Know the Basics About Your Asphalt Driveway

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of your asphalt driveway? Asphalt paving is made from heated stone aggregate. When heated, some of the aggregate melts, holding all the tiny stone and sand pieces together. When the mixture is laid in the paving process, it appears as tar, a dark black substance which is sometimes also referred to as blacktop when cooled.

Asphalt driveways have become the norm in North America. But did you know that originally, driveways were most commonly made from concrete? You may wonder why the change in practice from concrete to asphalt? It was found that asphalt driveways are much more durable and flexible and therefore longer-lasting. Asphalt has the ability to adapt to the different seasons and the elements they bring with them, which means something significant to the Canadian homeowner.

Know the benefits of each type of drive way material. The nature of asphalt offers a variety of benefits to your driveway and your pocketbook. First, it is flexible and durable as mentioned above. It also has an absorptive quality, allowing it to absorb more heat in the summer months. It's also less expensive than your other options, including the less appealing concrete mix. While other options may be more appealing, it is possible to create a decorative look by imitating cobblestone or brick by stamping the asphalt and colouring the mix. Finally, an asphalt driveway can give your home or workplace the look that you, your family, friends or clients will respect and enjoy.

It's critical that your driveway is both cost-effective and easy to maintain. Finding a reliable service company is important for this reason. Take the time to do so now and save yourself time and money in the years to come.

Making repairs is possible. Is the driveway or parking lot you own beginning to crack and crumble? Although asphalt is durable and flexible, extreme temperatures and heavy vehicles can cause fissures which demand fixing. If you find there is a problem, from potholes to faded yellow lines, repairing your pavement will keep everyone safe. Plus, your asphalt driveway or parking lot is more than just a space to drive on. It presents an image to your guests. Because of this, it's worth putting thought, and maybe even a little money, into.

You can also keep your asphalt paving up to par and avoid complete re-dos by engaging in maintenance activities including routine resealing and occasional upkeep such as washing stains with dish soap and water. Washing and resealing will protect the smoothness and the shine of your asphalt.

Wondering about asphalt driveway costs? You could always find a company that offers free home visits and quotes. That way, you could discuss the best options for your home or commercial space with an expert and get all your questions answered before the process begins.

Feeling confident about any decision regarding your asphalt driveway and walkway is important, as its outcome will affect the confidence you have in your home or workplace.

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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.

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Importance of Seal Coating Asphalt Roads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Crack Sealing and Pavement Repair

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

Application of pavement crack treatments consist of three basic steps:

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

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

Asphalt Paving Contractors - Ensure A Quality Paved Driveway

The majority of asphalt paving projects are larger commercial jobs. That doesn't, however, mean that such contractors do not take up relatively small jobs like residential parking lots, driveways, and condo units. Most of the times, private homeowners do not have the relevant experience or expertise to handle such projects without the supervision of large contractors. The following tips will surely help to obtaining quality work and choosing a reliable asphalt paving contractor:

Select contractors that are well-known for their quality - How can you ensure that the contractor you're opting for is a reliable one?

* Their names must be listed in the phone book or online.
* They must have an insurance certificate to their name.
* They must have some pictures related to their previous jobs and work locations.
* They must have host of testimonials to their credit.

These credentials should be found easily today by most contractors. They are well-aware of the tough competition and keep these materials handy. But then how can you distinguish the best from the not-so-good ones? You can ask them some more probing questions:

* Are they aware of the latest technologies and techniques?
* What kind of customer services they provide before or after the job is done?
* Do they offer any kind of value-added services?
* What is the communication process they follow with their clients?
* What is their definition of quality of the products or/and the services they offer?
* Do they have well-equipped sales personnel that can provide clear benefits as well as options of various approaches that they adopt towards repair?
* How long they have been in the business?

Carry out some comparison shopping - You need to obtain proposals from more than one contractor. In the mean time, you must clearly identify whether all the contractors are using the same products for the job. Also check on the time that each of the contractors have estimated to complete the job. If a contractor is offering a strikingly low rate, then you must carefully examine the kind of products they are using for the job. It is a known fact; you get what you pay for.

Insist on written agreement - If the contractor is offering you some kind of guarantee with his work, make sure you have it in the form of a written agreement. If possible, hold back a fair portion of the job amount till you ensure the quality of the job matches your expectations.

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Commonly Used Driveway Materials

Many potential homeowners never give a second thought to driveway materials when looking at homes. However, a driveway can serve as an important part of any home's first impression. A driveway can connect the property to the street and is often one of the first things that someone notices when they pull up to a property. The types of driveway materials vary, but the most commonly found types are, concrete, asphalt, gravel, and brick/paving stones. No matter what type of driveway you install, you can add value, a unique style and curb appeal to your home.

