Best wishes for a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and spectacular success!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Deciding Between Asphalt Paving and Concrete?
If you're thinking about paving a parking lot, driveway or road, and can't decide between asphalt paving and concrete paving, this article is for you!
Where concrete was once the preferred method for paving roads and parking lots, today, asphalt paving is the preferred choice.
Let's take a look at how concrete and asphalt are made to compare and contrast the features and benefits of each type of paving.
Concrete is made using crushed rock and sand aggregate, cement and water. As the mixture dries, the cement binds the concrete and holds the aggregate together. Once set, concrete is a stiff and unforgiving solid substance. However, if the surface beneath the concrete has not been made perfectly smooth, concrete is prone to cracking and breaking.
Asphalt is also made using aggregate. However, instead of using cement as a binder, bitumen, a dark, sticky substance derived from crude oil is used. To build a parking lot or driveway, hot asphalt is poured onto a layer of heavier aggregate and then pressed into it with a steamroller. Once cooled, asphalt is strong enough to withstand automobile traffic. While asphalt is extremely hard and durable, it offers enough flexibility to accommodate imperfections in underlying surfaces, a feature that concrete does not have.
The other advantages of asphalt paving over concrete or cement paving are numerous. One advantage over concrete is that removal and replacement of damaged asphalt is a relatively easy process in comparison to that of concrete. Asphalt is also completely recyclable. Due to the large demand of asphalt for recycling purposes, it is rare that this material will be sent to the landfill.
Another benefit to asphalt construction projects is that they can be finished and the roadways opened for traffic much faster and with a lot less expense than concrete construction projects. Additionally, maintenance and repair of asphalt pavement is quicker, easier and less expensive than that of cement pavement. In fact, repairing minor cracks in asphalt driveways and walkways can be so easy that, with the know-how, one person, by them self, can complete a minor asphalt repair project in just one afternoon. A benefit in making the simple, inexpensive asphalt repair can increase the longevity of an asphalt surface significantly.
When more than just asphalt crack repair is needed, the solution still requires less time and money repairing asphalt paving over cement paving. Unlike concrete, which needs to be removed and replaced when significant cracks appear, asphalt can be resurfaced in much less time, and at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you're talking about new construction, maintenance, or repair -- asphalt paving is a better solution than concrete paving in almost every situation, saving you time and money.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/M_McHale/676160
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7345707
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
The Proper Way to Pave an Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways can last many years when they are installed
properly. To start, you will need to select the contractor that you want
to make your paving repairs to your new or existing driveway. There are
several things to consider when selecting the contractor.
You will need to use a contractor with adequate general liability and worker's compensation insurance. Also, it is important to choose a contractor known for their quality work. The contractor you choose should be able to present you with a certificate of insurance upon your request.
It is also a good idea to get written quotes from several different qualified contractors as well. This may require that you meet with the contractors at the work site to make sure everyone is on the same page.
To get started, even before any grading or paving takes place, it is always a good idea to get a utility locate. This will insure no utility lines are interrupted as well as insure overall safety at the work site. This helps the contractor who will need to haul in the equipment necessary to complete the job.
Next, you will want to take into consideration any drainage issues before the grading starts for the new driveway. The water should be directed away from the house or any other structures. The driveway can even be pitched to help direct the water in a certain direction.
It is very important that your base for your driveway be on good compactable dirt. Your contractor should put down a minimum of 4" of base material underneath the new pavement. It is also a good idea to have 2" of new asphalt topping added onto your new driveway. The asphalt should be compacted with a vibratory compactor, as soon as the new pavement is in place.
Following these simple steps will help to insure a quality paving job, by a qualified contractor.
You will need to use a contractor with adequate general liability and worker's compensation insurance. Also, it is important to choose a contractor known for their quality work. The contractor you choose should be able to present you with a certificate of insurance upon your request.
It is also a good idea to get written quotes from several different qualified contractors as well. This may require that you meet with the contractors at the work site to make sure everyone is on the same page.
To get started, even before any grading or paving takes place, it is always a good idea to get a utility locate. This will insure no utility lines are interrupted as well as insure overall safety at the work site. This helps the contractor who will need to haul in the equipment necessary to complete the job.
Next, you will want to take into consideration any drainage issues before the grading starts for the new driveway. The water should be directed away from the house or any other structures. The driveway can even be pitched to help direct the water in a certain direction.
It is very important that your base for your driveway be on good compactable dirt. Your contractor should put down a minimum of 4" of base material underneath the new pavement. It is also a good idea to have 2" of new asphalt topping added onto your new driveway. The asphalt should be compacted with a vibratory compactor, as soon as the new pavement is in place.
Following these simple steps will help to insure a quality paving job, by a qualified contractor.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Ensuring The Quality Of Your Asphalt Paving Contractor
Your driveway deserves to be paved by the experienced and
professional asphalt paving contractor. Finding this service provider is
no longer daunting today because of the advent of the internet. Many of
these contractors have their own websites and you can find many
companies to choose from. Carefully study the qualifications of each
contractor before you finally hire one.
In the construction or renovation or your real estate property, should you go for individual labor or contractor? Perhaps, when the job is for asphalt paving, it is best to find a qualified asphalt paving contractor. So much will depend on the capability of the company, something which ordinary paid laborers cannot do.
It is common for the would-be homeowners to lack the necessary experience to supervise the home construction. When you are about to build your home, you should not hesitate to hire the services of contractors especially when you are in the asphalt paving job. Ordinary laborers cannot do it better than the experienced contracting services. There are homeowners who are adamant in hiring contractors on the belief that asphalt pavers only do the job on a large commercial scale. Contrary to this, several qualified contractors take on smaller projects like residential parking, driveways and condo units.
In your search for the qualified contractor, you need to be guided by several tips. Heed these advices and your asphalt paving project can do well beyond your expectation. So how would you know that the contractor you are eyeing on is reliable and qualified?
Today, the internet provides vast data - even on asphalt paving contractors. You can check on the different websites of the company. Do not fail to read the reviews, testimonials and feedbacks from customers. Many previous clients are more than willing to share their experiences with the contractor - whether the project was done successfully or not. This is the beauty of technology today; it is easy to gather information
Aside from the internet, you can check the phone book directory. It is common for trusted companies to have their company listed so that anyone can easily access their contact numbers. Find out also if the firm is covered by insurance. At least you will be guaranteed that the company is legitimate. You can find photos of previous projects and you can make judgment based on the photos.
You can also check on the credentials of the contractor. After finding your contractor, you can visit the office and personally make your queries. You can check on the technologies and techniques being used by the company. This is one important aspect in your search. This will also give you an idea on the kind of equipments used by the company in the asphalt paving task. Furthermore, inquire about added services such as repairs. You will also know how fast they do the job. Their time frame must be acceptable to you.
It is better to compare. So, you can check on three or four companies and select one that best satisfies you. And do not forget to compare prices also. They can have the same price but different output. One can have lower cost of asphalt paving but lower in quality.
In the construction or renovation or your real estate property, should you go for individual labor or contractor? Perhaps, when the job is for asphalt paving, it is best to find a qualified asphalt paving contractor. So much will depend on the capability of the company, something which ordinary paid laborers cannot do.
