Asphalt Paving Companies Perform Many Different Services

If you own a commercial or residential property, chances are at some point you will need to perform maintenance on your parking lot or driveway. There are several things to consider when choosing a contractor to perform these services on your property. Some contractors specialize in concrete and others in asphalt paving and some provide services for both. One important consideration to take when contracting work on your property is whether it is a commercial or residential job. Thus, making sure the company carries the proper insurance. It is also a good idea to check up on the companies insurance, what it covers and the dollar amount of coverage for their policy.

There are two different ways the actual work will take place. Some companies perform their work with in-house crews, and others outsource the actual work to be performed. There are pro's and con's to each. When companies use in-house crews they are able to take on projects and assign a crew to the job within their own company. When using sub-contractors, you are sometimes dealing with other companies work load and their scheduling challenges. One of the pros to using sub-contractors is not to have to keep the crews and equipment busy during the off season or in bad weather. Sometimes companies using sub-contractors just provide project management and administrative services. A lot of times this technique works better due to the many different scopes of work needed to complete the same project.

A good source for finding contractors in your area is on the internet, a lot of reputable companies are normally listed. These companies have information readily available so you can find perspective companies you are considering for hire. You will be able to see projects the company may have already completed. The companies' website is probably the most efficient means of gathering information about them. Using information from this article should be helpful in choosing an asphalt or concrete paving contractor in your area.

Peyton Stallings is a lifetime Atlanta resident and general contractor. Peyton is President and onsite manager for PKS Paving And Construction and writes regular columns on, paving, Asphalt Paving Atlanta and construction in general. To learn more please visit our site at http://www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

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What to Look For When Choosing an Asphalt Paving Contractor

There are several things you will want to keep in mind when choosing an asphalt contractor to complete your next asphalt-paving project. Choosing the right contractor is probably the biggest and most important decision you will make during the process. Normally there are several contractors in the area that provide paving service, but usually there are few that meet the criteria needed when choosing a qualified asphalt contractor.

One of the most important factors and surely something to take into consideration is the contractor's reputation for completing quality projects on time and within the budget. The contractor you choose should be able to present you with references from former clients, as well as past jobs completed. You will want to check these references for similarities to your project. Check to see if your project compares in size and if the same scope of work was performed.

Another consideration that can often be tricky when considering different contractors, is the price you are quoted. It is a good idea to call several contractors that service jobs in your area. The contractor should come out to the site where the work is to take place and take measurements and evaluate the job site. Each contractor should present you with a written proposal outlining exactly what is proposed to take place during the job. It is also a good idea to ask each contractor to bring with the proposal a certificate of insurance. The insurance certificate will let you know the amount of insurance coverage the contractor carries.

It is time to get started. Now that you have chosen the contractor, you should feel comfortable with them completing your asphalt-paving project. It is time now to coordinate with your contractor on a starting date. The contractor should go over time frames and how long until you can use your new asphalt driveway or parking area.

Peyton Stallings is a lifetime Atlanta resident and general contractor. Peyton is President and onsite manager for PKS Paving And Construction and writes regular columns on, paving, Asphalt Paving Atlanta and construction in general. To learn more please visit our site at http://www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com

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Asphalt Paving For Driveways And Parking Lots - The Asphalt Promised Land

STOP! You know it's there. You see it every day when you come into work. You even walk around the crater to get to your front door. It's your parking lot or driveway, and you've been ignoring it every day hoping it will go away. I call it "Asphalt Denial". You don't want to know what needs to be done because you know asphalt paving can cost a lot of money! You might have already had an estimate that put you in cardiac arrest and you buried in the bottom of the "To Do" pile that has been sitting there for 5 years. You might even have been beaten over the head with the "Fix this now or Else Stick" threatening that your parking lot will implode and cause the end of the world. You know you need to do parking lot maintenance, but can't figure out how to get started and finish it without putting you into financial ruin. You're not alone. Many people face this issue every day. I have some suggestions that can get you to the "Asphalt Promised Land".

First, get your estimates. Request quotes that are broken down into sub-sections including asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, crack filling and striping with costs associated with each section. This way you can work on a section at a time.

