sun. Cracks in driveways can allow water to enter the road base layer and begin to wash away the compacted base that provides the foundation for the driving surface. If asphalt pavement is neglected too long, the water damage eventually leads to pot holes and large areas of road failure. Keeping the water out of the base is the primary function of Sealcoating and pavement maintenance.

Sealcoating is the process in which a new protective and durable layer of slurry sealcoat material is sprayed or squeegee on top of existing pavement. Slurry Sealcoat has aggregate embedded into the asphalt mix to provide a new wearing surface for the driveway or parking lot. This process serves the purpose of sealing small cracks and adding a barrier coat to protect the pavement surface from the elements that destroy pavement. Paving contractors need to have the specialized equipment and materials necessary to perform this service correctly.

If pavement maintenance is put on the back burner for too long, the condition of the roadway can get to a point where it seems beyond repair. It is vital for asphalt maintenance to recur on a regular basis to ensure the overall reliability of a street, parking lot, or drive way. Some cities and counties around the country keep an asphalt paving company on retainer for seal coating and other routine maintenance activities. Professional pavement maintenance contractors are the best option for corporate driveways and shopping center parking lots, etc. Check for these few items when choosing a contractor. Choose a contractor that has a good reputation and has also been in the business for many years. Choose a paving contractor that has exclusive rights to materials in your area, these asphalt contractors have worked hard to earn their authorized material contractor status.

Regular pavement maintenance is a necessary evil for any privately owned paved road or street made from asphalt. Keeping in contact with a local asphalt paving company and scheduling regular Sealcoating applications to your shopping center can be the best way to protect a large investment property and it ensure the asphalt driveway can best service patrons and attract new businesses.

The author of this article has expertise in Sealcoating. The articles on Pavement Maintenance reveals the author's knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on Sealcoating as well.

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Sealcoating Extends The Life Of Asphalt

Sealcoating provides versatility, rapid usability, and aesthetic value, while correcting minor deficiencies in the pavement surface and preventing further deterioration. Sealcoating has the ability to increase the life of your pavement and save money by preventing minor problems from turning into major ones. It is also more eco-friendly and less expensive than many other systems.

Many existing deficiencies with aged pavements such as cracking, raveling, loss of profile and/or loss of traction due to flushing or polishing of aggregates, can be corrected with a proper application of a sealcoat.

Sealcoat is applied to asphalt to seal the pavement surface and protect it from the degradation caused by sunlight, oxidation, and water, and to act as a shield against drippings such as oil and gasoline. Sealcoat also beautifies the pavement by providing a smooth, black, even surface ideal for painting lines and sweeping. On older pavements, seal coating can replace fine particles lost from the asphalt surface while sealing small cracks before they become larger, protecting the supporting base material from water intrusion.

Sealcoats typically last between 3-5 years.

Vaca Vet Striping Specializes in Parking Lot Striping!

We specialize in striping for shopping centers, business complexes, apartments, and private roadways. Whether you have a small job of just two parking stalls or a multi-acre parking facility, V.V.S. will provide professional and timely work.  Give us a call!

Handicapped Parking Compliance

Vaca Vet Striping can help you have the handicapped parking areas to be properly marked and in compliance. Give us a call for a free estimate at 707-592-8331

Crack Sealing and Pavement Repair

Pavement cracks need to be filled and/or sealed to prevent water from entering sub-grade layers. Special rubberized materials are applied to the cracks, which seals the pavement and helps to prolong its life.

Application of pavement crack treatments consist of three basic steps:

• cleaning the cracks
• cutting the reservoir if needed
• installing the material

Sealing treatments are used for pavements that primarly have working cracks greater than 1/8 inch. Sealing treatments consist of creating a widened reservoir to provide proper geometry and placement of flexible material that can accommodate the expected movements. Call Vaca Vet Striping at 707-592-8331 for an estimate.

Asphalt Seal Coating is Important

Asphalt seal coating is important because although asphalt has great waterproofing and adhesive properties, it also has some rather serious flaws that relate to its chemical makeup which provides easy access to weather, salts, and chemicals that destroy the asphalt molecules. As these molecules are destroyed, asphalt will lose much of its original properties, such as waterproofing and binding. The first visual sign of this is a change in color from black to brown to gray. As asphalt is a byproduct of petroleum distillation processes, it is easily dissolved by the many other products that are also derived from petroleum. This is because these individual items come from the same source, and therefore have a natural affinity for each other and will try to rejoin when put together again. Therefore, oil and gasoline both work to easily dissolve asphalt, which contains many very similar chemicals.

This problem is normally only seen in off-street, low traffic pavements such as driveways or minor streets; places where the oil and gasoline have a chance to sit and soak in. Asphalt seal coating can resist these other substances and keep these chemicals from interacting, therefore extending the life of the asphalt and preventing the need for excessive, expensive repairs and patching. If your asphalt does need to be repaired, however, be sure to do it quickly as no seal coating can protect the asphalt from water and other elements once the surface itself is cracked. Although once a crack appears, they do tend to come back, it's still worth it to patch and fill them as it's much cheaper to do this than to re-lay an entire driveway or parking lot.

