Thursday, December 31, 2015

Happy New Year!


"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."
-Brad Paisley

Monday, December 28, 2015

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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Friday, December 25, 2015

Happy Holidays!


May Your Days Be Merry and Bright...

Wishing You and Your Family a Wonderful Holiday!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

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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Saturday, December 19, 2015

How To Find The Right Asphalt Paving Company That Best Suits Your Needs


A smooth, well-maintained driveway is most essential if you want to make an excellent impression on a visitor to your property. Due to its shiny black appearance, smooth texture, resilience and durability, asphalt is the most preferred choice for constructing driveways. In fact, it is the best material for many other paving jobs such as parking lots, walkways, etc.

However, it is not only the material, but also the way it is installed that determines whether your surface will be as sturdy and long-lasting as you expect it to be. It is important that you hire a good asphalt contractor if you want your property to benefit from the advantages offered by asphalt paving.

If you look around, you may find several asphalt contractors servicing your area. You need to sift through them to find the most skilled, experienced and reliable one to handle your job. And to be sure that you make the correct choice, you should take out time to learn the basics of the process of asphalt paving and know about the essentials that make a good asphalt paving contractor. The pointers given below can help you hire the perfect professional.
  • You should start your search for a suitable contractor by looking in a reliable, high-traffic online local business directory. You can also get references from your relatives, friends or acquaintances in the local construction industry.
  • It is best to avoid 'traveling' contractors who approach you for handling your asphalt job. These contractors may claim to have materials leftover from a previous project and offer to do your work at a discounted price. Take care not to get tempted into hiring such unpredictable services.
  • Determine your budget so that you can select a contractor whose services suit your needs and are also within your budget.
  • Get estimates from at least 3-4 contractors and compare their services before choosing any one. But, remember that lowest bid does not necessarily mean the best option.
  • Feel free to discuss matters such as how long the contractor has been in the industry; machines and equipment owned by it; skills, certifications and training of its technicians; quality of materials and mixtures to be used; etc.
  • Use online resources and also your local network to learn about the reputation these asphalt paving contractors enjoy.
  • It is most imperative that you ask the contractors for local references, preferably recent ones. Check out a few of these references through personal visits to reassure yourself about the quality of the job done, timeliness of project completion, level of customer service, etc.
  • Get a written contract detailing all the terms agreed upon between both the parties before initiating the project.
As an informed customer, you should make sure that you select the best contractor that deliver on its promises and delivers a high quality, durable surface.

Hire the most professional asphalt contractor tacoma that you can count upon for timely, affordable and lasting services.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

We Specialize In Striping For Small Or Large Jobs


Vaca Vet Striping specializes 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.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Five Key Elements for a Quality Asphalt Driveway


When it comes to asphalt driveways, whether for commercial or residential properties, there are five key elements that make or break their dependability and longevity. Specifically for commercial properties, a good asphalt installation job is vital for several reasons. Not only does it make the investment worthwhile, it safeguards drivers and pedestrians that enter commercial premises because potholes and other road hazards are not present. And aesthetically speaking, good asphalt driveway installation is important so that a commercial business looks professional and prioritized. Continue reading to learn what these five key elements are, and who to trust for quality asphalt concrete paving and installation services.

A Suitable Foundation

The first aspect to consider is the ground foundation. For proper driveway paving, there must be a solid subgrade and a strong aggregate base. Often times, problems occur during paving projects like these because the subgrade is not stabilized correctly. For example, if the ground is full of soft wet clay, a contractor must remove this clay or cover it with a durable stone base that will reinforce the ground surface. Failure to do any of the above methods can result in driveway buckling, cracking, crumbling, and ever-increasing deterioration.

Good Drainage

Water is the number one threat to asphalt and concrete pavement. So when it comes to asphalt driveways, proper drainage is absolutely crucial. Water must drain away from the edges of pavement, rather than collect or amass on top of it. If there is no slope to the pavement, water will not properly runoff the sides and away from the driveway. Water will seep into the pores or open crevices of asphalt and freeze, thaw, and expand the pavement overtime. This is what causes potholes, crumbling, and cracks.

Proper Supplies

If the wrong pavement mix is used to pave an asphalt driveway, problems are bound to ensure. Asphalt driveways are vulnerable to weathering and oxidation, so the right type of hot asphalt mix is vital. Although opinions differ among pavement companies and contractors as to which type of mix is best for such projects, driveway mixes should contain less air voids than highway mixes, but more binder. It should result in a finer aggregate finish to look smoother and darker.