It is common for the would-be homeowners to lack the necessary experience to supervise the home construction. When you are about to build your home, you should not hesitate to hire the services of contractors especially when you are in the asphalt paving job. Ordinary laborers cannot do it better than the experienced contracting services. There are homeowners who are adamant in hiring contractors on the belief that asphalt pavers only do the job on a large commercial scale. Contrary to this, several qualified contractors take on smaller projects like residential parking, driveways and condo units.
In your search for the qualified contractor, you need to be guided by several tips. Heed these advices and your asphalt paving project can do well beyond your expectation. So how would you know that the contractor you are eyeing on is reliable and qualified?
Today, the internet provides vast data - even on asphalt paving contractors. You can check on the different websites of the company. Do not fail to read the reviews, testimonials and feedbacks from customers. Many previous clients are more than willing to share their experiences with the contractor - whether the project was done successfully or not. This is the beauty of technology today; it is easy to gather information
Aside from the internet, you can check the phone book directory. It is common for trusted companies to have their company listed so that anyone can easily access their contact numbers. Find out also if the firm is covered by insurance. At least you will be guaranteed that the company is legitimate. You can find photos of previous projects and you can make judgment based on the photos.
You can also check on the credentials of the contractor. After finding your contractor, you can visit the office and personally make your queries. You can check on the technologies and techniques being used by the company. This is one important aspect in your search. This will also give you an idea on the kind of equipments used by the company in the asphalt paving task. Furthermore, inquire about added services such as repairs. You will also know how fast they do the job. Their time frame must be acceptable to you.
It is better to compare. So, you can check on three or four companies and select one that best satisfies you. And do not forget to compare prices also. They can have the same price but different output. One can have lower cost of asphalt paving but lower in quality.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Benefits of Using Asphalt for Paving
The act or technique of laying pavement is known as paving. There
are several materials used for this purpose. But these days, a majority
of paving contractors makes use of asphalt for a variety of paving
projects. Asphalt is generally black in color and possesses a
cement-like uniformity. The cement like consistency is obtained with the
addition of sand, filler and bitumen. As far as the major reasons
behind the popularity of asphalt as a paving material are concerned,
these include:
Ease of installation
Ease of installation is a major reason that has made asphalt a preferred choice for constructing roads and highways. Also it is known for providing quick results. This makes it a good choice for revitalizing roads and streets especially when you need to get the work done in the minimum possible time.
Low-cost building material
This is the second major feature associated with the material. It is a low-cost building material. It is not only less expensive but also takes very less time for preparation. The material dries up quickly which means highways and doors will not be blocked or stuck for a long time.
Extremely durable
Asphalt is extremely durable and can be used for both low and high traffic conditions. Also it is weather-resistant in nature. Sudden changes in weather conditions hardly affect the material. It is used for walkways, parking lots, playgrounds as well as high-volume highways that carry heavy trucks.
Recycling feature
This forms one of the impressive features of the material. It can be recycled which means the product can be used again and again. Reusing the same material again and again means we are preserve our natural resources. Apart from this, it also reduces the landfill situation as less material turns into waste.
Requires less maintenance
Asphalt requires very less maintenance. The material is extremely easy to repair.
These are some of the topmost reasons responsible for making asphalt a popular material for a variety of paving projects.
There are many paving contractors that have been using the material for construction of driveways, parking lots, walkways and various other areas. To achieve the best possible results from your paving project, it is extremely essential to take help from an experienced paving service provider. In this regard, websites can be of great help. You can go through a number of websites to find a reliable paving contractor that suit your budget and project requirements.
Ease of installation
Ease of installation is a major reason that has made asphalt a preferred choice for constructing roads and highways. Also it is known for providing quick results. This makes it a good choice for revitalizing roads and streets especially when you need to get the work done in the minimum possible time.
Low-cost building material
This is the second major feature associated with the material. It is a low-cost building material. It is not only less expensive but also takes very less time for preparation. The material dries up quickly which means highways and doors will not be blocked or stuck for a long time.
Extremely durable
Asphalt is extremely durable and can be used for both low and high traffic conditions. Also it is weather-resistant in nature. Sudden changes in weather conditions hardly affect the material. It is used for walkways, parking lots, playgrounds as well as high-volume highways that carry heavy trucks.
Recycling feature
This forms one of the impressive features of the material. It can be recycled which means the product can be used again and again. Reusing the same material again and again means we are preserve our natural resources. Apart from this, it also reduces the landfill situation as less material turns into waste.
Requires less maintenance
Asphalt requires very less maintenance. The material is extremely easy to repair.
These are some of the topmost reasons responsible for making asphalt a popular material for a variety of paving projects.
There are many paving contractors that have been using the material for construction of driveways, parking lots, walkways and various other areas. To achieve the best possible results from your paving project, it is extremely essential to take help from an experienced paving service provider. In this regard, websites can be of great help. You can go through a number of websites to find a reliable paving contractor that suit your budget and project requirements.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
The Importance of Sealcoating
Surprisingly, many home owners, property owners, and maintenance
workers know very little about the important aspect of sealcoating.
Sealcoating is a general term used to describe applying a top coating, or protectant coating of material over an existing asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement is made up of rock, sand, gravel, and a binding agent to hold it all together. The binding agent is a by-product of the distillation process of certain types of crude oil. As asphalt ages and this by-product breaks down, unfortunately it loses its ability to bind, or hold together. Maintaining this binder is paramount in pavement maintenance. As one would expect, without it, the asphalt will begin to break down. The most common causes of binder degradation are rain, ultraviolet rays from the sun, and chemicals such as antifreeze and car oil.
As asphalt ages and loses this binder, the pavement will start to degrade. When this process begins, a very common warning symptom is piles of small rocks and sand congregating in the low areas in pavement.
To reduce this harmful process from ruining pavement from rain, many people choose to apply a protective layer, or a seal coat, over the pavement to extend the life of the parking lot or driveway and also to prevent degradation. Additionally, when sealcoating products are applied to manufacturers' specifications, they provide a slip resistant surface with a deep satin black finish which beautifies the parking lot or driveway.
Sealcoating materials are typically either coal-based products or acrylic based emulsions. The sealcoat material is in a liquid-water based formulation of one of the above emulsions, then mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other fillers and solids to create the final product. The sealcoat can then be applied by several different methods: by brush, spray method, or by squeegee. The process should be performed by a professional.
To properly maintain the pavement at a home or business, a sealcoating maintenance program must be in place. Maintenance will more than double the life of the asphalt, saving the owner hundreds of dollars down the line and making the property look fresh and appealing. Repairing asphalt pavement after it has begun to degrade is expensive, so it is sensible to protect the pavement by sealcoating before any long term damage occurs for only pennies per square foot.
Applying this protectant every two to three years will certainly extend the life of asphalt pavement for a minimal cost compared to replacement or repair. When applied correctly by a professional contractor, sealcoating prevents oxidation, stops weather damage, and beautifies property.
Sealcoating is a general term used to describe applying a top coating, or protectant coating of material over an existing asphalt pavement. Asphalt pavement is made up of rock, sand, gravel, and a binding agent to hold it all together. The binding agent is a by-product of the distillation process of certain types of crude oil. As asphalt ages and this by-product breaks down, unfortunately it loses its ability to bind, or hold together. Maintaining this binder is paramount in pavement maintenance. As one would expect, without it, the asphalt will begin to break down. The most common causes of binder degradation are rain, ultraviolet rays from the sun, and chemicals such as antifreeze and car oil.