Contrary to popular belief, however, your asphalt does not need to be re-coated yearly. Re-coating too often can actually cause problems, such as peeling at around the ten year mark. You should also be very, very careful with who you choose to lay your asphalt seal coating. As consumers in generally are not very educated about the process, many unscrupulous types are taking advantage of them. Common practices include diluting the sealant to the point of being completely ineffective. Be sure that whoever you hire is local, in your phone book, and happy to show you his insurance certificates. If they're from out of state, it's probably safer to just turn them away. After all, who are you going to call if something goes wrong?

We are a full service commercial Parking Lot maintenance company located in Daytona Beach, FL. We are centrally located on the east coast of Florida allowing us to provide seal coating services, crack sealing services, line striping, parking lot marking, ADA compliant parking lot products such as wheel stops, detectable warning mats, speed bumps, warning signs & rubber curbs to Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Deltona, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach - Volusia County - Flagler County For more info about Parking Lot Marking or pavement crack sealing services & parking lot repair, please call 386-868-2704 or visit Parkin Markin http://www.AsphaltSealCoatingPro.com

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Parking Lot Marking

It seems like there isn't much to know about parking lot marking, but there's more to it than meets the inexperienced eye. It's a balancing act between maximizing the amount of usable spaces in a lot, with the most efficient direction of traffic flow and ease of access for lot users, and a few aesthetic concerns. It can be a major design project, depending on the dimensions of the lot you're working with, and this is before even reaching any decisions regarding materials.

Choices in striping design start with the angle of the spaces, ranging from straight, perpendicular 90 degree head-in spaces that allow for two way traffic, all the way to the rarely used 30 degree angle for exceedingly tight spaces, with anything else in between. 60 degrees is more common for angled spaces, usually used to accommodate narrower aisles and tighter areas. Angled spaces have the disadvantage of taking up more space, but offer the advantage more efficient one way traffic flow. Other types of markings, usually used in special situations, are boxed stalls, good for use in alleys and along walls, and tandem spaces that accommodate 2 or more vehicles bumper to bumper. Another detail to consider is whether to use lower cost single stripes, or double stripes, which offer a buffer for entering and exiting vehicles. If using double stripes, there's a choice of square ends, or more expensive round ends. With many details to consider, and the importance of complying with ADA regulations regarding handicapped accommodation, it can be a time saver to work with an experienced company for parking lot markings.

This holds true with materials as well. There is a huge range of modern materials available with varying degrees of durability and difficulty of application, priced accordingly. They range from less expensive water based acrylics and oil based paints, to more costly two part epoxy or enamel preparations, to pre-formed thermoplastic polymer stencils, though these aren't typically used for parking lot marking due to their thick profile. In addition to all this, some companies can do custom colors if needed. Generally, more durable materials will involve more preparation, and sometimes more than one application, but will also require reduced re-striping in the future. Factor this in when considering cost, and also keep visibility in mind. Safety is important, and parking lot markings go a long way to creating an orderly space that's safer for users. If the public will be using the lot, a well striped lot can go a long way to forming a positive impression right away.

I am Jeff with Parkin Markin, We are a full service commercial Parking Lot maintenance company located in Daytona Beach, FL. We are centrally located on the east coast of Florida allowing us to provide seal coating services, crack sealing services, line striping, parking lot marking, ADA compliant parking lot products such as wheel stops, detectable warning mats, speed bumps, warning signs & rubber curbs to Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Deltona, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach - Volusia County - Flagler County For more info about parking lot sealcoating or pavement crack sealing services & parking lot repair, please call 386-868-2704 or visit Parkin Markin http://www.AsphaltSealCoatingPro.com

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Why Sealcoat My Asphalt Parking Lot Or Driveway?

Sealcoating your asphalt parking lot or driveway will protect your expensive asphalt investment saving you thousands of dollars. This simple periodic maintenance can double the life of your pavement and reduce the likelihood of larger repair issues, while providing a jet-black finish for your asphalt that will beautify your home or business. This simple, low-cost procedure can save you a significant amount of money in the long run by eliminating the need for more extensive and costly types of services such asphalt repairs, paving, asphalt overlay and crack repairs. Sealcoating asphalt pavement with coal tar emulsion sealer slows pavement deterioration by protecting against the enemies of a parking lot or driveway.

The three major elements that deteriorate asphalt are:

1. Sun and Oxidation: Sealcoating prevents oxidation and resists ultraviolet rays. Asphalt pavement begins to deteriorate almost as soon as it is placed. As the pavement is exposed to oxygen, the asphalt binder (tar) hardens. This hardening results in a brittle surface that eventually cracks. Cracks in the pavement enable oxygen and rainwater to penetrate the pavement, often into the sub base, weakening it and reducing the pavement's strength. Sealcoating protects the surface and fills surface voids, reducing pavement's exposure to oxygen and water and extending pavement life.

2. Water and Ice: Sealcoating resists water & ice. The sealer provides a protective shell that prevents water from penetrating through the asphalt. Water will soften the base causing larger more expensive repairs such as sink holes, depressions and cracks. In colder climates, the water will freeze and expand which will create pot holes and cracks throughout the asphalt. Sealcoating your parking lot or driveway can save you a significant amount of money by preventing water and ice from penetrating the asphalt surface.