Commonly Used Driveway Materials

Driveways typically can last a few decades with proper care and maintenance. The most basic, and often least expensive, are gravel driveways. Concrete and asphalt fall closely behind and both can add value to the home. Some homeowners spend a little more money to gain a more customized driveway.

Asphalt and concrete driveways remain as the two most popular driveway materials in the United States. But there are pro's and con's to each. Asphalt can be easier to repair and costs less to install. However, concrete typically requires less maintenance overall and also lasts longer.

Brick and paver driveways can provide up to 25 years of use. While the paver and brick looks can add great curb appeal to the home, the downside is that they can shift over time. If a paver or brick is broken, it can be easily replaced, but initially this type of driveway is more expensive than asphalt or concrete on average. However, brick and paver driveways require the least amount of maintenance and can create the biggest visual impact for a driveway.

Stamped concrete can be used, not only for a driveway, but also for walkways and patios. Patterns can be utilized that mimic tile, brick, stone and other custom designs. Stamped concrete can be less expensive than installing brick pavers and also require less maintenance when sealed properly.

Gravel or crushed stone are the least expensive of all driveway options and offer a variety of choices to choose from. This type of driveway material can be installed quickly and can also be added to over time as rocks settle. The downside of gravel is that it has a shorter life expectancy and typically doesn't add much, if any, value to a property.

Tips For Installing And Maintaining A Driveway:

• If you are hiring a contractor, then be sure that the contractor is knowledgeable and has experience with the specific type of driveway material that you are installing. When looking for a contractor, make sure to compare bids and also ensure that the bid includes the base materials.


• Don't hire a contractor based on getting a deal on "leftover" materials. These can be difficult to match and may not be enough to cover the entire driveway surface.


• Always get a written estimate and do a site review with the contractor to ensure that everyone agrees to the surface area to be covered.


• Consider the slope of the driveway and different drainage options. You want to verify that the water won't pool and the driveway will be sloped away from the home and garage.


• Know where any underground utilities are in relation to the driveway.


• Site preparation is key to building a driveway that will last. Don't skimp on this important step of any driveway construction.


• When considering what to choose as the driveway surface, make sure to take into account cost, regional weather, upkeep, stain removal and crack repairs.

A driveway can serve as the first impression that visitors receive of your home. By installing and maintaining an inviting driveway, you can guarantee that visitors are welcomed by the pathway to your home. Not only can a driveway enhance the appearance of your home, but it can also add character as well. No matter what type of driveway you choose, you can ensure that it will last for many years to come and will also be an excellent investment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Crack Sealing Asphalt Pavement

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

Why Does Asphalt Crack?

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

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

Applying Crack Sealer

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

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

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

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After Paving, Sealcoating Asphalt Is Vital for Both Warm and Cold Climates

Sealcoating can add years of life to asphalt. This is something that businesses and residents alike should consider, especially when looking to have a first-time driveway or parking lot laid down at home or for a small business. Because asphalt is a petroleum-based product, other forms of petroleum, such as gasoline or oil, will react with asphalt by breaking down the components at a biochemical level. This makes sealcoating one of the most important parts of having a properly paved driveway or parking place. Sealcoating will help prevent oil and petroleum from breaking down the asphalt, ultimately adding years of life to the pavement. Subsequently, annual sealcoating can only extend the longevity of the driveway or parking area.

But vehicle traffic is not the only thing to consider when paving your driveway or parking lot. Weather is a big contributor to how asphalt breaks down over time. Oxidation, in particular, occurs when oxygen reacts with the asphalt. Because oxidation occurs as soon as the process of paving begins, oxidation is ultimately impossible to avoid. This is one of the reasons why proper protection is crucial for the concrete: proper sealing and annual upkeep will help slow the process of oxidation.

The oxidation causes the molecules to shift, eventually making the pavement stiffer. When pavement stiffens, it then becomes brittle and is more likely to crack and fail. Introducing a proper sealcoat to the pavement will drastically reduce the oxidation process, allowing the pavement to retain its elasticity for a longer period.

During the winter months, water will seep through the cracks during a heavy rain or snowfall. When this occurs, any change in temperature will cause the water in the pavement to freeze over and expand. This expansion will then cause the pavement to crack. A proper sealant applied over the driveway or parking lot can help to deter this problem.

As for warmer climates, sunlight and heat will dry out the concrete, making it brittle. When asphalt is first laid down, it has a dense black color. When years of weather erodes the concrete, it becomes a lighter grey color, signifying that it has become more brittle. A dark-colored road is the sign of a well-kept, newly treated paving job.

To conclude, areas that experience extreme cold during the winter followed by intense heat during the summer will experience a drastic deterioration of the roadways, driveways, and parking lots. Business owners who are looking to have a newly paved parking lot should consider what proper upkeep is essential for extending the life of the lots. The same is true for homeowners who wish to invest in the life and quality of their home. A proper sealcoating job will add many years to the life of the asphalt.

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Handicapped Parking Compliance

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