As asphalt ages and loses this binder, the pavement will start to degrade. When this process begins, a very common warning symptom is piles of small rocks and sand congregating in the low areas in pavement.
To reduce this harmful process from ruining pavement from rain, many people choose to apply a protective layer, or a seal coat, over the pavement to extend the life of the parking lot or driveway and also to prevent degradation. Additionally, when sealcoating products are applied to manufacturers' specifications, they provide a slip resistant surface with a deep satin black finish which beautifies the parking lot or driveway.
Sealcoating materials are typically either coal-based products or acrylic based emulsions. The sealcoat material is in a liquid-water based formulation of one of the above emulsions, then mixed with water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other fillers and solids to create the final product. The sealcoat can then be applied by several different methods: by brush, spray method, or by squeegee. The process should be performed by a professional.
To properly maintain the pavement at a home or business, a sealcoating maintenance program must be in place. Maintenance will more than double the life of the asphalt, saving the owner hundreds of dollars down the line and making the property look fresh and appealing. Repairing asphalt pavement after it has begun to degrade is expensive, so it is sensible to protect the pavement by sealcoating before any long term damage occurs for only pennies per square foot.
Applying this protectant every two to three years will certainly extend the life of asphalt pavement for a minimal cost compared to replacement or repair. When applied correctly by a professional contractor, sealcoating prevents oxidation, stops weather damage, and beautifies property.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
How It's Made - Paving Asphalt
Learn how paving asphalt is made in this video.
Show created by Gabriel Hoss.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Asphalt Driveway Basics: What to Know About Asphalt Driveways
Most of the time, not a lot of thought is often given to what type of driveways homeowners want. There are positives and negatives to each option, but as many people find out, asphalt can be a wonderful driveway option for any customer.
The climate you live in is one of the important things to consider when determining which driveway material is best for your situation. As you travel north in the United States, the prevalence of asphalt driveways increases due to the up and down weather conditions that occur in colder climates. Driveways that spend time in colder climates have different needs and requirements than driveways that do not face a lot of weather adversity. This is because asphalt is a more pliable and flexible material than concrete driveways, which makes it more forgiving in those climates. Also, for people living in snowy areas, the black color of the asphalt can also aid in melting ice and snow faster. Those seemingly small things can make a huge difference in adding on to your driveway's life span.
When time is of the essence, asphalt driveways are a good choice. When done by a professional, they can be done relatively quickly and with out a lot of mess. A new asphalt driveway can usually be installed in a day or two after the sub-grade preparation. This causes fewer problems for the driveway owner. These driveways also be driven on around 24 hours after their installation, making it relatively more convenient than other methods. Less wait time can end up being a forgotten factor when considering driveway options, but it should not be dismissed. With proper installation and care, an asphalt driveway can last up to 20 or 30 years. This lifespan is based on the installation's quality, the type and frequency of driveway maintenance and your region's climate.
Asphalt driveways should be sealed every 3 to 5 years to maintain their quality and prevent deterioration once they are a minimum of 6 months old. It is recommended that a quality commercial grade asphalt sealer does the sealing to ensure the highest quality.
These driveways can be an economical and aesthetically pleasing solution for your driveway needs. They offer a sharp, sleek and clean look for your driveway. If you determine that your climate and location are suitable for installing asphalt driveways, contact a professional to help you assess what your pre-installation check list should include.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Enjoy a Safe Driveway or Parking Lot by Hiring Expert Paving Contractors!
A safe parking lot or driveway is an essential first step to
creating a welcoming atmosphere at any home or business. Prevent person
injuries and property damage by hiring a professional paving contractor
to perform effective, long-lasting pavement repairs, resurfacing, and
more.
Potholed, crumbled, or cracked parking lots and driveways don't just give off a poor impression. They can deter customers from your business, create neighborhood eyesores, pose physical threats to people and vehicles, and even result in damage to your buildings due to poor drainage. If you have damaged pavement on your property or need a new parking lot or driveway, call your local paving contractors today. These professionals have the experience and know-how to provide you with attractive, safe craftsmanship that will serve you well for years to come.
How do paving contractors promote safety?
Correctable and preventable problems such as potholes, cracks, and dips can cause broken ankles, scraped knees, or worse. Your paving contractor is available to provide a variety of parking lot and driveway paving and repairs, such as filling in potholes, sealing cracks, installing block edges to prevent crumbling, and more. Replacement driveway or parking lot paving is also an option if your current pavement is irreparably damaged. These professionals will only use quality materials and tools to ensure a sleek look and continued performance season after season.
Your paving professional will begin by ensuring that the construction area is even and stable. Your terrain will be then be examined in order to determine the proper grade for your pavement. This encourages water to drain away from your property, which helps prevent water damage and puddles. The base stone will then be laid, bound with asphalt binder, and then sealed with a smooth top coat.
After proper pavement installation, your paving contractor can then provide additional safety features and services, including:
Installing and servicing reliable driveways and parking lots comes from years of experience and expert knowledge. Using a professional paving company is necessary if you want to enjoy quality work that can stand up to time, traffic, and the elements. If you want to help prevent vehicle accidents, remove safety hazards, or just are sick of having grass grow in the cracks of your driveway, don't settle for amateur work. Call your local paving professionals today.
Potholed, crumbled, or cracked parking lots and driveways don't just give off a poor impression. They can deter customers from your business, create neighborhood eyesores, pose physical threats to people and vehicles, and even result in damage to your buildings due to poor drainage. If you have damaged pavement on your property or need a new parking lot or driveway, call your local paving contractors today. These professionals have the experience and know-how to provide you with attractive, safe craftsmanship that will serve you well for years to come.
How do paving contractors promote safety?
Correctable and preventable problems such as potholes, cracks, and dips can cause broken ankles, scraped knees, or worse. Your paving contractor is available to provide a variety of parking lot and driveway paving and repairs, such as filling in potholes, sealing cracks, installing block edges to prevent crumbling, and more. Replacement driveway or parking lot paving is also an option if your current pavement is irreparably damaged. These professionals will only use quality materials and tools to ensure a sleek look and continued performance season after season.
Your paving professional will begin by ensuring that the construction area is even and stable. Your terrain will be then be examined in order to determine the proper grade for your pavement. This encourages water to drain away from your property, which helps prevent water damage and puddles. The base stone will then be laid, bound with asphalt binder, and then sealed with a smooth top coat.
After proper pavement installation, your paving contractor can then provide additional safety features and services, including:
- Sign installation and pavement painting - Arrows, signs, parking lines, and other accessories and details are essential for an orderly parking lot. These features help prevent accidents, distinguish handicap reserved spaces, and more!
- Speed bumps - Discourage speeding on your property with strong, effective speed bumps.
- Prevent vehicular damage - Potholes and other deterioration are often the culprit behind popped tires and damaged suspensions. Prompt driveway and parking lot repairs can protect cars as well as people.
Installing and servicing reliable driveways and parking lots comes from years of experience and expert knowledge. Using a professional paving company is necessary if you want to enjoy quality work that can stand up to time, traffic, and the elements. If you want to help prevent vehicle accidents, remove safety hazards, or just are sick of having grass grow in the cracks of your driveway, don't settle for amateur work. Call your local paving professionals today.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Asphalt Pavement Maintenance Planning
Do you have an asphalt maintenance plan in place for your
facility? As asphalt surfaces age, erode and become brittle, proper
periodic assessment and treatments are essential in maintaining a
quality surface and infrastructure. The appropriate course of action can
save time and money by making sure the maintenance applications are
matched to the severity of the pavement problems.