Routine Maintenance

Once a driveway is paved and completed, the work is not done. Routine maintenance all year round is critical for all pavements to last. This includes a daily sweeping of debris, regular power washing, seal-coating, crack repair, and more. Consult a professional pavement contractor for advice on proper asphalt maintenance practices. Companies can even outsource these services.

Ethical Workmanship

It is highly important to hire a licensed, bonded, and insured pavement company for proper construction practices and ethical workmanship. Commercial companies that outsource such services want their providers to be liable for any defects or issue during the installation process. In addition, proper workmanship guarantees a proper job. Trained and experience paving contractors can provide this kind of work for commercial companies and more.

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for licensed asphalt paving in Indianapolis, Indiana. Visit their website at http://www.aciindiana.com/asphalt-paving-indianapolis.php for details about their services and company credentials. They offer asphalt and concrete repair, seal-coating, installation, winter patching, striping, and much more. Call 317-549-1833 and speak with a licensed, bonded, and insured paving contractor in Indianapolis, IN today.
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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Is Your Parking Lot in Need of Repair? Call Vaca Vet Striping!

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.

Sealcoating - Striping - Crack Sealing - Asphalt Paving
Curb Painting - ADA Handicap - Pothole Repairs - Asphalt Overlay 


Before

After

Monday, December 7, 2015

Why You Need an Asphalt Sealer on Your Parking Lot


Asphalt sealer makes a huge difference in the visual appeal of a parking lot and the entrance to any business. Driving into a parking lot that has had a fresh coat of asphalt sealer recently applied gives the appearance of a clean, well-kept establishment. But, that's not all sealcoating does! Asphalt sealcoating protects a parking lot surface from the elements and from erosion.

Asphalt pavement is a pliable surface which makes it more forgiving than concrete. Taking years to fully cure, during the first couple of years, especially on hot sunny days, minor scarring can occur from tractor tires and other heavy vehicles making sharp turns. While these dents don't necessarily hurt the structural integrity of the pavements surface, what you should look out for are cracks. Asphalt cracks can indicate a serious issue.

Asphalt Cracks & Water

If you begin seeing asphalt cracks in your parking lots surface, they deserve a closer look. Water that seeps into asphalt though cracks causes damage. As water runs over a parking lot its constant wear and tear breaks down the asphalt, eroding away the smaller pieces. This erosion leads to a bigger problem, foundation erosion. Left untreated, a small crack penetrated by water will turn into a pothole and into a large repair bills.

First Layer of Defense

High-quality, commercial grade asphalt sealer should be applied to a new asphalt parking lot after the surface cures, which will take approximately 90 days. After the initial sealcoating, a good rule of thumb to reapply another coat of asphalt sealer is two years. This time frame can vary slightly depending on a few factors such as climate, amount of wear and tear from traffic and other environmental issues. In general, when the surface of the asphalt begins to fade, it's time to sealcoat.
Sealcoating does exactly what it sounds like it should do. It seals the surface of the parking lot. Once sealed, water will roll off your pavement instead of soaking in to the substructure.

Asphalt Parking Lots Deserve the Best Care

In Florida, with the hot sun, asphalt sealer will dry quickly. In some regions, quick drying additives can be used to speed drying times. However, in most cases, traffic can return to its usual drive patterns within twelve hours.

Installing an asphalt surface can be quite an investment for a commercial property. Protecting such an investment with asphalt sealer just makes good financial sense.

Maureen McHale is a web marketing consultant specializing in SEO, content marketing and website design. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including: 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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Friday, December 4, 2015

Between Asphalt And Concrete, Why Are You Choosing Asphalt Paving?


Paving experts are choosing asphalt for the pavement job because of its numerous advantages. Asphalt actually is being the chosen material in lieu of the concrete or cement in residential, commercial and industrial set-up. This is being preferred for two reasons - cost effectiveness and durability. More than being cost-effective, asphalt is more time effective than cement. By this we mean that the asphalt material is easier to prepare and dry. Thus any paving or mere repair can be easily accomplished thus making the driveway easily useable.

Paving experts have very important roles in the beautification of the exterior part of your home. The value and beauty of a house does not only come from what you see inside. There are a lot of things that can be attributed to your house exterior. These are the backyard, the garden, the pool (if there is one), the lawn and of course, the pavement and the driveway. The outdoors adds value to the house and you cannot disregard the importance of having a well-paved driveway to the appearance of your home's exterior.