3. Oil & Gas Spills: Sealcoating resists oil and gas spills. This is especially important on driveways and parking lots where cars are parked or worked on. Oil and gasoline soften asphalt. A professional-grade coal tar sealer contains additives that enable it to resist any such leaks. By filling surface voids, sealcoating also reduces the depth to which oil or gas can penetrate the pavement.

Sealcoating will help protect the asphalt from harmful elements and enhance the curb appeal of your home or business.

Please visit http://rdssealcoating.com to learn more about the sealcoating process and how it protects your asphalt investment. BJ Reedy I am the President of RDS Paving & Sealcoating INC. If you are interested in additional information on asphalt sealcoating please visit our website. http://rdssealcoating.com

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Asphalt - To Seal or Not to Seal, That Is the Question

It's a tragedy! You can find it everywhere, black and smelling like a new parking lot with lines so yellow and straight. But wait, upon closer examination the secret reveals itself. This is not a new parking lot, but a newly seal coated parking lot. Upon even closer examination, the new coat is concealing even more. Like a reptile hiding in the shade you can barely see it, but it's there. Alligator cracking, pot holes, and raveling oh my!

This is an issue that comes up with a majority of customers. Many want their parking lot to glisten in the sun and impress their customers, employees, and neighbors. The easiest and least expensive way to do this is seal coat. While this is not necessarily a bad thing to do, it might not be the wisest choice when there are other issues present. In order to continue, I need to dispel a few seal coating myths:

1. It will prevent moisture from entering cracks
2. It will extend the life of your parking lot
3. It will always be the cheapest solution

Myth: It prevents moisture from entering cracks.

Crack filling prevents moisture from entering cracks.

Myth: It will extend the life of your parking lot.

While there are many aesthetic benefits, sealant acts like a layer of paint. It functions more as an "eye pleaser" than improving the overall structure of the asphalt. Some may argue that it protects the asphalt surface against UV rays, chemicals, and oils. This statement does have some truth to it. UV rays will oxidize the surface of asphalt and will show up by the surface changing color. Seal coat's thin layer partially protects against oil spills and chemicals. I say partially because seal coat will wear away in a short period of time depending on damage from the snow plow etc. Oil and chemical spills won't structurally affect the asphalt, but the surface may "pit" and look aesthetically unpleasing.

Myth: It is always the cheapest solution

Some may try to sell seal coating to a customer using the previous two myths as reasons why they should apply seal coat. While this option is cheaper than structural repair, costs can add up over the long-term especially when seal coat only lasts about 2-3 years. The budget process becomes a balancing act of what should be done. A structural repair does not look as nice nor will it be as painless as simply seal coating. If there is a choice between structural repair and seal coating, structural repair most always should be chosen. If repair is too expensive and maintenance is still a priority, choose to crack fill and protect the structure of the asphalt.

Of course, it is all a matter of preference. A newly sealed lot can boost the look of a business, raise the morale of the employees, and impress customers. When deciding; "to seal or not to seal", remember "tis nobler to understand thine options than to purchase blindly."

Learn more about proper asphalt maintenance at http://blackdiamondgrp.com/  Contact Black Diamond Group, Inc. for a detailed proposal today!

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Could You Be Hurting Your Blacktop Surface by Seal-Coating Every Year?

In the past decade as our workforce loses out to foreign competition, many people have decided to go into business for themselves. A very easy and lucrative business is asphalt sealing. A person can get started with as little investment as a couple hundred dollars and no experience. This has led to even more problems in an industry that is already marked with scars from bad ethics and scrupulous scams. Until wide spread use of the Internet, consumers have been limited to educating themselves regarding pavement maintenance through the actual installers. The problem is, most of the installers have little knowledge themselves.

Lets explore and offer some answers to the most common questions:

1.) Q. Should seal coating be performed on an annual basis?

A. No. Sealing your surface too much can lead to many problems. Many seal coating installers will lead you to believe otherwise. However, the first two coats of sealer applied to your asphalt are what really protect it. Anything after this is usually for cosmetic purposes. Sealer applied annually tends to crack and flake after about 10 years of annual applications. This may influence the owner to resurface prematurely. To sum up, too much maintenance is not a good return on investment. Other problems caused by over sealing are tracking, creating slippery surfaces, and a smaller balance in your checkbook.

2.) Q. Is it better to apply sealer in hot weather?

A. While this is true for paving, it's not appropriate for sealing. Remember, asphalt can get so hot under the hot summer sun; it can nearly burn your skin. This also causes the sealer to dry too quickly. When sealer dries too quickly it can peel, flake, or get a streaky finish. If you must apply sealer in temperatures above 90 degrees, it's a good idea to spray the surface with a light mist of water first. This will cool the surface considerably. Ideal air temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees.

3.) Q. Sealer is all the same, why shouldn't I choose a less expensive bid?