Understanding Defects
There are typically three types of asphalt failures: Surface, Bond, and Structural Failures. For surface failures there can be raveling, and transverse or longitudinal cracking problems. Raveling is the loss of aggregate from the surface as a result of abrading action from wheels. Longitudinal cracks run in the direction of traffic and transverse cracks are 90 degrees to longitudinal cracks. Longitudinal cracks are typically caused from shrinkage.
Bonding failures are usually in the form of slippage between two layers of surfacing causing cracks in the upper layer. In some cases the combination of bonding and crack failures causes the top layer to flake off in chunks.
The most severe defects are structural cracking which can include fatigue cracking and rutting. Fatigue cracking results from the surface being flexed up and down from heavy loads going by. The cracks are very close together and look like an alligator's skin. This defect occurs when the underlying road section can no longer support the loads being applied to the pavement. One heavy truck can flex and damage a road more than thousands of cars passing over the same spot. Rutting is a depression of the pavement in the wheel path and is usually continuous throughout a pavement. It can occur in just the asphalt layer or throughout the entire infrastructure of asphalt, base, and soil.
Types of Treatments
The difference types of actions one can choose will vary with the defects and extent of damage found on the pavement surface. The potential solutions can include surface seal coats, crack filling, slurry seals, selective dig-outs and patching, or full overlays.
Within the use of surface seal coats, there are several to choose from. They include slurry, cape, micro-surfacing, fog, and rubberized chip seals to name a few. A fog seal contains no aggregate or sand and is spray applied to keep the surface aggregate in place. A surface seal coat is a mixture of sand and asphalt emulsion with other fillers. It provides a uniform black surface and protects from UV damage and reduces water intrusion. A slurry seal consists of emulsified asphalt binder, a graded fine aggregate additive and water and is applied by machines with pressure.
An overlay is used over the top of an existing pavement surface to strengthen and protect the original structure. It can be applied at various thicknesses and also can be rubberized. Sometimes milling is required before the overlay when excessive heights are an issue to prevent any potential trip hazards. Also the use of paving grids and fabrics over the top of an existing cracked pavement can provide additional strength and water intrusion protection.
Choosing a Plan of Action
Parking lots primarily utilize asphalt seal coats, slurry seals and sand seals. These seals are designed for use in areas that will have constant turning forces. The oils are harder than chip and cape seal oils and lessen tire marking on the pavement.
Streets generally utilize slurry, chip, cape seals or micro-surfacing. These treatments vary depending on the conditions of the road. Crack filling and dig-out repairs must be completed prior to the placement of the surface treatments to obtain the maximum performance life.
So you can see there are various failures modes from minor surface issues to major structural failures and there are a wide variety of treatments to deal with them. Plus following an overall maintenance plan through the lifecycle of the pavement will help prevent early failure and maintain the asset through its expected lifetime. The best way to get started is to have an asphalt engineering firm or quality asphalt contractor assess your situation and provide guidance on what the most economical course of action would be for your situation.
Understanding Defects
There are typically three types of asphalt failures: Surface, Bond, and Structural Failures. For surface failures there can be raveling, and transverse or longitudinal cracking problems. Raveling is the loss of aggregate from the surface as a result of abrading action from wheels. Longitudinal cracks run in the direction of traffic and transverse cracks are 90 degrees to longitudinal cracks. Longitudinal cracks are typically caused from shrinkage.
Bonding failures are usually in the form of slippage between two layers of surfacing causing cracks in the upper layer. In some cases the combination of bonding and crack failures causes the top layer to flake off in chunks.
The most severe defects are structural cracking which can include fatigue cracking and rutting. Fatigue cracking results from the surface being flexed up and down from heavy loads going by. The cracks are very close together and look like an alligator's skin. This defect occurs when the underlying road section can no longer support the loads being applied to the pavement. One heavy truck can flex and damage a road more than thousands of cars passing over the same spot. Rutting is a depression of the pavement in the wheel path and is usually continuous throughout a pavement. It can occur in just the asphalt layer or throughout the entire infrastructure of asphalt, base, and soil.
Types of Treatments
The difference types of actions one can choose will vary with the defects and extent of damage found on the pavement surface. The potential solutions can include surface seal coats, crack filling, slurry seals, selective dig-outs and patching, or full overlays.
Within the use of surface seal coats, there are several to choose from. They include slurry, cape, micro-surfacing, fog, and rubberized chip seals to name a few. A fog seal contains no aggregate or sand and is spray applied to keep the surface aggregate in place. A surface seal coat is a mixture of sand and asphalt emulsion with other fillers. It provides a uniform black surface and protects from UV damage and reduces water intrusion. A slurry seal consists of emulsified asphalt binder, a graded fine aggregate additive and water and is applied by machines with pressure.
An overlay is used over the top of an existing pavement surface to strengthen and protect the original structure. It can be applied at various thicknesses and also can be rubberized. Sometimes milling is required before the overlay when excessive heights are an issue to prevent any potential trip hazards. Also the use of paving grids and fabrics over the top of an existing cracked pavement can provide additional strength and water intrusion protection.
Choosing a Plan of Action
Parking lots primarily utilize asphalt seal coats, slurry seals and sand seals. These seals are designed for use in areas that will have constant turning forces. The oils are harder than chip and cape seal oils and lessen tire marking on the pavement.
Streets generally utilize slurry, chip, cape seals or micro-surfacing. These treatments vary depending on the conditions of the road. Crack filling and dig-out repairs must be completed prior to the placement of the surface treatments to obtain the maximum performance life.
So you can see there are various failures modes from minor surface issues to major structural failures and there are a wide variety of treatments to deal with them. Plus following an overall maintenance plan through the lifecycle of the pavement will help prevent early failure and maintain the asset through its expected lifetime. The best way to get started is to have an asphalt engineering firm or quality asphalt contractor assess your situation and provide guidance on what the most economical course of action would be for your situation.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Advantages of Asphalt Paving Over Concrete
Today, Asphalt has become a synonym to paving and is a widely installed form of paving. It is preferred both in the commercial as well as industrial sectors for its cost-effective and durability. It is chosen over other forms of paving like concrete by property owners and business owners alike.
A comparative study of the two forms of paving mentioned above gives a better idea about the right kind of material for driveways, parking lots, pavements, walkways and other property peripheries.
Some of the advantages of asphalt paving over its concrete counterpart are mentioned below:
Time-effective The most important factor that supports Asphalt paving is its time-effective. It is the easiest paying material to prepare and also dries up quicker than concrete. Hence, potholes, damaged parking lots and driveways are mended easily with asphalt in lesser time.
Initial Cost Although, the long-time cost of concrete is lesser than Asphalt paving, Asphalt paving has less initial cost. It is economical and can easily used to repair and restore damages. Its up front costs are quite less; hence, the long-term maintenance costs of asphalt are overlooked.
Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost for asphalt is much less than concrete. Over a period of time, the cost ratio for asphalt is definitely more than concrete, but its one-time cost is less than concrete.
Wear and Tear Concrete is more prone to cracks and require a lot of seals and maintenance in the long run. They develop cracks and fissures easily than in asphalt paving. Hence, asphalt is comparatively less prone to wear and tear in quick time.