Next, do you paving repairs first. Not fixing potholes can do the most damage to a parking lot or driveway in the shortest amount of time. They can also damage the vehicles that hit them. Typically this is the highest cost in an estimate. If you're on a tight budget, you can do the repairs over several years. Set a budget figure you want to spend, and focus on any repairs in high traffic areas first such as drive lanes or walking areas then move out to low traffic areas like parking stalls. There's a difference between repair and patch. Repair your potholes, don't patch them!. If you repair the holes, the repairs will last 15-20 years.

3rd, get your cracks filled and sealcoating done. This step may happen several years down the road, but it will preserve what you have and what you have been doing the past few years in repairs. Sealcoating is typically a few cents per square foot but makes a difference in the longevity of a parking lot. Sealcoating and striping will spruce up the look of the parking lot as well.

Finally, be patient. This might take several years depending on your cash availability, but will pay off in the long run in preserving your parking lot. Remember, incremental improvements will be better and cheaper than doing nothing. Stick with the plan; keep making progress enen just a little bit. Your lot will look like new very soon.

Imagine: Asphalt paving and repair as someone's passion. Thermo-Asphalt Repair, Inc. is owned and operated by Steve Wagoner and he loves his work. Check out 
Steve's asphalt paving blog for more tips on how to save money with that investment everyone wants to put off.

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Tips For Choosing the Best Asphalt Paving and Maintenance Company

When you're ready to get your asphalt driveway paved, you want to make sure that you're hiring the very best company for your needs. If you're going to put out the money and spend the time to get it paved, you want it paved correctly! You also want to make sure that company can handle any maintenance that needs to be performed after the paving job. Here are some important tips for choosing the best asphalt paving and maintenance company.

Make Sure the Company is Reputable -

Before you hire an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you want to make sure they are good standing and well respected within your community. There are a few different ways to check this and the first one would be to get references. The more recent the references are, the better. Actually call the contact numbers and speak with the people. Find out how they liked the paving job and how long it took.

Also, ask if the estimated price was what they ended up paying and whether they would hire the company again. This is a great way to find out if a company is worth hiring or not. You can also check out their job pictures as a great idea of how good their work is. Many companies will have their gallery right on their website for you to view, making it easy for you to judge their work.

Interview the Owner -

Another great way to be able to judge a company you're thinking of hiring is to interview the owner or the person who will be supervising the paving. Ask them important questions - like whether or not they are insured, licensed and bonded. Find out what kind of asphalt they will be using and why they use a particular kind. Ask them to walk you through what happens during a paving and how long it takes to complete.

This will give you a great feel for the company. If the owner or supervisor doesn't speak to you directly or hurries you as if they have other things to do, you may want to consider another company. If a company doesn't have time to talk to the customers (who, by the way, pay the bills), what are the chances that they are going to take their time and do an excellent job on your driveway?

Get an Estimate -

Have someone come to your home that represents the company and get an estimate. Most places will provide you with a free one. Find out each thing they quote a price for and ask them why it's necessary. Some contractors will quote unnecessary work just to get more money out of you. If they don't have a really great reason for doing the work, move on to the next company.

By using these suggestions before hiring an asphalt paving and maintenance company, you can save yourself time and money - and prevent yourself from being swindled or taken advantage of.

For all of your asphalt paving and maintenance needs in Toronto and the surrounding areas, Ludwig Paving is your best bet. 25 years of experience and customer satisfaction in the driveway, parking lots, and all other paving jobs. If you need great quality paving and excellent customer service, visit http://www.LudwigPaving.com and receive a free quote.

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Protect Your Parking Investment!

Asphalt Maintenance

Asphalt pavement is commonly used on many different projects. It is a popular material due to its cost effectiveness, durability, ease of implementation and is a great at withstanding heavy loads. It can be used for walkways, driveways, parking lots and complete roadways. Many may not know that asphalt does require inspections and routine maintenance for long life. Common asphalt maintenance procedures are as follows:

Asphalt Maintenance Facts

Asphalt has a long life span as long as proper maintenance is performed. Asphalt deterioration begins as soon as the freshly laid asphalt begins to cool. Oil, sun oxidation, salt, water penetration, weather all affect the life span.

Asphalt Repair and Patching

Patching is a frequently used repair technique for imperfections such as potholes. Potholes can be formed by the freezing and thawing of water in unsealed or improperly sealed cracks. As the ice forms it expands and damages the surrounding asphalt leaving voids and thus a pothole is born. The process of replacing the asphalt depends on the affected area and the seasonal conditions.