A. There are far more variables to the seal coating industry than consumers realize. Most directly influence the differences in quoted prices. First off, sealer is water based. Therefore it can be diluted to save money, or not diluted to provide a more superior product. Unfortunately, there is hardly any way to tell what the water content is in sealer. Most applications will have an average of 10%-25% water dilution rate. This is acceptable. Consumers should choose a reputable contractor. Usually a good installer will be more expensive because he doesn't over dilute his material, he may use additives which greatly improve the sealer, he has all the required insurances and licensing to be in business, pays his trained employees a fair wage to do a good job, and will stand behind the work. Shoddy contractors almost never have any insurance, offer a low price to get a large volume of work, hire cheap inexperienced labor, dilute the material heavily, and will never offer any guarantees once paid.

4.) Q. Surface cracks always come back, so why bother filling them?

A. Inexperienced, or unethical contractors will shy away from filling cracks. It is important to fill cracks especially in climates that are subjected to freezing temperatures. Water can cause damage to pavement if permitted to get down into the pores of blacktop. Qualified installers will know exactly the best solution to treat cracks.

5.) Q. Why do I need to seal my surface. After all, the interstates don't get sealed.

A. Although your surface may be comprised of similar materials as the highway, it is subjected to much different uses than a highway. Highways don't get sealed because they carry a large volume of high-speed single direction traffic. This has a polishing effect on the surface, which will naturally repel water from being soaked into the pavement. Your surface is subjected to slow moving, heavy loads, or constant maneuvering of vehicles. Asphalt can realize a longer lifespan by sealing because it keeps water or damaging chemicals from penetrating into its pores.

6.) Q. Can I save some money by doing it myself?

A. At one point, some courageous homeowners (and very few commercial property owners) will try to personally seal coat their pavement. Stop for a second and add up the total costs you will incur by undertaking this project. Sealer by the pale costs 4-5 times more at improvement stores (and usually is not of the same quality). Tools available to homeowners are often expensive and not up to the task. Figure on ruining a whole outfit from your shoes all the way to gloves. You may have to persuade somebody to help you, which could cost additional money. On average this will take you four to five times longer than a professional. On a 1,200 square foot driveway you can expect to fork out around $300.00 for the supplies listed above. That doesn't include what you would make hourly at your job. Plus it is highly doubtful that you would do half as good a job as a professional. By today's rates, most professional jobs will range between $180.00 and $320.00.

7.) Q. Should the sealer be applied by spray or squeegee?

A. Here is another reason you should rely on a real professional to come up with a solution for your specific needs. Both application types are suitable under the right circumstances. There is no "one size fits all" method of seal coating. A true professional will determine the process based off of age, degree of deterioration, climate, expected use, budget, term of ownership, obstacles, and how many coats already exist on the pavement.

The main point of this article is to influence the consumer to research and make an educated decision when maintaining asphalt surfaces. Do not make an impulsive decision based solely on price. The first thing you should do is be sure your contractor has an upstanding report with the BBB. Make sure they are well established by investigating whether they have a local advertisement in the yellow pages or a website. It also wouldn't hurt to get several bids, and check references on all of them. Keep in mind you usually get what you pay for.

A well-paved blacktop surface can last 20+ years if maintained on proper intervals. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or sealing contractor. They can develop a strategy to maintain your pavement. Spending a little more now, can save you a lot down the road.

Creve Coeur Paving: A St. Louis based; family owned paving company focused on delivering the best possible solutions for its clients. Motivated by the company's highly regarded work ethic, it's owners and employees have been striving for perfection in paving for over thirty years. "Our Reputation Rides On Our Service." Contact: Richard Dinkela II, Operations Creve Coeur Paving 314-427-3303 http://www.ccpstl.com

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Why Sealcoating Is Important To Your Asphalt

Your driveway or parking lot is a significant investment in your property. To beautify you establishment and protect your investment as long as possible, you want to protect your asphalt from the damaging effects of certain natural elements including moisture and ultraviolet oxidation. Natural and man-made elements can cause cracks half way into the asphalt, little as 5 years. Small cracks act as miniature storm drains after a good rain and cause raveling between the asphalt over time. Larger cracks and potholes can appear within the base as early as 8-10 years unless certain precautions are taken. Protecting asphalt with sealcoating basically has the same benefits as sun block has to protect your skin, or varnish on wood.

What causes asphalt to break down? Standard asphalt is very susceptible to naturaland man made elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow, frost and ice. These elements cause oxidation to the pavement, drying out the asphalt. Man made elements such as fuel, oil, antifreeze, and salts break down the oils and cohesive properties in the asphalt.

As new asphalt age's small open cracks are formed between the asphalt, from oxidation and rain. These small cracks permit water, salt, fuel, oil, and ultraviolet rays to penetrate into the base leading to greater damage, unless repaired properly. Water is said to be the most damaging agent to asphalt. This leads to larger cracks, eventually collapsing into the eroded voids, causing potholes. Alligator cracks and potholes should be cut with a saw, and replace before sealing asphalt.