Flexibility Asphalt is an extremely flexible paving material and can be mould and used for any kind of paving and construction work. It is widely used in both commercial and residential sectors for construction and restoration work.
Weather Resistance Another important factor favoring the installation of asphalt paving is its long durability and weather resistance. It is resistant to easy wear and tear due to climatic change.
Thus, it becomes clear that the role of paving expert in our lives can not be avoided. One can make his or her home exterior beautiful by choosing experienced Paving contractors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Aaklin_Decosta/599249
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4950317
Friday, November 25, 2016
Why Have An Asphalt Driveway In Your Property
The look of your driveway has an effect on the overall appeal of
your house. It works as a focal point as passersby and visitors come
towards your house. An inviting driveway also adds to the value of your
home. The most common material utilized in residential driveways is hot
mix asphalt, which is an engineered combination of aggregate and liquid
asphalt cement.
Benefits of using asphalt
Asphalt is a recommended material for driveways because they are even, long lasting, and safe. They can also deal with any load, from sedans to even trucks for those who have them. Asphalt pavement can be custom-made to reduce noise, to minimize splash and spray during the wet seasons, and even to help treat rain water. It can also stand up to freezing and thawing. And in winter, you don't have to worry about salting your driveway because asphalt is unaffected by salt.
Best time to have your driveway paved
Temperature is one of the primary considerations when paving a driveway because low temperatures and cold air can considerably affect how quickly the mix cools and thus extend the timeframe the contractor may need to complete the task. Paving your driveway during the cold season will leave you with a driveway that looks uneven.
How to choose an asphalt paving company
Avoid itinerant contractors - Be vigilant during the spring and summer months since there are several paving companies who go door-to-door offering affordable deals on asphalt work. Some of these offers are a sham. Some of them require money upfront but provide shoddy quality of work or one that deteriorates prematurely.
Obtain several estimates - Prices differ among paving companies. In addition, they may vary when it comes to quality. Get quotes from at least three contractors, and make sure that they are providing estimates for the same specifications.
Ascertain compliance to local requirements - Determine if the paving contractor you would like to hire has the required license to operate. To avoid potential headaches later on, make sure to use a paving contractor who is adequately insured and bonded.
Obtain references - Ask for contact details of past customers so you can communicate with them directly. Past customers can give you information that the company may not readily provide, like how respectful the contractor's workers were and if the project was accomplished within the agreed time and budget.
Get a contract - Insist on getting a contract for the work. The contract ought to be thorough and must contain all guarantees made by the paving company.
Benefits of using asphalt
Asphalt is a recommended material for driveways because they are even, long lasting, and safe. They can also deal with any load, from sedans to even trucks for those who have them. Asphalt pavement can be custom-made to reduce noise, to minimize splash and spray during the wet seasons, and even to help treat rain water. It can also stand up to freezing and thawing. And in winter, you don't have to worry about salting your driveway because asphalt is unaffected by salt.
Best time to have your driveway paved
Temperature is one of the primary considerations when paving a driveway because low temperatures and cold air can considerably affect how quickly the mix cools and thus extend the timeframe the contractor may need to complete the task. Paving your driveway during the cold season will leave you with a driveway that looks uneven.
How to choose an asphalt paving company
Avoid itinerant contractors - Be vigilant during the spring and summer months since there are several paving companies who go door-to-door offering affordable deals on asphalt work. Some of these offers are a sham. Some of them require money upfront but provide shoddy quality of work or one that deteriorates prematurely.
Obtain several estimates - Prices differ among paving companies. In addition, they may vary when it comes to quality. Get quotes from at least three contractors, and make sure that they are providing estimates for the same specifications.
Ascertain compliance to local requirements - Determine if the paving contractor you would like to hire has the required license to operate. To avoid potential headaches later on, make sure to use a paving contractor who is adequately insured and bonded.
Obtain references - Ask for contact details of past customers so you can communicate with them directly. Past customers can give you information that the company may not readily provide, like how respectful the contractor's workers were and if the project was accomplished within the agreed time and budget.
Get a contract - Insist on getting a contract for the work. The contract ought to be thorough and must contain all guarantees made by the paving company.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Selecting A Good Asphalt Contractor Is Must To Get High Quality Durable Surfaces
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
The Correct Way to Repair an Asphalt Parking Lot
There are many contributing factors that make asphalt a great
material to use when paving a parking lot or an asphalt driveway. It is a
relatively inexpensive material when compared to other material such as
concrete or concrete paving blocks. Asphalt is a very durable product
that stands up well to basic wear and tear of vehicle and foot traffic.
Another great reason to use asphalt for your paving needs is that
asphalt is a green product that is recycled more often than any other
paving product.
Here are a few tips that will help you if you already have an asphalt driveway or parking lot surface that is in need of repairs. Although asphalt will need maintenance from time to time, it will only help in keeping future repair cost down to a minimum. If you are trying to do your own maintenance repairs, you will want to complete the repairs properly in order to get the maximum life out of your pavement. If you are hiring a contractor to handle the repairs for you, a little education on what to look for will help you choose the right contractor and also help you know what to look for once their on the job.
Asphalt maintenance should be done periodically as needed. Sealcoating is one way to protect against water undermining the asphalt and reaching the base material beneath the asphalt. Ultraviolet rays can break down the binder material in asphalt allowing it to become brittle and fall apart. Sealcoating will give your asphalt surface protection against the ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating should be mixed to the proper specifications and should not be diluted to in order to stretch out the product. This will not give the asphalt the same protection. The first coat can be sprayed on to ensure the material gets into the smaller cracks to seal off and stop any future water penetration.
If you have areas in your asphalt pavement that have potholes or noticeably large alligator cracks you may need to remove these areas in order to repair them correctly. The first step in this process is to cut out the affected area with a saw. Next, you will need to remove any excess materials from the affected area. Once the area is cleaned of any debris, apply a tach coat to make the new hot asphalt adhere to the cut out area. Then apply the new asphalt, and always make sure to compact the newly installed asphalt.
Here are a few tips that will help you if you already have an asphalt driveway or parking lot surface that is in need of repairs. Although asphalt will need maintenance from time to time, it will only help in keeping future repair cost down to a minimum. If you are trying to do your own maintenance repairs, you will want to complete the repairs properly in order to get the maximum life out of your pavement. If you are hiring a contractor to handle the repairs for you, a little education on what to look for will help you choose the right contractor and also help you know what to look for once their on the job.
Asphalt maintenance should be done periodically as needed. Sealcoating is one way to protect against water undermining the asphalt and reaching the base material beneath the asphalt. Ultraviolet rays can break down the binder material in asphalt allowing it to become brittle and fall apart. Sealcoating will give your asphalt surface protection against the ultraviolet rays. Sealcoating should be mixed to the proper specifications and should not be diluted to in order to stretch out the product. This will not give the asphalt the same protection. The first coat can be sprayed on to ensure the material gets into the smaller cracks to seal off and stop any future water penetration.