Asphalt Resurfacing or Overlaying

In some cases, it can be more cost affective to resurface or overlay the asphalt. Good candidates for resurfacing are low spots, large sections of interconnecting cracks. This process is unique to each job and can consist of leveling of low spots, grinding off uneven surfaces, adjusting drainage paths and other details pertaining to the specific problem.

Asphalt Removal and Replacement

Without ongoing maintenance, asphalt surfaces can degrade until the only option is replacement. Proper procedures must be followed to ensure the repair and replacement surface last. Cost varies depending on the job.


Protect Your Investment If you have asphalt needs attention of any kind in South Eastern Virginia, you can trust Landstar Paving to give you their honest opinion of what you need and to do their best to work within your budget! Technical information for this article was provided by Landstar Paving

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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.

Vaca Vet Striping has over 30 years experience doing business as ACE Paving Company, with a General Engineering Class A Contractor's License #389714. We strive to provide quality work and great service at an affordable cost. V.V.S. provides  services in Solano, Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties. Our services include city, county, and state roads, highways, airports, commercial parking lots, driveways and racetracks.

Do You Need a Permit for Parking Lot Resurfacing, Resealing or Restriping?

Hiring a professional paving company to resurface, re-seal or re-stripe your facilities parking lot makes good financial sense. Not only will you be assured that the materials used are of the highest quality and that the job is completed to your requirements, but also that you are in compliance with local parking lot codes and laws.

Nothing makes your business stand out more than a newly striped parking lot. But, nothing is worse than having a project completed and finding out you needed a permit for the work and now you're facing a hefty fine. An important thing to keep in mind is that in most areas of Florida, permits are required to do most asphalt work.

A paving contractor with years of experience, and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost-effective manner can reduce a property manager or owners stress levels. Researching specific codes and applying for construction permits can be an arduous process for business owner. Partnering with a paving contractor that is familiar with your property, the local permit requirements and one that utilizes the highest quality materials is ideal.

Licensed contractors have invested a lot of money to be licensed and insured, which can give you peace of mind. Hiring a fly-by-night company is a costly mistake. Be sure to check references for any paving company you plan on hiring, make sure the paving company is insured, and be certain to ask them if they are familiar with the local and state requirements regarding permits and other regulations. Plus, hiring an unlicensed contractor is against the law.

As your licensed paving contractor will know, each city can have different requirements, permit needs and fees. Take for instance the City of Altamonte Springs, Florida. If a commercial facility that wants to resurface and/or re-seal their parking lot must get a permit from Building/Life Safety Services. Re-striping, without resurfacing or re-sealing, also requires a permit. The new striping must exactly match the old striping. However, if the old striping did not meet the current code requirements, the new striping will have to be modified to meet code. The permit review will identify whether any changes will have to be made to the current striping to meet code.

A qualified, full service asphalt paving contractor will have the resources to effectively, efficiently and economically provide various services to you. Before they start any job, your paving contractor should become familiar with the specific conditions of your property to prevent costly surprises. A written proposal should include more than a price; it should include a plan to meet your needs and to satisfy building and safety codes.

Maureen McHale is a marketing consultant specializing in SEO and content management. With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.

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Asphalt Vs Concrete Driveways

Concrete and asphalt are some of the most common materials which are used to make driveways. It is important to analyze their pros and cons before using any of the materials to construct a driveway. Asphalt contains tar which gives it its adhesive property. On the other hand, cement is responsible for the adhesive property of concrete. The two substrates give these materials their unique characteristics which also affects the maintenance process required, durability and cost.

To use either asphalt or concrete to make a driveway, the base must be compact. This will ensure that it can withstand the weight of the materials and that of the load e.g. cars. The two materials are made from stones and sand.

Factors to consider when choosing a driveway material

There are very many properties which you should consider when choosing a driveway material and these include:

Aesthetics

It is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, you will expect a number opinions when it comes to the aesthetic value of the driveways. For people who have the feeling that a driveway should be an extension of the road then they will definitely go for asphalt. However, it is important to note that it is impossible to achieve a wide range of finishes when using this particular material. This is for the reason that it has to be rolled and compressed. Moreover, there has been very little options when it comes to the choice of the asphalt driveway color other that its standard color; black.