What are the benefits of sealcoating? Sealcoating protects your investment, extending the life of your asphalt, saving you money in the long run. Asphalt sealer beautifies and enhances your driveway or parking lot, giving it a dark black color to the pavement making it look and wear like new. A dark black parking lot offers a positive image of how clean a company, or residential home is.

-Asphalt Sealer slows down oxidation and water penetration, blocking out natural elements such as, sun, wind, rain, snow, frost, and ice.

-Asphalt sealer resist harmful man made element spills such as fuel, antifreeze, oil, and salt. Find a sealer that is made from a coal tar emulsion that isn't soluble in oil or gas.

-Asphalt sealer fills small voids in asphalt reducing exposure to oxygen and water and extending pavement life.

How often should you sealcoat Asphalt? You should sealcoat your new asphalt as soon as it begins to turn grey or 90 days after installation. If you have already sealcoated your asphalt in the past, it is recommended to re-apply sealer every 3 to 4 years depending on the wear of the previous applications. If you sealcoat too much voids will be created in the sealer causing cracking later on. You need to let the old sealer wear off before applying new sealer. Talk to your local contractor before making any serious decisions.

Nick has worked in the asphalt industry for most of his life. Growing up working in the family business he has helped Deal Asphalt Inc. become a full operational asphalt company specializing in asphalt paving and sealcoating. Find out more at http://www.DealAsphalt.com

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Selecting a Sealcoating Contractor

Your investment in asphalt pavement, whether it is a parking lot or simply a residential driveway, will require maintenance to extend the life of the surface. It is the "welcome mat" to your business or a vital part to the curb appeal of your home or residence. Maintaining the asphalt is important and sealcoating is one of those steps. However, selecting the appropriate contractor for sealcoating is as important as just making the decision to protect the asphalt to begin with.

The first thing to look for in a sealcoating contractor is their history or reputation. Can they provide references? Will they offer you properties to look at to see the quality of their work? Avoid those individuals that are going door to door and offering to sealcoat your driveway at a great price because they have left-over material from work before. More often than not you'll never hear from them again. That's not good if any issues arise and you need them to make good on any mistakes.

Secondly, you should compare warranties on workmanship between sealcoating contractors. How long do they claim their application will last or wear? Also, what is included in the quote? Are they including any crack repair or pothole repair? And remember to get any promises in writing and collect any additional information from them such as business cards, reference lists etc...If any striping is necessary, ask if they are doing the work or if will it be subcontracted out. If they are hiring another contractor to do striping, be sure to check them out as well. Once you've selected a contractor, make sure they have insurance to protect you and your property from any damages or loss.

Before any work begins, do not be afraid to ask what equipment they have or how the sealcoat will be applied? Based on the size of the job, you need to be sure they have the appropriate tools to clean and prepare the surface and the necessary tools or equipment to apply the sealcoating or other materials in an efficient and timely manner.

If you are the property owner of a facility involving a decent size parking lot, you will want be conscience of how the work is completed and the time involved. If the sealcoating crew is only preparing the lot with brooms without the use of blowers and if they are applying sealer by hand instead of a spray or squeegee machine, that will cost you in the end in additional labor costs.

What do you need to know about the sealcoating material? Ask them how many coats are included in the quote? It is best practice to demand or specify two coats. The first coat of sealcoating will fill in the voids and porosity of the asphalt surface. The second coat is the wearing layer. The second coat is important to get longevity. The top of the rock or smooth sides of the rock in asphalt tend to wear quickly and a second coat of sealer will help reduce that wear. Also, verify the contractor is following the manufacturer's specifications for mixing and applying sealcoat. With that, it is important you know the square footage of the area getting sealed so you have an idea of how much material should be applied.

Other tips to follow include keeping an eye on the weather. Do not allow application if temperatures are expected to fall below 50 degrees for 24 hours and make sure no rain is forecasted for the same 24 hour period to ensure proper curing and performance. Once the sealcoating is complete you must keep vehicles off the driveway or parking lot for 24 to 48 hours. Following these few steps will ensure the sealcoating will beautify and protect your asphalt pavement for years to come.

Visit http://www.sealmaster.net for more information regarding sealcoating and pavement maintenance and asphalt repair.

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The Importance of Parking Lot Line Painting and Pavement Marking

In business today it's important to be professional. This includes the upkeep of property maintenance inside and outside of the business. Parking lot line painting is one of the most important aspects of external property maintenance and this article explains three excellent reasons why.

1) Appearance

The parking lot of a business acts as a welcome mat for customers and can often act as a first impression to new clients. If the parking lot pavement markings are worn and barely visible it may give the impression to some clients that the owners are irresponsible or that they don't care about the way their property looks. Parking lots simply look better with a fresh coat of high grade traffic paint on the stall lines, handicap symbols, arrows, speed bumps and any other pavement markings the lot might have. When line painting is done it allows that mat to say "welcome" again.

2) Parking Organization

If there is no visible lines to indicate parking spaces in a parking lot, people will park anywhere and everywhere they can fit their vehicle. This is not good since it increases the chance of people getting boxed in and unable to get out of the lot. When parked vehicles are in disarray it can also increase the chance of dings and scratches to vehicles if navigation around the lot is tight and difficult. Parking stalls and drive lanes have regulated sizes for these reasons and a nicely painted lot keeps the parked traffic organized and moving vehicles can be driven through the area safely and easily.

