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.

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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.