Generally, concrete is an easy material to work with when you want to realize a wide range of finishes. They can be stamped, etched or engraved into different designs. Furthermore, they can also be stained to get an array of colors. This gives a wide range of options which can be used to realize different designs making it a better choice for anyone who would wish to customize their his or her driveway.

Maintenance

When asphalt has been installed and subsequently sealed properly, they can may last for 30 years. The sealing process should be done a year after the first installation after which it should be redone after every 3 to 5 years. Of course this can be slightly expensive as compared to the concrete driveways which last for over 50 years without sealing.

On the other hand, concrete driveways stain easily as compared to asphalt driveways. Therefore, you have to use detergents to remove the stains. Apart from these, cracks in asphalt driveways are easier to seal than those of concrete driveways. Basically, each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages as far as the maintenance costs are concerned.

Weather and climate

This is yet another important factor to consider especially in areas where there is either very warm summers or very cold winters. In cold freezing winters, concrete suffer from frost heaving and has the tendency to crack. In addition to these, when salt is used to melt ice on a concrete driveway, it will create pits on the driveway. On the other hand, tar which is found in asphalt softens when exposed to high temperatures besides being tacky. Therefore, it is important to share the weather and climatic conditions with contractor before settling on any material.

Cost

There are two main factors to consider when it comes to cost: the installation cost and the maintenance cost. Asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete. However, fluctuations in oil prices directly affect its cost. Concrete is expensive though its cost will depend on the type of finishing which is required. It is important to note that asphalt requires low initial costs. However, when it comes to the "value over time", it is advisable to go for concrete since they last longer than asphalt.

Ideally, no material is 100% perfect and therefore analyzing the environment where the driveway should be installed will help you to make the right decision.

You can also visit Chicago Driveways for detailed information about driveways construction.

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Importance of Seal Coating Asphalt Roads

The life and way of living of a place is often determined by the roads that its people walk through. This is the very observation and fact that gives and imparts a special significance and also a value to the substance asphalt. Being an integral part in the construction of roads, the medium of paving driveways and also a baseline for the construction of many other areas, the use of Asphalt and its characteristics should be well known to its daily users, the common man. Despite all this, whenever asphalt is used in constructions part, it has to be seal coated.

The obvious doubt arising has to be the question marks on Asphalt being seal coated. The interrogation of your minds has a very precise and theoretically explained answer. It is a substance that is made up of various types of filters and also aggregates. The different variety of aggregates may include things like sand and gravel etc but still the paths made from Asphalt are quite weak and has many underlying weaknesses. These weak points include things like degradation due to the harmful UV rays, the problem of salts and also the erosion due to the presence of chemicals. Therefore, a timely coating of asphalt is done keeping in mind the fact to prevent any damage due to this.

Coating of Asphalt is not only safe and mandatory but is also money saving and time saving. When roads or paths are built, then it takes in a big pool of money to do so. When asphalt is one used and the entire layer of it is created, then it is not a child's play to do the same thing after a short few years. So, this coating on Asphalt helps us to reduce the work, because the coating can be easily replenished and re-done to maintain the durability of the path for years and years to come.

The paths and roads are attacked by millions of harmful UV radiations every hour of the day and this goes for many hours. These radiations are harmful and do intensive damage to the path, making sand and particles appear on the path, thus indicating breakage. The seal coating is prepared in a way so as to protect Asphalt from the brutality of these rays.

Chemical protection of Asphalt is the next reason for using seal coating. The road can have gas spills any day. We all know that asphalt is a petroleum and gaseous product. So, the gas spill will enable the gas to penetrate through the structure of asphalt and weaken its bonds. A seal coating creates a layer of separation between the two things and prevents damage.

Lastly, the seal coating is also responsible for making the Asphalt made path capable of withstanding low temperatures. When the temperatures are low, then it can result in the wear and tear and cracking of the paths. This is prevented by the seal coat. The coating also makes the path look new because it masks the rough impressions.

It might sound blunt and meaningless to be doing all this coating, but with the security being an issue in today fast moving world, it is important to protect the high traffic roads and driveways etc from any potential damage.

Dorothy Turner works as a skilled writer who writes content for Sealcoating, Paving Services, Asphalt, Patching Services etc.

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