If you have areas in your asphalt pavement that have potholes or noticeably large alligator cracks you may need to remove these areas in order to repair them correctly. The first step in this process is to cut out the affected area with a saw. Next, you will need to remove any excess materials from the affected area. Once the area is cleaned of any debris, apply a tach coat to make the new hot asphalt adhere to the cut out area. Then apply the new asphalt, and always make sure to compact the newly installed asphalt.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Proper Maintenance for Asphalt Pavement
Asphalt is among the most popular commercial paving materials used today due to its water-resistance, flexibility, aesthetic appeal, and excellent adhesive abilities. All of these properties and more make asphalt pavement an asset that requires a structured level of preservation and care. Otherwise, it is prone to fading, damage, instability, and various other negative implications. With proper preventative maintenance, asphalt pavements can remain beautiful and functional for years. Not only is this ideal for investment purposes, but for liability as well. If you are an involved property owner, continue reading to learn the best methods for asphalt maintenance and care.
Asphalt Maintenance
Although pavement maintenance agendas will differ from property to property, the overall purpose of asphalt maintenance is to sustain its appeal and extend its life. Some paving maintenance tasks can be managed on your own or by an appointed staff, such as inspections and trash clearance; while others are best left in the hands of trained and equipped professionals. An ideal pavement maintenance should include basic tasks like regular assessments, sweeping, crack filling, pothole repair, periodic line striping, and most importantly, seal coating. Without a proper sealcoat, asphalt pavements will experience heightened wear and tear from traffic, weather, chemicals, salts, and more, which shortens their life and diminishes their aesthetic value.
Asphalt Seal Coating
Seal coats are emulsions that are brushed or sprayed onto pavements, providing a clear protective layer against moisture and the above-mentioned threats. There are several types of commercial sealcoats available on the market, but the most popular versions include fog seal, slurry seal, and chip seal emulsions. Some sealcoat products are water-based, which are easier and safer to spread. But there are also waterless versions that use organic or plant-based oils or hydrocarbon solvents instead.
Choosing to Seal Coat
If your asphalt pavement is old and in poor condition, it will not likely benefit from a new layer of seal coat. In some cases, it is more cost-effective to repair or replace deteriorated asphalt pavements instead. However, if your asphalt is in good condition, a periodic re-sealing can be a highly-beneficial maintenance decision. Talk to your trusted paving contractor for a professional recommendation of your asphalt's maintenance and sealcoating schedule. They will know exactly what your property needs and at what intervals. The cost of having your asphalt seal-coated will depend on several factors, such as the square footage, the condition of pavement, and any additional surface applications needed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9535687
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Asphalt Installation - Understand the Process Before You Choose a Paving Company
If you're thinking about getting asphalt installed, either as a
driveway or something else, knowing how it's installed is important. Not
only will it help you know what to expect during the installation, but
you will understand where your hard earned money is going. Here is some
information on asphalt installation to help you understand the process
before you choose a paving company.
The Stone Layer
Typically, asphalt installation begins with the company putting down a layer of stone or gravel. Many contractors use crushed gravel as it is the least expensive base to use for the asphalt. If you want the best sort of underlay for your asphalt, you can request a larger stone - however, be prepared as it may cost you more. Once the stone layer has been put in, the contractor will move on to the pouring the asphalt.
Pouring the Asphalt
Generally, after the stone has been selected and placed where it is needed, the contractors will pour the asphalt. You may notice that the gravel extends a few inches past where the asphalt is poured. This is good - if the asphalt made it to the sides of the gravel to the dirt or grass, it can easily break off at the sides as there is nothing supporting it. This will make your driveway look terrible!
Leveling
After the asphalt is poured, you will notice your contractor using a machine to straighten or level the surface of the driveway. This is to make sure everything is perfectly level and that there are no bumps or areas that are higher or lower than the rest of the asphalt. When this is finished, your asphalt only needs to cool and set up and you will have a brand new driveway. The time it takes to finish your driveway depends on how large it is and many other variables. Your contractor will discuss this with you before the job is started.
The Stone Layer
Typically, asphalt installation begins with the company putting down a layer of stone or gravel. Many contractors use crushed gravel as it is the least expensive base to use for the asphalt. If you want the best sort of underlay for your asphalt, you can request a larger stone - however, be prepared as it may cost you more. Once the stone layer has been put in, the contractor will move on to the pouring the asphalt.
Pouring the Asphalt
Generally, after the stone has been selected and placed where it is needed, the contractors will pour the asphalt. You may notice that the gravel extends a few inches past where the asphalt is poured. This is good - if the asphalt made it to the sides of the gravel to the dirt or grass, it can easily break off at the sides as there is nothing supporting it. This will make your driveway look terrible!
Leveling
After the asphalt is poured, you will notice your contractor using a machine to straighten or level the surface of the driveway. This is to make sure everything is perfectly level and that there are no bumps or areas that are higher or lower than the rest of the asphalt. When this is finished, your asphalt only needs to cool and set up and you will have a brand new driveway. The time it takes to finish your driveway depends on how large it is and many other variables. Your contractor will discuss this with you before the job is started.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Reasons Why You Should Maintain Your Asphalt Pavement
If you own a property that has asphalt pavement for a driveway or parking area you will need to take necessary steps in order to maintain the surface. If the proper steps are taken to maintain the asphalt surface, it can last for many years. There are some costs involved in maintaining the parking lot but ultimately it is much cheaper than having to replace it.
You should always try to keep water from penetrating your asphalt's surface. Water is one of the largest factors which can lead to asphalt deterioration. Usually water will make its way into the asphalt by the cracks in the pavement's surface. Crack filling will help to prevent the water from entering into the asphalt's surface. Crack filling is a process where rubberized asphalt material is heated and then applied into the crack in the asphalt's surface. The rubberized asphalt dries and fills the crack, thus keeping water from entering. All cracks in the surface should be filled before more troublesome, larger more expensive repairs are needed. If left untreated, these cracks will eventually lead to potholes. Potholes are large holes in the asphalt's surface where the water has affected the sub grade under the surface.
Another factor in maintaining an asphalts surface is sealcoating. Sealcoating is a necessary step in maintaining your parking lot or driveway. Sealcoating is applied to the surface of the pavement using a sprayer and a squeegee. The sealcoating material will help to defend against any ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet rays can break down the binder material in the asphalt material. As the binder material is broken down, aggregates and sands become loosened. The sealcoating process can normally be applied quickly and easily.
It is a good idea to have these steps applied by a professional. You can normally find a professional in the local phone book or on the internet. You can search asphalt paving companies or asphalt paving contractors to receive the help that you are seeking.
Friday, November 4, 2016
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Matt_D_Purdy/1136821
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6439090
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Why Should Business Owners Maintain Their Commercial Parking Lots?
For many individuals, one of the most primary concerns when going to any type of commercial establishment is the overall condition of the parking lot. When the commercial parking lot is neglected or not properly maintained, it can present health and safety hazards. One of the most serious health risks that come with a poorly maintained car park is the environmental pollutants that might accumulate in the area. For this reason, business owners need to realize that clients and customers prefer to choose a car park that is properly maintained, well-kept, and are not isolated.
There are a lot of reasons why it is crucial to ensure that the facility maintains the proper upkeep of their outdoor areas. This article lists the importance of maintaining the parking area of commercial establishments.
Prevent Serious Health Hazards
Parking areas that are covered, such as those located in the basement or underground, should be properly ventilated and cleaned regularly. Engines emit smoke that can pose serious health risks, especially if the smoke is kept within an enclosed area. The solid particles from the emission will settle on the floor as particulates. These particulates can contain toxic substances.
These toxic particles can become air-borne or it might be washed into bodies of water. If these particles eventually end up in natural water ways, it will pose serious health risks to drinking water and other aquamarine resources.