3) Space Maximization

I can't count the number of times I've seen 20 vehicles in a "full" parking lot that could easily fit 24 or 25 automobiles if it had been given the correct line painting job done. It doesn't seem like much but let's say it's a restaurant that averages $50.00 per bill. That adds up to about $200.00 - $250.00 in revenue. This to me would be the most frustrating parking problem for the business owner since most of the time if people can't park at the establishment, they don't shop there either. Painting proper stall lines allows optimal space maximization that fits as many vehicles as the parking lot can safely manage.

These are three basic problems that can be easily avoided if the correct pavement markings are applied to the lot. As long as parking lot line painting is done by professionals it can be one of the quickest and effective aspects of external property maintenance.

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Allow Vaca Vet Striping to Make Your Business ADA Compliant

Allow Vaca Vet Striping to make your business ADA (Americans with Disabilities Assoc.) compliant. 

We understand the importance of quality asphalt maintenance and the importance of leaving a lasting impression to prospective tenants, home buyers, customers and the general public.

V.V.S. strives to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. We provide services in Solano, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Our services include city, county, and state roads, highways, airports, commercial parking lots, driveways and racetracks.

Take Advantage of Vaca Vet Striping's Special!

 

20% Off For First Time Customers! 

Vaca Vet Striping 

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707-592-8331

Seal Coating: Should Be of High Importance

Roadways, runways and pavements, all are prone to damage. Just imagine the number of people walking and number of cars passing over them. External factors like heat, rain and snow also add to their degradation. According to experts, maintenance work should be done quite frequently in order to avoid heavyweight expenses in the future. Especially, pavements are prone to severe damage. If you neglect minor cracks now, they might magnify sooner or later. Then, you might have to suffer huge expenses on a re-construction. If you do not want all that to happen, get a seal coating done for your pavement. It would help you enhance its quality.

If you are still considering seal coating callously, these following points might just change your mind.

• An effective coating helps in developing resistance. The pavement becomes resistant to UV rays. These rays penetrate into the asphalt surface and infuse damage in the long term. Therefore seal coating helps a lot in keeping the pavement penetration free. Moreover, it keeps many chemicals (that encourage degradation) away from the pavement. Isn't this quite a substantial reason to incorporate such coats on your pavement?


• These types of coatings help the pavement endure the weight of heavy vehicles passing over it. You must have noticed huge cracks due to the pressure of vehicles on certain pavements. This particular coating is specially designed to endure the heavyweight.


• This coating makes the surface of the pavement extremely smooth. A spell of rain would be enough in clearing up the entire surface. Moreover, you have to invest even lesser in getting the pavements clean.


• Coatings are waterproof. They do not let water seep into the base level. Moreover, the smooth surface discourages water stagnation.


• Seal coated surfaces are friction free. Drawing traffic lines and guidelines would be extremely easy. Certain service providers provide services for line marking as well. They do it flawlessly.

Hopefully, these points should change the way you look at your pavement. However, there are certain points to consider as well.

1. Accreditation - The company should be recognized by the Better Business Bureau and should be appreciated by its customers too.
2. Experience - Don't settle with inexperienced companies. You might have to pay the price for improper seal coating.

So, keep these points in mind before even taking a step ahead towards seal coating for your pavement.

North Shore, MA shelters some companies who are around for more than 50 years now. Seal Coating North Shore, MA - You should never overlook minor problems on your pavement and instantly opt for seal coating. North Shore, MA is the right place to consult and hire services from companies.

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We Specialize In Striping For Small Or Large Jobs

We specialize in striping for shopping centers, business complexes, apartments, and private roadways. Whether you have a small job of just two parking stalls or a multi-acre parking facility, Vaca Vet Striping will provide professional and timely work.

Parking Lot Line Striping

There are many benefits to striping your parking lot. Not only can it increase the number of available parking spaces customers can fill, but it also keeps you away from potential legal action. With this article, you will learn the facts about parking lot line striping and how it will benefit your company, no matter if you are a small company or a nationwide chain.

To begin it is important to show the serious side of line striping. Back in July 1990 a law was signed called the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA).This law requires all businesses have handicap parking for disabled clients. They should be close to the entrance of the building, and large enough to accommodate accessible vans as well. For ever 1,000 feet your business covers, you are required to have a designated number of spots clearly marked.

By marking your spots clearly you also avoid any liability. All pedestrian routes should be clearly marked for the safety of your customers; there should be a clear and safe path for your customers to cross in front of any on-coming traffic. Additionally, all parking spaces must be wide enough that they won't damage cars next to them. While you cannot control anything past the cars parking, if the spaces are wide enough and used properly there won't be damage to other vehicles. Finally, all entrances and exits should be marked clearly. This will prevent people from driving in the wrong direction and causing an accident.

Outside of fines and liability what are the benefits to you as a business owner to have your parking lot striped correctly? Well the main thing is that you can maximize the total amount of spaces that your customers can use. Allowing people to park as they wish prevents you from maximizing the available car space. A parking lot that can host thirty cars jumbled together can expand to 60 or more cars if they are lined up properly in well planned parking spaces.