For paving, there are two usual choices, the asphalt and the concrete. You will find that there used to be more people going for concrete pavement. However, in the present, more and more architects, engineers and home designers go for the asphalt pavement due to its numerous advantages. Asphalt actually is now being the chosen material in lieu of the concrete or cement in residential, commercial and industrial set-up. This is being preferred for two reasons cost effectiveness and durability.

You might have pinpointed these two big reasons for the choice. To understand better the individual choice for asphalt, it is paramount that we give the details of the advantages. More than being cost-effective, asphalt is more time effective than cement. By this we mean that the asphalt material is easier to prepare and it is easier to dry. Thus any paving or mere repair can be easily accomplished thus making the driveway easily useable.

Asphalting is more cost-effective in its initial cost as well as its maintenance cost. Starting with the paving job is less expensive than using cement. Any construction job needs to be maintained. And the cost of maintaining this is cheaper than concrete maintenance. With a hole or a crack, application of asphalt in the damaged parts is cheaper. And again, as you do the repair, the advantage of time-effectiveness will come in. The ease in drying makes the repaired driveway useable at once.

Another advantage credited to asphalt is its flexibility and pliability which makes the material easy to mould. Because of the ease in its use, cost-effectiveness will come in. You will require less labor in the construction and restoration of any asphalted pavement and driveway.

Now we have the durability advantage. In comparison to the concrete paving, the cement easily cracks thus will require more frequent sealing. In as much that damages easily occur on concrete paved areas, the cost effectiveness of cement goes down. This further gives you the ideal that concrete pavement is less prone to wear and tear. More support to the durability of asphalt is its weather-resistant feature. The asphalt is more adaptable to any climate change. For the cement, drastic changes in weather can result to susceptibility to cracks and other damages.

In the past, concrete paved outdoor area is the common choice of many homeowners, business establishment offices and industrial work area. With the frequent use of asphalt in paving, the architects and engineers had proved that asphalt material is more beneficial cost and durability wise.

Sunrise Asphalt is a source of Tucson Asphalt Paving Contractors; the company provides professional and proper paving of driveways and parking spaces. To learn more of the firm's services, visit http://www.sunriseasphaltaz.com.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Must-Know Strategies Before Choosing the Best Asphalt Paving Company


Asphalt paving requires employing specially skilled labor. Some employ asphalt paving contractors to repave their driveway while others hire contractors to mend their business sidewalk or parking lot. The needs are different every time. So before choosing an asphalt paving company, you need to carefully consider your needs and requirements along with your tastes, preferences and budget.

Normally, people will call a contractor and ask them for an initial assessment followed by an affordable quote. After going through all the assessments sheets, they usually hire the cheapest one. Though it may work for some individuals, yet most of them suffer in the long run. If you are someone who is more into quality and always appreciated skilled workmanship, then it is definitely not for you. Rather, you can do some comparison shopping, interview the shortlisted contractors, scan their portfolio in great details, take some recommendation from friends and acquaintances, and then decide on the one that best fits your requirements.

Choosing a service is not a simple task for all and sundry. On the other hand, Yet again, there are people who have come up with some quick and convenient strategies.

Perform a comprehensive research: Make sure you ask for recommendations from friends and family members on the provider. If they have hired him before, ask them about the quality of their work. You should also make a personal visit to the company and make sure they have a good standing in the market. At the same time, ensure that their insurance is in good standing in the eyes of law.

Communicate with the manager: You should take an appointment and meet the person in charge to discuss the project in further details. You can ask him the estimated time for the completion of the project, along with other vital details like cost and quality.

Inquire about an all-inclusive service: For simplicity and convenience, you would of course want one company to take care of all driveways and parking lots instead of individually assigning the job to different contractors. Make sure you communicate over this matter in further details. Such services also ensure that the work of consistent throughout.

Use the best materials for an excellent outcome: To ensure that the project meets the desired outcome, this job should be best left on the contractor. He knows more about paving materials than you do. But at the same time, take note of the fact whether they are using the best quality materials that they promised in the contract.

With all the helpful points mentioned above, I'm sure you will have no difficulty in finding the right asphalt paving company that best suits your needs.

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 Crack Sealing Atlanta and construction in general. To learn more please visit our site at http://www.pksasphaltpavingatlanta.com
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