Improve Business Image
Properly maintaining the parking lot is also important to improve the image of the business establishment. When clients or customers visit the establishment this outdoor area will be the first thing they see. A well-kept and properly maintained appearance will provide positive impression.
To ensure that this area looks attractive and clean, a full range of maintenance and repair services are needed. There are companies offering commercial cleaning services that are dedicated to maintaining parking lots and sidewalk areas.
Protect Your Investment
Business owners should also pay close attention to parking lot maintenance because preparing this entails huge investment. Maintaining this area will help maintain the durability as well as the appeal of the parking area.
Keep in mind that when sand, gravel, and other debris stay on the surface for too long, it will affect the overall appearance of the car park. It will also deteriorate the surface of the parking lot. Overtime, the residual residue will result in costly repairs on the car park surface.
It is the business owner's responsibility to oversee the maintenance of their commercial property. Maintaining cleanliness in the parking area goes beyond improving the aesthetic appeal of the property. It will help lower the health and safety risks, as well as lower the cost of possible repair and maintenance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sara_Schweiger/87221
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8203319
Thursday, October 27, 2016
More Than Just Price - Choosing a Paving Contractor to Install Your Driveway
Paving an asphalt driveway may seem like a simple task to some
people. Basically you just get a couple of companies out of the phone
book to give you an estimate and then pick the cheapest one right? Well,
not if you're concerned about the craftsmanship or making sure you get
what you pay for. This is the number one mistake people make when
choosing a contractor. Before you call any company do some research
first. Information is readily available 24 hours a day on the web. Stay
away from people that knock on your door. You will never ever get a good
job from someone telling you he has an extra load of asphalt from a job
up the street. These people are called travelers and never deliver on
what they promise. There is plenty of info on the web regarding these
types of people.
Try to zero in on companies that specialize in residential asphalt drives. Commercial contractors excel in putting down lots of asphalt really fast, but usually fall short of a homeowner's expectations when it comes to details. Review a company's website, check them against the BBB or other reporting agencies, and compare your notes about your research. When you look at their website, be sure to pay really close attention to the details you find both in the content and in the pictures on the site. You want to see what kind of work they are capable of, and you want to be confident they fully know what they are doing. You'll also be able to make sure they have adequate equipment if they have good pictures. Once you have 1-3 good companies with a clean history and a good reputation now is the time to talk to them and request a bid. Always get a written proposal. This makes sure both parties' expectations are clear and known. It also helps protect you if a legal matter ensues.
When reviewing the bids pay close attention to the entire proposal; including the letterhead that it's composed on. Sloppiness or inadequacies on paper now may be what you'll get on your asphalt driveway too. Be sure that everything you expect from your paving project is included in the scope. Make sure you understand everything that is taking place. Be sure you understand how the job will be scheduled, how thick the driveway will be after the asphalt is compacted, how much rock will be installed prior to paving, and the dimensions or square footage. Signing a contract means you have accepted what is in writing. If something is left out, make sure you get an amended contract.
Before you sign a contract you should take some time and use good judgment to compare the estimates. Price should never be your number one concern. We'll discuss price in a moment. Take an opportunity to ask a contractor for referrals that best match the design of your job. Some companies keep a cheat sheet of their best referrals, but you should insist they provide you with 1-2 jobs nearby that best match your own asphalt driveway. You want this because you should be inclined to physically investigate what kind of work they do. Ask about jobs they might be doing in the area so you can personally witness them while in action.
How do you know what to look for when looking at a referral driveway that a company has already completed? Here are a few great tips that will bring you up to an educated level.
· Check all the transitional areas such as sidewalks, garage floors, and streets. These should all be flush, with no bump, and should have the proper thickness. Without these details you will see water problems, or unraveling of the asphalt. These symptoms only get worse as time goes on.
· Streaking or pock marks are a good indicator of a thin surface. This happens when there is not enough material to encapsulate the larger stones while paving. The larger stones will tumble and cause imperfections in the surface, or "mat".
· Seams and joints should be flush with each other, and barely visible (if at all) to an untrained eye. Seams and joints that are severely visible or are not evenly matched will fail prematurely.
· Exposed edges of the perimeter should be properly constructed. This is where most companies sink or swim. You should pay most of your attention here. Stand back and carefully look at the edges from a distant point of view. You should observe several aspects: The edges should be either in a perfectly straight line, or consistently "flowing" with the turns. The edges should be properly shaped, beveled, or tamped in a consistent looking 60 degree angle. The edges should be compacted properly without looking "squashed" from the top. Without these characteristics you will have problems later and it just doesn't look as good as it should.
· If you look at the job after a rainstorm, be sure there is no considerable ponding, or puddling of water. If you do see water spots you can quickly deduce if they are too deep by measuring them with a coin placed flat in the water. The water should not be deeper than the coin.
· Last but not least, if the driveway was paved recently look for trash or debris left behind. This will indicate the level of cleanliness the crew is at.
You should really focus on the importance of inspecting past jobs by the company before spending your own money on having your asphalt driveway paved. By printing out this guide you can take it with you to create a checklist to write notes and comparisons on. Once you have done this, talk to the home owner and ask how their experience was with the firm. If you are diligent about researching your contractors prior to hiring them, you nearly eliminate the chance of getting a bad asphalt driveway. It's your money, be sure it's well spent.
Certainly ask your contractor about asphalt prices. Since early 2008 prices have gone up and down every month (typically up). Most paving contractors will not absorb a price increase. You and your contractor need to be in agreement with what will happen in the case of rising material costs.
Since we are on the topic of price now, let's explore a few matters. There are a few ways of eliminating contractors before price. Be sure they are completely aware of your expectations. Have they presented you with a solution that gives you the absolute best return on investment? Does their reputation meet what you are looking for? If you have done your homework and still are lucky enough to have several contractors to choose from, price now becomes an important focus. Ask about available discounts. Typically, discounts are usually for cash payment, multiple jobs done at once (i.e. neighbor also needs a driveway), senior citizen, or repeat work. Also inquire about getting free or discounted maintenance packages once they have completed your driveway. Ask about including other options such as crack barrier or curbing at a lesser amount. Before asking a contractor to directly drop his price, be aware of several things. If you have found a very good contractor, chances are they are very passionate about their work and may feel a bit insulted if asked to match another company's price. If you ask them to match a price and they feel as though their competition is as good as they are, a price reduction might be made to try to satisfy you. Be very considerate when asking for a direct reduction. These days it's very expensive and stressful to operate a successful paving operation. The last thing you want to do is cause your contractor stress that may influence how your driveway is constructed.
Try to zero in on companies that specialize in residential asphalt drives. Commercial contractors excel in putting down lots of asphalt really fast, but usually fall short of a homeowner's expectations when it comes to details. Review a company's website, check them against the BBB or other reporting agencies, and compare your notes about your research. When you look at their website, be sure to pay really close attention to the details you find both in the content and in the pictures on the site. You want to see what kind of work they are capable of, and you want to be confident they fully know what they are doing. You'll also be able to make sure they have adequate equipment if they have good pictures. Once you have 1-3 good companies with a clean history and a good reputation now is the time to talk to them and request a bid. Always get a written proposal. This makes sure both parties' expectations are clear and known. It also helps protect you if a legal matter ensues.