There are some other things to consider when you are having your parking lot striped. The minimum outside temperature for the paint to dry and adhere to the parking lot needs to be 45 degrees. During the application process no vehicles can drive over the newly painted spots for a minimum of one hour. You will want to take into consideration the time of day that would be most beneficial for you to block off your parking spaces. If there are any pot holes or other problems with the original lot, you will want to have it fixed before having your spaces painting. This is the last thing you do on a finished lot.

Line striping is a great way to increase the number of available parking spots for customers stopping by your business. They will also keep you in limited liability, and assist you in avoiding the fines the ADA can bring you. Keeping all that in mind, when you do choose a business to do your striping for you, be certain they understand everything that goes behind the process. Selecting a knowledgeable company will save you time and money in the long run.

Parking Lot Maintenance is a specialized company that focuses on the maintenance of asphalt parking lots. Our core services are seal coating, hot rubber crack sealing, asphalt repair and parking lot line striping for professionally managed properties. We are unique and one of the only companies to focus exclusively on the needs of the professional property manager. Through our Parking Lot Management Service we are a critical resource for the property manager in making sure that one of their biggest investments (their parking lots) are properly constructed, cared for and continue to provide easy access to the properties they manage. Parking Lot Maintenance has the expertise to deliver a quality project, within budget and on time with minimal disruption for your tenants. We guarantee it! Todd B. http://www.parkinglm.com

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What Is Sealcoating?

Asphalt pavement to keep it in simple terms is primarily rock and/or stone and gravel along with a binder. The rock or aggregate is held together with this binder also known as asphalt cement. The binder is created from the distillation process of certain crude oils. Maintaining this binder is essential in prolonging the deterioration of asphalt surfaces. Rain, U.V. rays, and chemicals as they are introduced into the asphalt will degrade the binder and thus begin the degradation process of the asphalt and will create a surface that turns brittle. To reduce the effects of these elements, it is important to implement a maintenance program that utilizes sealcoating to extend the life of your parking lot or driveway.

Sealcoating will provide a layer of protection blocking out the elements of water and oils and U.V. damage. In addition, when applied to manufacturers' specifications, sealcoating provides a slip resistant surface with a deep black finish that beautifies the parking lot or driveway as well. Oxidation and water penetration are the leading causes of asphalt pavement failure. The sun's ultraviolet rays break down the asphalt binder that holds the pavement together. Moisture that is allowed to enter cracks in pavement will erode the base, causing potholes and general pavement breakup. Moisture also penetrates the pores of the pavement causing further erosion as well as freeze-thaw damage.

Sealcoats are typically bituminous based products or acrylics. The sealcoat is in a liquid formulation of one of the above emulsions mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives and other proprietary fillers and solids. These products can be applied by brush, spray or squeegee. A regularly scheduled sealcoating program will more than double the life of the asphalt saving you significant dollars down the line. Instead of having to pay thousands of dollars for new pavement, it is more cost effective to spend only pennies on the dollar per square foot to maintain.

When applying a sealcoating product, follow the important steps referenced below to get the most protection and optimum performance. A minimum of two coats should be applied. Temperatures must be a minimum of 50 degrees and rising for a period of not less than 24 hours. Do not apply when temperatures are forecasted to get below the 50 degree mark. Also, do not apply if rain is imminent within the same 24 hour period. Once finished with the application of sealcoat, allow to cure 24 hours before allowing vehicle traffic back on the surface.

To summarize, sealcoating every two to three years will certainly extend the life of your asphalt pavement for minimal cost. When applied appropriately and at the right time, sealcoating prevents oxidation, sealcoating stops weather damage and sealcoating beautifies pavement.

For additional information please visit SealMaster at http://www.sealmaster.net/Pavement%20Sealer.shtml

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Parking Lot Maintenance 101

Preventative parking lot maintenance is an ideal solution to control deterioration of a facilities parking area and protect a facilities investment. It's also the most cost-effective solution to maximize the life of the pavement while minimizing risk.

Keeping up with parking lot maintenance means as soon as a pavement first shows signs of wear and tear such as cracking and raveling, or deterioration of the pavement surface it is important to take the necessary steps to mitigate risk.

A commercial facilities parking area promotes a positive image of the company. It also improves curb appeal and protects your investment.

Some of the more common parking area maintenance services that commercial facility maintenance companies provide are:

· Seal coating helps protect asphalt from the harmful effects of the weather as well as petroleum-based products like gasoline and oil. Commercial grade coal-tar emulsion base sealer, which meets and exceeds RP-355e specifications, is idea.

· Striping a parking lot enables a facility to direct traffic safely and efficiently. Using latex striping paint will guarantee a professional look in which the sealer does not bleed through.

· Asphalt repairs are necessary over time as newly applied asphalt surfaces begin to wear and break down as they are repeatedly exposed to elements such as water, sunlight and chemicals. The liquid asphalt that binds the materials together begins to lose its natural resistance to water, allow it to penetrate beneath the surface. Once this occurs the pavement can quickly fall prey to a number of different types of deterioration including cracks and potholes. Asphalt pavement repairs and prevention will increase the longevity of any asphalt surface.