When reviewing the bids pay close attention to the entire proposal; including the letterhead that it's composed on. Sloppiness or inadequacies on paper now may be what you'll get on your asphalt driveway too. Be sure that everything you expect from your paving project is included in the scope. Make sure you understand everything that is taking place. Be sure you understand how the job will be scheduled, how thick the driveway will be after the asphalt is compacted, how much rock will be installed prior to paving, and the dimensions or square footage. Signing a contract means you have accepted what is in writing. If something is left out, make sure you get an amended contract.
Before you sign a contract you should take some time and use good judgment to compare the estimates. Price should never be your number one concern. We'll discuss price in a moment. Take an opportunity to ask a contractor for referrals that best match the design of your job. Some companies keep a cheat sheet of their best referrals, but you should insist they provide you with 1-2 jobs nearby that best match your own asphalt driveway. You want this because you should be inclined to physically investigate what kind of work they do. Ask about jobs they might be doing in the area so you can personally witness them while in action.
How do you know what to look for when looking at a referral driveway that a company has already completed? Here are a few great tips that will bring you up to an educated level.
· Check all the transitional areas such as sidewalks, garage floors, and streets. These should all be flush, with no bump, and should have the proper thickness. Without these details you will see water problems, or unraveling of the asphalt. These symptoms only get worse as time goes on.
· Streaking or pock marks are a good indicator of a thin surface. This happens when there is not enough material to encapsulate the larger stones while paving. The larger stones will tumble and cause imperfections in the surface, or "mat".
· Seams and joints should be flush with each other, and barely visible (if at all) to an untrained eye. Seams and joints that are severely visible or are not evenly matched will fail prematurely.
· Exposed edges of the perimeter should be properly constructed. This is where most companies sink or swim. You should pay most of your attention here. Stand back and carefully look at the edges from a distant point of view. You should observe several aspects: The edges should be either in a perfectly straight line, or consistently "flowing" with the turns. The edges should be properly shaped, beveled, or tamped in a consistent looking 60 degree angle. The edges should be compacted properly without looking "squashed" from the top. Without these characteristics you will have problems later and it just doesn't look as good as it should.
· If you look at the job after a rainstorm, be sure there is no considerable ponding, or puddling of water. If you do see water spots you can quickly deduce if they are too deep by measuring them with a coin placed flat in the water. The water should not be deeper than the coin.
· Last but not least, if the driveway was paved recently look for trash or debris left behind. This will indicate the level of cleanliness the crew is at.
You should really focus on the importance of inspecting past jobs by the company before spending your own money on having your asphalt driveway paved. By printing out this guide you can take it with you to create a checklist to write notes and comparisons on. Once you have done this, talk to the home owner and ask how their experience was with the firm. If you are diligent about researching your contractors prior to hiring them, you nearly eliminate the chance of getting a bad asphalt driveway. It's your money, be sure it's well spent.
Certainly ask your contractor about asphalt prices. Since early 2008 prices have gone up and down every month (typically up). Most paving contractors will not absorb a price increase. You and your contractor need to be in agreement with what will happen in the case of rising material costs.
Since we are on the topic of price now, let's explore a few matters. There are a few ways of eliminating contractors before price. Be sure they are completely aware of your expectations. Have they presented you with a solution that gives you the absolute best return on investment? Does their reputation meet what you are looking for? If you have done your homework and still are lucky enough to have several contractors to choose from, price now becomes an important focus. Ask about available discounts. Typically, discounts are usually for cash payment, multiple jobs done at once (i.e. neighbor also needs a driveway), senior citizen, or repeat work. Also inquire about getting free or discounted maintenance packages once they have completed your driveway. Ask about including other options such as crack barrier or curbing at a lesser amount. Before asking a contractor to directly drop his price, be aware of several things. If you have found a very good contractor, chances are they are very passionate about their work and may feel a bit insulted if asked to match another company's price. If you ask them to match a price and they feel as though their competition is as good as they are, a price reduction might be made to try to satisfy you. Be very considerate when asking for a direct reduction. These days it's very expensive and stressful to operate a successful paving operation. The last thing you want to do is cause your contractor stress that may influence how your driveway is constructed.
Monday, October 24, 2016
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.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_D_C
Friday, October 21, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Good Paving Services For Exquisite Homes
We all want to beautify the area around our homes. Paving is a wonderful option in this regard. It not only adds beauty to our homes but also makes us feel secure. Moreover, one can also add value to his homes and offices.
It is very important to maintain the peripherals of one's property. This is because it is the main point of attraction for the people who visit your place. If it is arranged in a proper manner, it leaves a good impression in the visitors' mind. Hence, one needs a good quality paving contractor. They plays a crucial role in beautification of one's home. There are a large number of professional contractors who are contributing their best in making yards, lawns, pavements, walkways and driveways beautiful and safe for the residents.
These contractors carry out a number of tasks such as maintenance of patching, curbs, crack seals, Road work, driveways, parking areas, parks, schools, municipalities, speed bumps, tennis courts, shopping malls, retail centers, gravel work, office buildings etc. Most of these experts provide services to both residential and commercial sectors. Thus, one can make his or her home a better place to rest and work by going for an excellent quality contractor.
One needs to be careful before hiring a paving contractor. One should always choose experts with years of knowledge and experience. The second important thing that should be kept in mind is advanced tools and equipments used by them. Ensure that the contractor that you hire must be equipped with advanced equipments for construction or re-construction of the pavements. If one wants to employ safe and durable pavement, it is crucial to keep the above stated points in mind.
Thus, it becomes clear that the role of paving expert in our lives can not be avoided. One can make his or her home exterior beautiful by choosing experienced Paving contractors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Aaklin_Decosta/599249
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4519218
Friday, October 14, 2016
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Asphalt Paving Companies - Things to Know Before Calling for a Company
Asphalt pavements have the worst kind of treatment. With time, they start to weather. This often leads to creating mishaps while driving. A clean pavement is not seen much these days, and not many people are aware of asphalt paving companies. A perfect driveway with clean boundaries and a perfect landing for a car park is very much in need.
Most city streets have existing asphalt paving but they are not maintained properly. With natural pollutants such as smoke, air and rain, the pavements get corroded and the asphalt layer soon erodes off. A new coat of asphalt not only evens out the driveways but also ensures a safe and smooth journey. But have you ever wondered what it takes to zero on the right asphalt paving company for your project? It is no doubt a cumbersome job, but a little effort from your end will help you put your worries at bay.
For all driveways, the length and width is measured before getting quotes from various asphalt paving companies. The measurements are taken and the driveway is cleaned to remove dust and dirt for easy layering of asphalt over the existing layer. Most of the contractors quote estimates based on the exact measurements taken from the driveway. For repairing an existing driveway, the old layer of asphalt is scrapped off and the surface is cleaned and polished to put a fresh coat of asphalt mix.
If you had never installed a driveway earlier, you must remove all the grass from the respective area. There should be nothing but flat dirt in the region where you wish to install your driveway. If the dirt foundation is not strong enough, you should prepare one to avoid the asphalt from cracking with the passage of time. Without making a good foundation for a driveway, calling for an asphalt paving company will not be of much use. When you are done with making a strong base, invite quotes from different companies.
The asphalt contractors quote estimations based on the current cost of asphalt, labor charges, material costs and the overall expense for paving the driveway. The client can oversee a few more quotes from various other asphalt paving companies and make a better choice based on the estimate that tallies with the preferred budget.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Peyton_Stallings/832472
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5439966
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)