· Asphalt overlays are popular approaches to pavement preservation because of their ability to provide improved ride quality, maintain surface geometrics, reduce noise levels, reduce pavement distress, reduce life cycle costa and provide long-lasting service.

· Traffic coating protects wearing surfaces like concrete or plywood from vehicular and pedestrian traffic abrasion, and in the case of concrete, protection from freeze-thaw damage and chloride induced corrosion with its destructive force on reinforcing steel. Where decks are elevated, these coatings provide excellent waterproofing for the occupied space below.


American Facility Services' parking lot maintenance division is dedicated to maintaining the park lot and sidewalk areas for commercial facilities throughout the state of Florida. From pothole repair to lighting issues, our highly trained staff is continuously striving to be the best parking lot maintenance company in the state, to finish projects safely and on-time and to deliver high-quality results. Maureen McHale is a marketing consultant specializing in SEO and content management.

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service.

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Should I Sealcoat My Asphalt?

There is a saying that goes something like this "your asphalt should not be sealcoated because it needs to breath". I can't tell you how many times I heard this misinformed opinion in my travels as an asphalt maintenance contractor.

To the "nay sayers" benefit, I will acknowledge that there is some truth to the statement above. New asphalt should not be sealcoated in the first 90 days to 6 months. The reason is because new asphalt goes through a curing phase in which chemicals are released from the asphalt. A tell tale sign that asphalt is still going through this phase is that there should be a rainbowish hue to water when the asphalt is wet. This is the water and the chemicals still mixing.

After the curing process has completed, it is time to sealcoat your asphalt. If asphalt is not sealed it will oxidize and begin to fade. Have you ever noticed how the color of new asphalt changes from black to brown to grey to white? My friend, this is the direct effects of sun light, water, and other external conditions.

Only sealcoating will protect your asphalt from the degradation caused by oxidation. If asphalt becomes oxidized it now loses some of its' flexibility properties, which can result in cracking. Another major benefit of sealcoating is the protection from gasoline and oil. Unfortunately, gasoline, oil and the chemicals in the asphalt binder (holds the stone together) are all petroleum based products. Why should that matter? Well, being that these are from the same source in the earth, they have a natural tendency to bond together. The result of this bonding is the oil and gasoline deteriorates the asphalt binder. Once the asphalt binder is deteriorated that stone starts to release from the surface. Next time you visit a highly populated parking lot, take a notice to the condition of the asphalt that has been heavily soiled with oil.

So the next time someone tells you that you shouldn't sealcoat your asphalt, please point them to this article at ezine.com. If they choose to ignore you, let them deal with the high cost of replacing their asphalt or paying more for crack repair.

To see before and after photo's of Asphalt Maintenance and Pavement Marking projects in York, PA - Lancaster PA - Harrisburg, PA - Cockeysville, MD and Timonium, MD please visit Just Seal It at http://www.justsealit.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Hake

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Top Signs You Need a Seal Coat for Your Driveway

If you have an asphalt driveway, it has an estimated average lifespan of 15-25 years when maintained properly. But with constant exposure to the elements, such as sun, wind, salt, heat and cold, the asphalt can deteriorate quickly.

Investing in a seal coat will increase the lifespan of a paved driveway or parking lot by acting as a flexible barrier coating, shielding the asphalt from erosive factors. A seal coat on your driveway prevents essential oils in the asphalt from evaporating over time - causing the asphalt to become dry and brittle through oxidation. When the asphalt is too dry, it will crack and allow water to penetrate the surface of the driveway, creating even more erosion.

To avoid a very costly repair, you should have cracks repaired before they invade a large area of the pavement. If you're unsure if you need a seal coat repair on your driveway or parking lot, check for any of the signs below:

• Discoloration of asphalt (fades from black to gray)
• Surface cracking that appears like peeling paint
• Hairline cracking
• Uneven wear of past seal coat
• 2-3 years since last seal
• Signs of over sealing
• Water standing too long on driveway

Other reasons to get a seal coat include the wear and tear caused by vehicles. Oil and gasoline drip will cause the asphalt in your driveway to crack and break down. Oil spots require a special coal tar sealant to prevent deterioration. This should be applied every 2-3 years.
There are many benefits of seal coat for pavement maintenance:

• Protect and extend the lifespan of your driveway or parking lot
• Prevents water from penetrating the surface which leads to cracking
• Protects against oxidization from the sun (paving materials become dry, brittle)
• Prevents erosion of asphalt
• Costs pennies a square foot compared to repairs
• Prevents oils and salt from breaking down the asphalt
• Aides water run off
• Limits pooling of water
• Slows down surface cracking
• Prevents slip and fall injuries
• Enhances the aesthetics and curbside appeal of property

With 20 years of excellence in customer service, Louise Pernicano operates Sommerset Paving, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based asphalt and concrete company. Offering competitive prices and higher quality products than other competitors, Sommerset Paving focuses on the customer's needs first.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Pernicano

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